UNO freshman and Bryan High School graduates Rukiya Mohamed and Joseph Komakech are the recipients of this year’s Goldstein Outstanding Young Leader Awards. The $1,500 scholarships, established by Leadership Omaha Class 10, are given annually to one or more exemplary students living in Omaha Housing Authority or Section 8 housing. Both are studying now to become teachers.
Leadership Omaha Class 10 established the Outstanding Young Leader Award 27 years ago to support students in need. The goal each year is to raise enough money to fund one or more scholarships. Since its inception, $44,890 has been donated to 37 students to help cover textbook costs. In 1999, the award was renamed the Goldstein Outstanding Young leader Award as a tribute to Ann Goldstein, the former director of Leadership Omaha.
This year’s scholarships were awarded on August 27 at the Omaha Housing Authority board meeting. The recipients were selected by a committee of Leadership Omaha alumni and OHA staff. Tracy Mitchell, a Leadership Omaha Class 25 graduate, chaired the scholarship selection committee.
The Greater Omaha Chamber launched Leadership Omaha in 1977 to develop effective leaders who will strengthen and transform the community. The Leadership Omaha curriculum include small group projects, such as the Outstanding Young Leader Award, that are intended to have a positive, direct impact on the community.