Omaha leadership conference marks 20 years with focus on business growth

The Empowerment Network will host its 20th annual African American Leadership Conference Oct. 1-2 in Omaha, bringing entrepreneurs, civic leaders and national speakers together around wealth building, career advancement and community impact. The event marks two decades of the group’s work connecting residents, businesses and community organizations.

Why it matters: - The conference is built around expanding economic opportunity for African American residents, entrepreneurs and leaders in Omaha and beyond. - The program puts business growth, career advancement and civic engagement at the center of the discussion. - The event also marks 20 years since the Empowerment Network hosted its first leadership meeting in 2006.

What happened: - The Empowerment Network will host its 20th anniversary African American Leadership Conference on Oct. 1-2 at CHI Health Center Omaha and the Village Empowerment Center. - The two-day event is themed “This Is Our Season.” - The conference is designed to bring residents, entrepreneurs and civic leaders together for sessions on entrepreneurship, wealth building, leadership development, mindset mastery and civic engagement. - Thursday’s programming will focus heavily on entrepreneurship and business development. - National speakers scheduled for the conference include James Bailey, Dr. George Fraser, Dr. Pamela Jolly, Dr. Randal Pinkett, Simon T. Bailey and Jaylen Bledsoe.

The details: - The conference will feature presentations, breakout sessions and discussions on building sustainable businesses and creating long-term economic opportunities. - Attendees will have access to information, professional networks and resources tied to entrepreneurship, wealth creation and career development. - Sessions will also address leadership, purpose, excellence, collective investments and community building. - The conference will recognize leaders, residents and community partners who have contributed to the organization’s work. - The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Village Empowerment Center. - The Oct. 2 schedule runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St.

Between the lines: - The anniversary theme signals a milestone moment for the Empowerment Network as it tries to turn two decades of relationship-building into new economic gains. - Willie Barney framed the conference as both a reflection on past progress and a push toward future opportunity. - The speaker lineup suggests the conference is aimed at blending practical business strategy with leadership and motivation. - The emphasis on partnerships with residents, businesses, faith organizations and community groups shows the event is meant to be broader than a business summit.

What's next: - Conference registration and additional information are available at conference registration and additional information. - The Empowerment Network will use the anniversary event to identify opportunities for continued economic and community growth. - The organization will continue working with sponsors and partners, including the Weitz Family Foundation, City of Omaha, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Revive, Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, American National Bank/Associated Bank, CHI Health, Mutual of Omaha, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Carver Legacy Center, Nebraska Medicine and PRPP Innovations.

The bottom line: - The conference is both a celebration of 20 years of community work and a push to turn leadership into stronger careers, businesses and local wealth.