ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA CHAPTER HOST CARVER KIDS DAYS, help students open first savings accounts
Alpha Kappa Alpha Omaha Graduate Chapter Equips Young Women with Real World Money Skills - April 21,2025
Nebraska Ivy Foundation Honors Community Leaders, Scholarship Recipients at Derby-Inspired High Tea
OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska Ivy Foundation, in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, hosted a derby-inspired High Tea on Sunday, June 14, at Champions Run to honor scholarship recipients, civic leadership and community impact.
The event, held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Champion’s Run, brought together families, supporters and community partners for an evening rooted in service, celebration and purpose. Against the backdrop of derby-inspired elegance, the foundation recognized individuals whose work reflects a deep commitment to education, health, economic empowerment and the advancement of Omaha communities.
“This event represents our commitment to investing in our young people while honoring leaders who are already creating meaningful change in our community,” said Cathy Williams, president of the Nebraska Ivy Foundation. “When we support scholarship, civic engagement and community service, we strengthen the future of our city.”
That investment came to life through the foundation’s scholarship awards. Five students received $2,000 scholarships, totaling $10,000 in support. The honorees were Dae Johnson, a postsecondary recipient; Lauren Harris, a postsecondary recipient; Aaliyah Farmer, an undergraduate recipient; Brea Thomas, an undergraduate recipient; and Caroline McDonald, an undergraduate recipient.
Beyond the scholarship presentations, the evening also elevated leaders whose work continues to shape the community.
Dr. Andrea “Drea” Jones received the Community Impact Award in Health for her work as a family medicine physician, educator and community health advocate. Jones has focused her career on reducing health disparities, expanding access to care and serving underserved communities, particularly in North Omaha. She also serves as medical director of the Girls Inc. Health Center and on the Douglas County Board of Health.
Veta Jeffery received the Community Impact Award in Economic Empowerment for her leadership with the North Omaha Visitors Center. Jeffrey was recognized for championing local entrepreneurship, cultural tourism and community pride while helping connect North Omaha’s history and business community to broader regional opportunities.
Neris France, of Creighton University, received the Community Impact Award in Education for her commitment to student success, educational equity and mentorship. Her work has helped support first-generation college students and students from historically underrepresented communities as they pursue academic and professional success.
Together, the honorees and scholarship recipients reflected the purpose of the evening: progress is built when communities invest in both proven leaders and emerging talent. Through the High Tea, the Nebraska Ivy Foundation celebrated achievement while reaffirming its commitment to service, opportunity and a stronger future for Omaha.
The Nebraska Ivy Foundation also collaborated with the Urban League of Nebraska to support their Scholarship Reception on May 17, helping celebrate and support outstanding students recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, service and future career goals. The foundation’s contribution supported scholarships for 10 students totaling $10,000.
Scholarship recipients included three male students interested in pursuing careers in health, education or business, as well as seven female students who received the Ruth Patrick Thomas Scholarship. During the reception, honorees received scholarship recognition.
Those honored included Brooklynn Freeman, Dillon Waldon, Faith Mbengwie, Javon Spearman, Jayda Lee, MajieAhna Winfrey, Mariah Gonzalaus, McKenzie Martin, Shaun-Michael Francisco II and Sierra Thomas. Their profiles highlighted future plans in fields such as health care, business, law, public health, political science, biology, nursing and finance, along with their commitment to leadership and service.
About Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Established in Washington, D.C. in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women on the campus of Howard University. The Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, chartered in Omaha, Nebraska in 1946, has been a pillar of service and excellence, boasting members with up to 75 years of commitment to the sorority's values and community initiatives. Through collective community service, the Chapter upholds the sorority's mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship and be of “Service to All Mankind.” For more information, visit http://www.deoakaomaha.org/.
OMAHA, Neb. — The Nebraska Ivy Foundation, in collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, hosted a derby-inspired High Tea on Sunday, June 14, at Champions Run to honor scholarship recipients, civic leadership and community impact.
The event, held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Champion’s Run, brought together families, supporters and community partners for an evening rooted in service, celebration and purpose. Against the backdrop of derby-inspired elegance, the foundation recognized individuals whose work reflects a deep commitment to education, health, economic empowerment and the advancement of Omaha communities.
“This event represents our commitment to investing in our young people while honoring leaders who are already creating meaningful change in our community,” said Cathy Williams, president of the Nebraska Ivy Foundation. “When we support scholarship, civic engagement and community service, we strengthen the future of our city.”
That investment came to life through the foundation’s scholarship awards. Five students received $2,000 scholarships, totaling $10,000 in support. The honorees were Dae Johnson, a postsecondary recipient; Lauren Harris, a postsecondary recipient; Aaliyah Farmer, an undergraduate recipient; Brea Thomas, an undergraduate recipient; and Caroline McDonald, an undergraduate recipient.
Beyond the scholarship presentations, the evening also elevated leaders whose work continues to shape the community.
Dr. Andrea “Drea” Jones received the Community Impact Award in Health for her work as a family medicine physician, educator and community health advocate. Jones has focused her career on reducing health disparities, expanding access to care and serving underserved communities, particularly in North Omaha. She also serves as medical director of the Girls Inc. Health Center and on the Douglas County Board of Health.
Veta Jeffery received the Community Impact Award in Economic Empowerment for her leadership with the North Omaha Visitors Center. Jeffrey was recognized for championing local entrepreneurship, cultural tourism and community pride while helping connect North Omaha’s history and business community to broader regional opportunities.
Neris France, of Creighton University, received the Community Impact Award in Education for her commitment to student success, educational equity and mentorship. Her work has helped support first-generation college students and students from historically underrepresented communities as they pursue academic and professional success.
Together, the honorees and scholarship recipients reflected the purpose of the evening: progress is built when communities invest in both proven leaders and emerging talent. Through the High Tea, the Nebraska Ivy Foundation celebrated achievement while reaffirming its commitment to service, opportunity and a stronger future for Omaha.
The Nebraska Ivy Foundation also collaborated with the Urban League of Nebraska to support their Scholarship Reception on May 17, helping celebrate and support outstanding students recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, service and future career goals. The foundation’s contribution supported scholarships for 10 students totaling $10,000.
Scholarship recipients included three male students interested in pursuing careers in health, education or business, as well as seven female students who received the Ruth Patrick Thomas Scholarship. During the reception, honorees received scholarship recognition.
Those honored included Brooklynn Freeman, Dillon Waldon, Faith Mbengwie, Javon Spearman, Jayda Lee, MajieAhna Winfrey, Mariah Gonzalaus, McKenzie Martin, Shaun-Michael Francisco II and Sierra Thomas. Their profiles highlighted future plans in fields such as health care, business, law, public health, political science, biology, nursing and finance, along with their commitment to leadership and service.
About Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Established in Washington, D.C. in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is the first Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women on the campus of Howard University. The Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, chartered in Omaha, Nebraska in 1946, has been a pillar of service and excellence, boasting members with up to 75 years of commitment to the sorority's values and community initiatives. Through collective community service, the Chapter upholds the sorority's mission to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship and be of “Service to All Mankind.” For more information, visit http://www.deoakaomaha.org/.