By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – Six Omaha women are being honored for their leadership and dedication to the community. The University of Nebraska-Omaha's Women of Color Awards honor women who lead and work to improve the lives of others. The winners are:
Dr. Mary Goodwin-Clinkscale, Arts and Humanities. Clinkscale is involved with the Greater Bethel Temple and United Way of the Midlands. She established the Growing and Building Together Children's Academy.
Jacqueline White, Business/entrepreneurship. White has undertaking recruiting efforts to historically black colleges and universities through her position with Union Pacific.
Paulette Dillon Gomez, Community Service. Gomez is the coordinator of the Harambee Afrikan Cultural Organization, which works with the north Omaha community. She is also an advocate for incarcerated men and women who have made positive changes in their lives.
Dr. Theresa Barron-McKeagney, Education. McKeagney is the Director of the UNO School of Social Work and a mentor for the UNO Emerging Leaders program.
Ashira Jones, Science and Technology. Jones is President of the INROADS Alumni Association at UNO. She also mentors a Sacred Heart Middle School student and volunteers in the community.
Anayeli Martinez Real, Youth Leadership. Real is a UNO student majoring in Construction Engineering. She's the first to attend college in her family and is Vice President of UNO's chapter of Associated General Contractors of America.
The women received their awards during a luncheon at the DC Centre. The keynote speaker was Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute President and CEO Esther Aguilera, who urged women and minorities to be engaged in politics and in their communities.