Arvin Frazier III is senior executive director of College Possible Omaha, which began providing services to students in the 2011-12 academic year. He leads the Omaha team in all day-to-day management and operational issues, leading strategic organizational development, raising funds, coordinating communications and building relationships with partner schools, universities and organizations in the Omaha metro area.

Arvin comes to College Possible with a long career in public service and education. For nearly 30 years, he worked for the Nebraska Department of Education, progressing to serve as area administrator for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. There, Arvin managed a large staff in delivering vocational rehabilitation services across a multi-county area. Prior to College Possible, Arvin served educational support organizations as the senior director of community programs for Building Bright Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children in poverty. Arvin received his B.S. from Knoxville College and his M.S. from University of Tennessee.

He is a native Omahan, an Omaha North High Magnet School graduate, and an active community member. In service to the city’s educational and workforce development efforts, Arvin serves with such entities as the Inclusive Communities, 100 Black Men, North Omaha Cradle To Career Advisory Committee, Metro Community College President Committee on Equity and Diversity, UNO’s African American Advisory Cabinet, Millard Superintendent Service Advisory Committee and others.

Additionally, Arvin is a member of Salem Baptist church and an active member with the Omaha Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. In his spare time, Arvin enjoys officiating basketball for the Iowa and Nebraska State Athletic Associations. Himself a first-generation college attendee and proud Historical Black Colleges and Universities graduate, the work of College Possible greatly motivates him as he works to empower young adults and future leaders of our community by fulfilling their educational potential.

Contact Arvin at AFrazier@CollegePossible.org.

Aminatu Issaka is College Possible Omaha’s Director of College Access. In her role, she supervises the high school program staff and monitors, develops, administrates, and evaluates all high school programming for the nine College Possible partner high schools. Aminatu received her Bachelor's degree in chemistry from Jackson State University, a certificate in forensic chemistry from Kennesaw State University, and her Master of Science in forensic sciences from National University. 

Aminatu is strongly motivated by equity. Due to varying obstacles/barriers, many students lack the access, training, and resources needed to attend college and successfully graduate. She sees College Possible as an advocate for students who need assistance navigating the high school to college transition. 

In her free time, Aminatu enjoys traveling, trying new foods, online shopping, and spending quality time with family, friends, and her son.

For questions about high school program, please reach out to Aminatu at AIssaka@CollegePossible.org

Melissa Valek is the Development Director of College Possible Omaha. Melissa joined the College Possible Omaha Leadership Team in August 2020. As the Development Director she is responsible for managing, coordinating, and achieving revenue and communication goals to support organizational priorities.

Melissa’s non-profit work began in 2000 when she left a career in human resources and accepted a position as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at St. Mary’s University. Melissa was later promoted to Associate Director of Development where she led fundraising, stewardship, special events and the advancement services team.

Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a master’s degree in English, Language and Literature from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Melissa lives in Papillion with her husband Kane and their sons, Austin and Wyatt.

For questions about how to support or get involved with College Possible, contact MValek@CollegePossible.org.

Emily joins us after serving as the Assistant Director, University Career Services (Career Education and Inclusion), at University of Nebraska Lincoln. Emily led programming to increase social capital, career exposure and readiness for university students. Emily brings demonstrated experience in the development of supports incorporating community outreach and education, initiating, and building relationships with stakeholders and partners, monitoring and tracking, reporting and mission driven planning. Emily holds a master of arts in curriculum development from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Emily enjoys spending time with family...teenagers and dog (Sage)!

Darrien Ford is College Possible Omaha's High School Program Coordinator. Darrien was born in Sioux City, Iowa, is a first-generation college graduate with a degree in Social Work from Briar Cliff University and is currently pursuing a master's degree at Drury University in Integrative Leadership, with an emphasis in Instructional Design and Technology Leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership. Darrien loves to read and is a very big fan of iced coffee.

Jaynaeh Gillaspie is the Communications and Development Coordinator at College Possible Omaha. Having grown up in a military family, Jaynaeh moved around a lot but considers North Carolina home. Jaynaeh graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations. As a recent college graduate, Jaynaeh understands how difficult it can be to navigate getting to and through college, which is why she is so excited to join College Possible. Jaynaeh is passionate about good coffee and loves trying out local coffee shops and cafes.

Christina is a High School Program Coordinator for College Possible Omaha. She supervises college access AmeriCorps coaches and is the liaison for our area high school partners. Christina received her Bachelor's degree in K-12 Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is passionate about ensuring the Omaha community's inspiring, intelligent, amazing students have the knowledge and resources to reach their goals. In her free time, Christina enjoys exploring state parks with her family, trying new restaurants and entertaining and being entertained by her two children.

Mallory is our Senior College Program Coordinator. She was originally introduced to College Possible as an AmeriCorps coach before joining the Leadership Team. The mission of College Possible has continued to fuel her work toward closing the degree divide by getting students to and through college. Mallory received her Bachelor of Arts in political science and nonprofit management from Morningside University and enjoys spending her free time with family, reading and baking.

Jasmine McCain is the Recruitment and Training Manager at College Possible Omaha. Omaha born and raised, Jasmine is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri and a Master of Science from College of Saint Mary. Jasmine has worked in higher education in marketing and housing. She is passionate about fostering growth within the AmeriCorps members who serve as coaches to high school students, and seeing these students successfully navigate their college access journey.

Jennifer Wolfe is College Possible Omaha's Administrative Associate. In her role, Jennifer coordinates all office operations in addition to assisting the Program and Advancement teams. Jennifer holds a bachelor's degree from Hastings College in Leisure Studies with a minor in Athletic Training. She received her graduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Recreational Management and Organization. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, tracing her ancestry, watching sports, fitness and spending time with her family and their two cats, Binx and Pumpkin.

Lisa Lackovic serves as board chairman of College Possible Omaha.  She is the Omaha architectural representative for Endicott Clay Products based out of Fairbury, Nebraska.

She earned a BS degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication which she uses during many of her public speaking opportunities.

Lisa grew up in the masonry industry and has over 35 years’ experience promoting clay brick to architects, interior designers and contractors.  She developed landscape contractor contest, “The Ultimate Backyard Challenge” and founded and trademarked Divas of the Dirt™, a networking organization for women in hardscape.  She often refers to herself as “The Brick Chick.”

Lisa is past president of CREW Omaha Metro and Habitat for Humanity Omaha and currently serves board of the Nebraska Masonry Alliance and the American Institute of Architects Omaha.  She is married to Bob and has 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren.  Some of Lisa’s favorite pastimes are traveling, golf, spinning, yoga, gardening and mentoring young professional women.

Jack F. Becker, Ph.D. is the Executive Director and CEO of Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. The largest museum in the state, Joslyn features diverse collections from antiquity to the present, with strengths in European painting, American art, art of the American West, and contemporary art.

Since Becker’s arrival in 2010, the Museum has defined and achieved several new projects and goals that have had a significant impact on its audiences and positioned the institution for the future. These include securing funding for a return to free general admission for the public year-round and growing the Museum’s annual attendance by over fifty percent. Becker established a new Contemporary Artists Project gallery and exhibition series to bring new perspectives on contemporary art to Nebraska and opened a 1,500 square foot hands-on discover gallery – ART WORKS: A Place for Curiosity – that welcomes over 45,000 visitors annually. Under Becker’s tenure, Joslyn has secured significant gifts of art, most notably to its contemporary collection.

In October 2018, Joslyn announced a major physical and programmatic expansion of the Museum, led by architectural firm Snøhetta. Introducing a new Joslyn for the twenty-first century, the transformative project will include a new building and an increase in areas devoted to educational offerings and public engagement.

Becker earned his B.A. in art history at Carleton College; his M.A. in art history and Ph.D. at the University of Deleware; and his M.B.A. at the University of Michigan.

Hao joined the FNBO in 2004 and his team is responsible for leveraging data to make data-driven decisions and identifying analytical solutions to improve the value of the relationship to customer and bank, prior to his current role, he was the vice president of enterprise data management.

Hao grew up in China and came to the United States in 2000 as a graduate student. He obtained his Ph.D. in Applied Economics and MS in Statistics from the University of Kentucky. Hao is passionate about education, and he has been an adjunct professor at the College of Business, Bellevue University since 2009. Currently, he is teaching two graduate level courses at Bellevue University: Microeconomics and Economics for Human Capital Valuation.

Aimee is on the senior leadership team at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum.

She earned a BA from Peru State College in Social Science.

Aimee has spent over 22 years dedicated to the success of non-profits and loves the challenges that come with that! She began her career at the Air and Space Museum after college and developed the passion for non-profits. The Lincoln Children’s was the next step and successfully celebrated 13 years growing the Zoo and Team alike. Amazing experiences ranged from extensive travel to volunteer in third world countries every year to training cheetahs and doubling the size of the Zoo! Today, she is fortunate to have returned to the Museum and is looking forward to making a positive impact!

Aimee grew up on a farm outside of Nebraska City where she found her passion for nature and animals. She has two wonderful boys, Addison and Hudson, ages 15 and 13. They are very active in sports, community, church, and the family farm. Aimee is very active in the community as well as with church. A few of her favorite things are lifting, running, Muy Thai, sports, working on the farm, volunteering, traveling and coaching friends and family in fitness and nutrition.

Originally from Argentina, Emiliano Lerda was drawn to America’s Midwest because its agricultural environment reminded him of his native Cordoba province. He joined the Immigrant Legal Center (ILC), formerly known as Justice for Our Neighbors of Nebraska, as executive director in 2011. ILC is a nonprofit law firm that provides free immigration legal services, education, and advocacy for low-income immigrants. When Lerda joined ILC, the organization had a single office, with three full-time employees managing a 500-case load, and an annual operating budget of approximately $250,000. As of 2019, the organization has expanded to nine offices across the state of Nebraska and southwest Iowa. They have 46 full-time employees, 20 of whom are attorneys, managing over 3,800 cases per year with an annual operating budget in excess of $3.6 million. In 2018, ILC successfully completed a $3.3 million capital campaign to acquire a 23,000 square foot office building in Omaha, providing a permanent headquarters for ILC. Lerda left ILC in the late fall of 2019 to become Vice President of Paul G Smith Associates, which focuses on business development and real estate.

Lerda graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at the University of Northern Iowa, becoming the first international student elected student body president. He holds a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School with certificates in Public Service Law, Food and Agriculture Law, and International Comparative and Human Rights Law. He has a Master of Law from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He also completed the Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Program in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. Lerda is licensed to practice law in the state of Iowa.

Dr. Andrew Rikli has served as the Superintendent of the Papillion La Vista Schools since July 2013. Prior to his work in Papillion La Vista, Dr. Rikli worked 10 years with the Westside Community Schools in Omaha as an elementary principal, central office director, and assistant superintendent. Rikli previously worked as a consultant with the Nebraska Department of Education and has served as a classroom teacher, coach, activities director, and curriculum and assessment writer. In addition to his work with PK-12 public schools, Dr. Rikli is an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and serves as a governor-appointed executive team member of the Nebraska Professional Practices Commission.

Rikli is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, ASCD, PDK International, the Horace Mann League, and the Beta Theta Pi alumni association. Rikli is the past Chairman of the Board for the University of Nebraska-Omaha Alumni Association, a current member of the Teammates Mentoring Board of Directors, and an Executive Team member of the Concord Mediation Center Board of Directors. Rikli is also a member of the College Possible Advisory Board and a member of the Offutt Advisory Council where he serves as the honorary commander of the 338^th Combat Training Squadron. Dr. Rikli is a graduate of Leadership Sarpy, Leadership Omaha, the Midlands Superintendent Academy, and a member of the Papillion Lions’ Club. Dr. Rikli is also a member of the Urban School Superintendents Association of America (USAA), the Educational Research and Development Institute (ERDI), and Omaha Zoological Society Advisory Council. Andy was named a PDK Emerging Leader, UNO Hollie Bethel Distinguished Alumni Award winner, UNO Outstanding Service Award winner, and CHI “Friend of Midlands” community leader award in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2019 respectively.

Dr. Rikli holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed his doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Andy is a fourth-generation Nebraskan who graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, Nebraska. Dr. Rikli and his wife Amy reside in Papillion with their three children, Adrianna, Meredith, and Sam. They are members of Calvary Shadow Lake Church.

Tyler graduated from San Diego State University, with a degree in finance. Currently employed at Wells Fargo Advisors, he builds and manages the investment portfolios for high net worth clients and institutions. When asked why he wanted to join the College Possible board, Tyler wrote:

“What drew me to College Possible was its mission and drive to help first generation college students succeed on campuses around the country. Having volunteered at my alma mater with students searching for careers and entering the professional business environment, College Possible stood out as a fantastic organization and an opportunity to volunteer and work with others in Omaha that share a similar passion.”

Gennean Scott is an executive diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion leader with a collaborative and comprehensive vision that has enabled organizations to transform their internal and external practices. With 20 years of equity experience and a lifelong passion for the arts, Scott serves as The Broadway League’s first Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Scott works alongside League members and staff to ensure the effectiveness of its 19 EDI initiatives focused on audience development, community engagement, and the workforce. As a crucial member of the team, she leads the efforts to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion while creating a workforce that reflects our communities and country.

Before Scott’s arrival to The Broadway League, she spent the past seven years as a critical leader for Omaha Performing Arts. As vice president of Human Capital and Inclusion, she conceived and spearheaded programs that have increased and retained BIPOC staff- exceeding national standards- and assisted in shaping inclusive programming and marketing.

In 2013, Gennean founded and directed a non-profit dance school to promote equity in the arts for Omaha youth. As a co-founder of the Black Arts Leadership Alliance (BALA), a network of black professionals in the Midwest dedicated to empowering, training, recruiting, and retaining African Americans/Blacks in arts administration, she has helped the organization establish a strategic vision for growth. Scott also serves as a co-founder of the Nebraska Association of African American Human Resources Professionals, an organization designed to center Black voices in human resources and Blacks in the workplace.

A native of Omaha and a former dancer, Scott’s past positions have included serving as a human resources administrator and educator. She currently serves as a keynote speaker, facilitator, trainer, and consultant for arts-based organizations and businesses that want to promote an inclusive, equitable work environment for their staff and customers. Scott has extensive community relationships and serves as a resource for the arts industry.

She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a mom of two.

Beth Kalal, a member of Champions for College Possible, works as a Benefits Coordinator for Triage. She received her bachelor's in mathematics with a minor in chemistry from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In March 2021, Beth received her Master's of business administration from Bellevue University. She loves to dance, read, and give back to the community. She is an active member of the Junior League of Omaha, where she is currently the first chair of a new fundraiser. She has a passion for children and when she is not busy, her 3 nephews keep her active.

Meaghan Milburn is the Senior Director of Student Services for the College of Engineering. In this role, she oversees the college's undergraduate academic advising, retention and student success, student development, career services, scholars programs and recruitment and outreach.  Prior to joining the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Meaghan spent over eight years working in student services at Iowa Western Community College.  Meaghan received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed her Master of Science in Education for student affairs through the University of Nebraska Kearney.  She has been a resident of the Omaha area since 2011, and in her free time, Meaghan enjoys supporting local restaurants, exploring farmers' markets and traveling.

Marco Ortiz is part of the Business Planning & Analysis team at ANB. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in finance, banking and investment portfolio and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has previously worked at Yahoo/Verizon and Union Pacific in Finance & Accounting. Marco was born in Cerano, Guanajuato, Mexico but grew up in Crete, Nebraska, and has been a resident of Omaha since August 2011. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading financial/economic news, exploring new restaurants, and traveling. He also volunteers at the Heartland Food Bank, Open Door Mission and the United Way.

Jennifer has grown up in South Omaha all her life and loves to stay in Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2018 with her bachelor's in science in public health. She also received a certificate from Northeast Community College as a community healthcare worker. She is also a former College Possible student, as she was also part of the first cohort that came to Omaha in 2011.

She works with several mental health nonprofits and councils in the Omaha area; being that she has lived experience with mental health challenges, she wants to help fight the stigma against mental illnesses and advocate for many youth and young adults, especially in the Latinx community. 

Mark grew up in a rural Nebraska town called Utica. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015 with a degree in political science. Following his undergraduate, Mark attended Creighton Law. Upon passing the Bar exam, Mark became a Deputy Sarpy County Attorney in 2019. He sits on the Executive Board for the Nebraska State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section. He also is an Executive Board member of the Nebraska Child Support Enforcement Association. In his spare time, Mark enjoys reading and watching sports.

Justin King, a member of Champions for College Possible, works as a Stock Broker for new clients at TD Ameritrade. He graduated from the University of Nebraska -Lincoln in May 2016 and majored in Economics. He loves to watch football, especially the Huskers. When weather permits you will see him on the golf course. Family is important as well as always learning and growing.

Juan Padilla is the Community Development Manager at Canopy South which is a newer nonprofit in Omaha helping revitalize neighborhoods in South Omaha. Prior to working at Canopy South, Juan worked at the Omaha Community Foundation for two and a half years on their Donor Services team. Before joining the nonprofit sector, he worked for nearly six years at Union Pacific on the operations team. Originally from Guatemala, Juan grew up in Omaha and attended Doane College where he played soccer there, and then had the opportunity to be a graduate assistant for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Currently, he is on the board of MENTOR Nebraska and Future Kids.

Jaquelyn went to Iowa State University for 3 years for architecture school, but decided to pursue a different path and finished her business degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her professional life has all revolved around recruiting, human resources, managing employees, and now selling to and training staffing agencies and headhunters. Her passion is to help people, whether it is training people on a product, answering questions, resolving issues, connecting qualified individuals to a job, finding the right candidate for a client, volunteering, and the list goes on! She loves walking her German Shepherd, riding her road bicycle, traveling, and pretty much anything outdoors!

Allie Thompson is part of the Enrollment team at the College of Saint Mary where she works in Graduate Admissions. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Family Services and her master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Montana. After receiving her professional degree, Allie moved to Omaha in January of 2017, where she served as a College Possible Enrollment Coach. After her term of service ended, Allie has worked in multiple spaces in higher ed and enjoys connecting young people to their academic and career goals.

Alex is an MBA candidate at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with plans to graduate in the fall of 2023. She is the Assistant Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Franchising through the College of Business at UNO. She volunteers and gives back to the community through serving on various boards and committees such as the Joslyn Young Art Patrons, Suburban Rotary, and Startup Champions Network. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, anything artistic or musical, attending community startup events, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and chi-weenie.

Mari is a proud Omaha native. She has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha and earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from College of Saint Mary. She is currently the Manager of HR Operations for CHI Health, the Midwest Division of CommonSpirit Health. She is passionate about supporting teams in accomplishing their goals by focusing on communication, relationship management, and collaboration.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, reading, and exploring Omaha restaurants with family and friends.