We are thrilled to present to you the Nebraska Latino Youth Summit (NELYS) - an event dedicated to empowering and uplifting young Latinos across our great state. The summit aims to ignite the aspirations of our Latino youth and equip them with the tools they need to reach new heights of success. Together we can all make these youths dreams come true!
Mark your calendars NELYS will be back on October 27th, 2025!
The Nebraska Latino Youth Summit is a statewide event that brings together hundreds of young Latinos, educators, community leaders, and advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue, share experiences, and inspire positive change. Through workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and keynote presentations, attendees have the chance to explore academic and career pathways, connect with mentors, and access resources that will help them thrive.
If you are still curious, watch this!
The Nebraska Latino Youth Summit plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by young Latinos in our state. As the largest ethnic minority group in Nebraska's public schools, Latino students represent a significant portion of our future workforce and community leaders.
By becoming a sponsor of the Nebraska Latino Youth Summit, you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our state and investing in the next generation of leaders. Your support will not only provide young Latinos with access to valuable resources and opportunities but also demonstrate your commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
The Jesusita & Santos Courage and Fortitude fund is a scholarship that was created by Jane and Steve Shanahan, former owners of a mechanical and electrical business in rural Nebraska. They have since retired and dedicated themselves to advocacy work on behalf of the Latino community here in Nebraska! It is thanks to their tireless work that we are able to provide this incredible scholarship! This year we will be giving out 5 scholarships that each total $1,000. If you have not yet we highly encourage all students to apply today to have a chance at winning this amazing scholarship!
We are beyond thrilled to introduce Kristin Diaz as the official Emcee of the 2025 Nebraska Latino Youth Summit! Kristin is not just a media professional, she’s a powerhouse of charisma, warmth, and confidence who has captivated audiences as a news anchor and reporter for over a decade. Carrying forward the legacy of her Latina trailblazer mother, Kristin’s voice represents purpose, representation, and inspiration.
From the newsroom to the main stage, she brings the kind of energy that empowers professionals and students alike to speak with confidence, tell their stories authentically, and amplify diverse voices.
This year’s Summit will shine brighter with her leading the way, don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
We are beyond thrilled to introduce Tom Venzor as the official Keynote Speaker of the 2025 Nebraska Latino Youth Summit! Tom Venzor has served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference since 2016. The Nebraska Catholic Conference engages in government relations and political advocacy on behalf of the Catholic Church in Nebraska. Prior to this, Tom served as the Associate Director for Pro-Life & Family for the Nebraska Catholic Conference. Before joining the NCC, Tom worked as a legislative aide in the State Legislature, as well as worked in various capacities throughout several other legislative sessions. On his father’s side, Tom is a first generation American. His father, Armando, immigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, in the 1980s. Tom grew up in Schuyler, Nebraska, where he attended and graduated high school at Schuyler Central High School. Tom earned his undergraduate degree in political science, philosophy, and religious studies from Doane College in Crete, his master’s degree in philosophy from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and his law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln. Tom also spent three years as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Omaha before more fully discerning his vocation to marriage. Tom is married to his lovely wife, Makayla, and they have been married since October 2015. They have four children in the home: Monica, Claire, Anthony, and Julia. And they have a little one in heaven: Thérèse.
