YP Summit Hosted by Greater Omaha Chamber Announces 2020 Change Makers

The Greater Omaha Chamber (omahachamber.org) recently honored “Change Makers”—emerging leaders shaping next-generation thought—during their YP Summit, the largest YP Summit in Nebraska and also the largest YP Summit in the nation. More than 1,500 young professionals gathered March 6 at CHI Health Center in Omaha to collaborate, connect, and innovate.

This year’s Change Makers include Darryl Brown Jr., founding and senior pastor of Kingdom Builders Christian Center of Omaha; Jasmine L. Harris, MPH, CHES, director of public policy and advocacy, RISE; Candias Jones, professional career coach, Mutual of Omaha; and Lynn Schneider, creative strategist, Emspace + Lovgren.

Diagnosed with HIV in his 20s, Brown says he spent years coming to terms with the diagnosis, and ultimately forgave the man responsible. Currently, Brown provides sexual health education to youth and has created programming to help the homeless.

Harris is director of public policy and advocacy at RISE, a career-building, community-growth initiative for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Her passion and commitment to fight for people impacted by the criminal justice system is an inspiration.

Jones is a childhood sexual trauma and violence survivor. She channeled her experiences to create a career coaching program at Mutual of Omaha as an outlet for employees to share similar traumatic events in their personal and professional lives. Jones has established a replicable corporate framework to increase employee engagement and retention.

Schneider is being recognized for her role in developing Emspace + Lovgren’s student outreach program, Forge. Now in its eighth year, Forge is a five-session program that invites 10–12 area communications and design students to gain unique insights into the profession and to begin building their own professional networks. By providing knowledge that students may not otherwise find in the classroom, Schneider helps to show a new generation of professionals there are incredible opportunities right here in Omaha.

YP Summit organizers strive to provide a positive experience that energizes young professionals, celebrates many points of view, expands networks, and challenges attendees—all with the goal of extending everyone’s talents.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is celebrating 15 years of empowering individuals through their mission of championing a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. To learn about becoming a member, visit their website at omahachamber.org.