The 3rd Annual Adelante Gala will unfold as a breathtaking celebration of hispanic pride, progress, and purpose—solidifying its reputation as the fastest-growing gala of its kind in the Omaha, Nebraska region. Set at the elegant Steelhouse in downtown Omaha, the evening will draw over 500 guests representing business, philanthropy, education, and civic leadership from across the region and abroad.
The evening will begin with a lively cocktail hour, complete with a mariachi welcome and signature drinks inspired by Latin American flavors. Guests will mingle, network, and pose for photos under a stunning art deco-style step-and-repeat shimmering with pride and cultural elegance.
By the time the program begins, the concert area will be filled with the sounds of laughter, live music, and….A curated Latin fusion menu will add warmth and authenticity to the fiesta!
Each year, the Adelante Gala highlights individuals and organizations that are shaping the future of Latino leadership—and this year’s honorees delivered inspiration in abundance:
National Impact Award Presented by Rafael Magaña & Kimberly Bernard-Magaña, on behalf of Latina Professionals® and Latino Economic Development Council
- Honoree: Claudia Romo Edelman recognized for a lifetime of global advocacy and cross-sector leadership, she has dedicated her career to elevating Hispanic voices, advancing representation, and championing equity on the world stage. Her tireless efforts have opened doors of opportunity and inspired a new generation of leaders to continue this mission.
Partner of the Year Presented by Itzel López and Dr. Arturo Aceves González, MD
- Honoree: MAPA ( Metropolitan Area Planning Agency) Celebrated for advancing access and strengthening cross-sector partnerships to advance shared prosperity in the Omaha- metro area.
Local Impact Award Presented by Sindy Benavides on behalf of Latino Professionals® and Latino Economic Development Council
- Honoree: Armando Salgado acknowledged for his decades of service dedicated to uplifting Latino entrepreneurs through education, helping them overcome language, cultural, and business barriers.
Armando Salgado
A Few Words from Itzel López, LEDC CEO
For me, the Adelante Gala is deeply personal. I grew up seeing the strength of our community — families working hard, leaders stepping up, and neighbors always finding ways to support one another. But I also saw the barriers we faced: fewer resources, fewer opportunities, and too often, not enough recognition for our contributions.
That is why this Gala matters. It is not just about one evening — it is about coming together to celebrate who we are, to honor those who open doors, and to remind ourselves of the power we have when we stand united. What started as a small gathering of 250 has now grown into more than 500+ leaders expected this year. That growth is proof of what happens when we lift each other up.
The Adelante II South Omaha project is a perfect example of this vision. Reimagining South 24th Street and La Plaza de la Raza is about more than buildings — it’s about creating a space where Latino entrepreneurs, families, and future generations can thrive.
This Gala is a celebration, yes — but for me, it’s also a promise. A promise that we will keep showing up for one another, building each other up, and making sure the future of Omaha reflects the beauty and strength of our community.
Con mucho corazón, Itzel López
A Few Words from Rafael Magaña, Adelante Gala Committee Chair & Latina Professionals Founder
It is with pride and gratitude that I invite you to the 3rd Annual Adelante Gala — a night that celebrates our community, our progress, and our future.
Watching this Gala grow over the past three years has been an incredible journey. This year, I’m stepping back from the keynote stage and serving as Gala Committee Chair, working alongside Itzel López, CEO of the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) and board director of Latina Professionals®, to continue building this into one of the most impactful gatherings in Omaha.
Omaha may be known as the home of Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, but it’s also a city with one of the highest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies per capita and a vibrant philanthropic ecosystem driving investment in local initiatives, Omaha has become a hub where business, civic leadership, and community impact intersect.
For me, this Gala has always been personal. I was raised by my grandmother, my mother María Luisa Díaz Ochoa, and my family with the belief that giving back and taking action are responsibilities we all share. Those values are the heart of the Adelante Gala: service, community, and a vision bigger than ourselves.
The Gala unites leaders from business, philanthropy, education, and civic life to honor those making a difference and to chart a course forward for our Latino community. It is both a celebration and a call to action.
Last year, we unveiled the Adelante II South Omaha project — a bold plan to revitalize South 24th Street and La Plaza de la Raza through the creation of a new Latino Economic Development Center. To date, more than $25 million has been raised toward the $94 million goal, with strong momentum from partners, business leaders, and government officials who believe in this vision.
I look forward to celebrating with you, honoring leaders, and filling the room with voices that represent not only Omaha, but Latino leadership and allies from across the nation.
With gratitude, Rafael Magaña
A Celebration towards A Bigger Cause - The Adelante II South Omaha Ceremony of Plaza de la Raza
This past May, the community reached a historic milestone with the Dedication Ceremony of Plaza de la Raza. Hundreds gathered at 24th and N Streets as LEDC unveiled the design for a cultural anchor and economic hub that will serve generations to come — the first step in a broader revitalization of the corridor.
Now, as construction moves forward, we need your support more than ever. By joining us at the Gala, you’re not just attending an event — you’re helping build a future where our culture, our businesses, and our community can thrive. The dedication marks the launch of a broader $25 million community-led revitalization of the entire 24th Street corridor.
The Dedication Ceremony of the Plaza de la Raza was filled with joy, pride, and deep reflection as LEDC CEO Itzel López opened the event, sharing the organization’s vision for a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant South Omaha. She was joined by a powerful lineup of speakers, including Mayor Jean Stothert, Douglas County Commissioner Chair Dr. Roger Garcia, Canopy South Executive Director César García, Omaha Public Power District CEO Javier Fernandez, South Omaha Business Improvement District Board Chair Ross Pesek, Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Javier Saldaña, and LEDC Board President Armando Salgado. Each echoed the importance of investing in spaces that reflect the culture, resilience, and future of our community. “This plaza is not just for South Omaha — it’s from South Omaha,” emphasized Mayor Stothert, underscoring the value of community ownership in public space design.
Plaza de la Raza will be much more than a park. It will be a place for performance, connection, celebration, and reflection. The design includes an amphitheater-style stage, a flexible events lawn, interactive play and learning areas, shaded seating, and ADA-accessible walkways. Developed in collaboration with RDG Planning & Design and Omaha Urban Thinkscapes, each detail was guided by local insight and shaped by community input sessions. The result is a design that reflects our shared values, honors the deep cultural roots of South Omaha, and carries forward the name “Plaza de la Raza” in tribute to the diverse Latino communities who have long shaped the neighborhood’s identity.
As this space begins to take shape, LEDC remains committed to centering community voices in every step of the journey. The dedication was more than a milestone — it was a celebration of South Omaha’s past, present, and future. This is just the beginning.
A Celebration towards A Bigger Cause - The Adelante II South Omaha Ceremony of Plaza de la Raza
Click on the images below to read recent articles highlighting the progress, partnerships, and impact of the Adelante South Omaha initiative. Click on the images to read each article below.
The New Plaza de la Raza in Omaha, Nebraska
Looking Ahead
With triple the attendance from its first year, Adelante Gala 2025 wasn’t just a success—it was because of you – the community who showed up to support. The event served as a living example of what’s possible when community, culture, and leadership converge with intention.
The planning committee has already begun visioning for next year’s gala and as it looks forward to expanding and growing. We look forward to having you be part of this very special evening.
This Year's Adelante Gala Sponsors
This celebration would not be possible without the generosity and vision of our sponsors, whose partnership fuels both the Gala and the progress it represents. Their commitment demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing opportunity, equity, and community pride. Together, we are building more than an event — we are building a legacy.
Get Your TICKETS HERE before they are gone! And this year? We’re taking it to the next level. Join us at our new, larger venue—Steelhouse Omaha—for the 3rd Annual Adelante Gala, a night of purpose, cultura, and momentum you won’t want to miss.
Relive the Magic of Last Year’s Adelante Gala! Burlington Capital presented the unforgettable 2nd Annual Adelante Gala—Nebraska’s premier gathering of Latina professionals. The event brought together over 250 guests, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, to celebrate the power and progress of our growing Hispanic community. Missed it? Watch the highlight video here.
