For two remarkable decades, the heart of Omaha has pulsed with possibility as visionaries gathered to shape tomorrow. This year, over 1,100 passionate young professionals converged to honor our 20-year legacy while kindling the flames of our collective future. With each passing year, the YP Summit has not only illuminated our journey but has become a beacon of innovation, lighting the path forward for generations to come.
The 20th anniversary YP Summit stands as a testament to our enduring commitment to diversity, inclusion, and collaborative excellence. Through twenty years of meaningful dialogues and authentic connections, we’ve built a legacy of unity, understanding that our brightest future emerges when every voice resonates in harmony. Together, we’ve transformed vision into reality, celebrating those who have carried the torch of progress and illuminated new possibilities for our beloved Omaha community.
As we mark this milestone, we honor our Change Makers—those extraordinary young professionals whose brilliance has sparked innovation, whose passion has fueled progress, and whose dedication has ignited transformative impact across every life they’ve touched over these two decades of excellence.
Now, let us celebrate the luminaries who carry our 20-year vision forward!
In order from left to right: Lauren Micek Vargas, Tre Gould, Nicka Johnson, Makayla Walker.
Tre Gould – Civic Engagement Champion
Tre Gould is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a graduate of Omaha North High School. He was the inaugural president of Collegiate 100 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he is pursuing a degree in Education with a focus on Youth and Training. Tre is also an active member of Omega Psi Phi, serving as Basileus of the Tau Kappa Chapter and as the 2nd Vice District Representative for the Eighth District.
His passion for community service stems from his involvement with programs growing up such as Omega sQuires, the Urban League, and the Zion Baptist Church These experiences shaped his life and fueled his desire to give back to his community. Tre believes his success lies in giving back to his community and empowering others to rise alongside him, embodying the principle of “lifting as we climb.”
Nicka Johnson – Entrepreneur Champion
Nicka is a powerhouse in financial literacy and a leading advocate for economic empowerment. As the founder of Budget to Success, she has dedicated over 15 years in the financial sector to helping individuals break free from financial struggles, fix their credit, and build generational wealth. With a personal journey that defied the odds, Nicka turned her own financial challenges into a mission to educate and uplift others. Through her coaching, mentorship, and digital platforms, she has empowered thousands to take control of their finances, save money, and create financial freedom. Her expertise has helped her community save over $6 million and remove financial barriers that once held them back.
A true change-maker, Nicka is proof that financial success is possible for everyone. Whether through her coaching, speaking engagements, or content, she continues to inspire and equip others with the tools to break cycles and thrive financially.
Lauren Micek Vargas – Non-Profit Professional Champion
Lauren is the CEO and co-founder of Education Rights Counsel, a Nebraska nonprofit, focused on advocating for children’s education rights, transforming systems and ensuring legal accountability. As a former special education teacher, a public defender, and an education advocate, Lauren’s experience in the education sector and juvenile courts has cultivated her passion for working to improve educational outcomes and legal access for ALL children.
Under her leadership, the Education Rights Counsel (ERC) has earned the recognition of the Nebraska State Bar Association who awarded ERC with the Special Merit Award, which is presented to an organization that advances the legal profession, the administration of justice, and public interest.
Makayla Walker – Culture Champion
As a teen mother at the age of 16, Makayla Walker experienced the profound impact of community support, which inspired her lifelong commitment to giving back. At 19, she tragically lost her older sister to gun violence. As a dedicated preschool teacher, her sister made a lasting impact on the lives of the children she taught, and this loss fueled Makayla’s dedication to creating spaces where individuals, especially youth, feel supported, valued, and included. At 28, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her older brother to suicide, which deepened her understanding of the critical importance of mental health and belonging. These experiences have shaped Makayla Walker’s passion for empowering others to embrace their authentic selves and fostering environments where everyone has the support they need to thrive. She remains committed to driving positive changes through both her volunteer work in the community and her initiatives at LinkedIn through the Black Inclusion group, where she focuses on promoting belonging and empowering individuals to succeed.
Thank you to our Change Maker Sponsor, the University of Nebraska at Omaha Graduate Studies & University of Nebraska at Omaha Innovative & Learning-Centric Initiatives, and to everyone who joined us to Ignite the Future! Your presence and passion made the day truly inspiring.
