The Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) began as an idea in early 2021 to strengthen the economic vitality of Omaha’s Latino community. In just a few short years, it has grown from a start-up vision to a thriving organization making a measurable impact.
After two years of volunteer leadership, Itzel López became LEDC’s first Chief Executive Officer in 2024, assembling a dynamic board of directors to guide its growth. That same year, LEDC secured more than $25 million to launch the Adelante Initiative—a transformative effort to uplift South Omaha’s Latino community through economic empowerment and cultural restoration.
LEDC champions Latino entrepreneurs, expands workforce opportunities, and fosters inclusive growth, helping build a stronger, more resilient future for South Omaha and beyond.
A Leader Rooted in Community
“There never has been an organization focused on the growing Latino community. We take a holistic and systematic approach to supporting our community,” shared López.
Born and raised in Mexico, López moved to Omaha at age 12 and has since become a passionate advocate for equity and opportunity. Her leadership has helped diversify Omaha’s tech sector by creating pathways for youth and adults to access life-changing careers.
When it came to choosing a banking partner, López turned to Core Bank. “We wanted to go with a bank that had a strong community impact,” she said. “Embedded deeply in the community, Core Bank helps individuals get into their first homes and expand their small businesses.”
Partnership with Core Bank: More Than a Transaction
For LEDC, banking with Core Bank is about relationships, not just accounts. “They took the time to help us understand our finances, how to project and maximize our return, and personally guided us through the process,” said López. “They weren’t looking for an account—they were looking for a relationship.”
South Omaha’s Strength and Potential
Southeast Omaha is home to the largest concentration of Latino residents in Nebraska—nearly 36% of the local population as of 2022. Recognizing the unique strengths and needs of this vibrant community, LEDC focuses on place-based strategies that promote long-term prosperity for all.
In 2025, LEDC launched the first phase of the Adelante Initiative with the redevelopment of Plaza de la Raza on South 24th Street. This milestone reflects their mission to uplift Latino families, invest in small businesses, and create vibrant, welcoming spaces.
“We’re doing this for the prosperity of the Latino community. When this area prospers, the Latino community as a whole can prosper—no matter where they are located,” said López.
Plaza de la Raza: A Space for Wellness and Belonging
Health and wellness are universal needs, and the Plaza de la Raza redevelopment will provide a healing, inclusive space. More than a construction project, the Adelante Initiative is an investment in Latino people, places, and prosperity—addressing decades of disinvestment with equity-centered planning.
With support from local and state partners, this multi-phase project will reimagine public spaces, improve infrastructure, and elevate Latino voices in shaping Omaha’s future.
Arturo Aceves González, M.D., Head of Health Equity & Economic Opportunity for LEDC, shared how health-focused design will benefit the community. “Our park will have quiet spaces and tactile pavement to make kids and adults with disabilities feel safe, acknowledged, celebrated, and cared for,” he said. “ Beyond recreation, parks are powerful tools for wellness, this one will acknowledge and celebrate our roots, inspire movement, and can help combat high rates of diabetes in Latino communities.”
López added, “Our governor projected that our park project alone will have a seven-generation impact. We will continue to reinvest and build as funding becomes available.”
Inspiring the Next Generation: Youth Activators
LEDC is cultivating tomorrow’s changemakers through its Adelante Youth Activators program, launching this fall. This exciting initiative empowers Latino high school and first-generation college students to become advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders by actively participating in the redevelopment and activation of Plaza de la Raza in South Omaha.
“Youth Activators is a development program where high school and college students can explore career pathways, become active community members, and build a strong sense of belonging,” explained CEO Itzel López.
Through mentorship, leadership training, and hands-on projects, participants learn to tackle real challenges in their neighborhoods, develop vital business and civic skills, and gain confidence in their ability to create meaningful change. By investing in young leaders, LEDC ensures that the spirit and impact of the Adelante Initiative will continue for generations to come.
In addition to Youth Activators, LEDC leads other important programs such as the United Hispanic Contractors (UHC) and Rise Up South Omaha. UHC equips Latino and bilingual construction professionals with education and business development resources to help them grow and thrive across the Omaha metro area. Meanwhile, Rise Up South Omaha is a community-driven effort that organizes quarterly outdoor service projects to enhance the South Omaha Business District through volunteer engagement.
Celebrate Latino Excellence and Hispanic Heritage Month
¡No faltes! Don’t miss LEDC’s signature celebration of Latino excellence, leadership, and cultural pride at the 3rd Annual Adelante Gala on September 4 at Steelhouse Omaha. This unforgettable evening will bring together over 500 community leaders, business owners, public officials, and changemakers for music, dance, inspiring stories, and delicious cuisine.
As LEDC’s most important fundraiser of the year, the gala fuels programs that support small businesses, youth leadership, workforce pathways, and community projects like Plaza de la Raza.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. Join the celebration at Fiestas Patrias along historic South 24th Street and Plaza de la Raza for a vibrant showcase of Latino culture, pride, and community spirit.
The Latino Economic Development Council is more than an organization—it’s a powerful force driving lasting change for Omaha’s Latino community. Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to empowerment, LEDC is creating pathways to prosperity, opportunity, and pride that will resonate for generations. Supporting LEDC means investing in a stronger, more inclusive Omaha where everyone can thrive together.
