WHO WE ARE

Empowering Families is a 501(c)3 non-profit, building a community of belonging through education, civic participation, and bridge-building. Strengthening Scotts Bluff County and beyond.

Our Mission

Empowering Families is dedicated to building a community of belonging in Scotts Bluff and surrounding areas. Through our unwavering commitment to education, civic participation, and bridge building, we strive to foster an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered.

Our Vision

We envision a future where the Panhandle community of Nebraska stands as a testament to equity, inclusivity, and strength. We aspire to cultivate a space where the collective power of ALL people is harnessed, creating a tapestry of diversity and unity.

Our Values

Celebrating Diversity 

Grassroots Advocacy 

Equitable Civic Engagement 

Creating Educational Opportunities 

Building Trust & Supportive Relationships

United Communities

Empowering Families’ Staff

Meet the visionaries behind Empowering Families, driven by a passion for building community bridges. Learn more about each co-founder and their transformative impact.

  • Valeria Rodriguez, Empowering Families' part-time Executive Director, immigrated from Mexico to Mitchell, Nebraska, at age five. She holds B.A. in Spanish and Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master's in public administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Valeria co-founded Empowering Families in 2018, driven by a passion to advocate and build collective power within her community. Dedicated to immigrant rights, she works full-time as a Department of Justice Accredited Representative with the Immigrant Legal Center, providing essential legal services, education, and advocacy for immigrants in the Panhandle. Valeria also serves on the boards of the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table and Panhandle Partnership. Her commitment to community empowerment and advocacy defines her impactful leadership.

  • Maricia, a Scottsbluff, NE native, discovered her passion for community service through the 4-H P.R.I.D.E program in high school. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Maricia dedicated her career to supporting and retaining students in higher education. With two years at UNL's Office of Academic Success & Intercultural Services and six years at Western Nebraska Community College, she earned her Master’s in Education (Student Affairs) in 2018. Maricia, joining Minatare Public Schools as a School Counselor in Fall 2022, has been an integral part of Empowering Families since its inception in 2018. Her commitment stems from a belief that the organization fosters equity and inclusion at the core of Nebraska's panhandle.

Board of Directors

  • Jacqueline is currently an Associate Educator at the UNL Panhandle Research Education and Extension Center since 2005, brings a wealth of experience. Formerly dedicated to Scottsbluff Public Schools from 1988 to 2005, she transitioned seamlessly into her impactful role at the UNL Extension Center. Beyond her professional achievements, Jackie's community involvement is extensive, spanning initiatives such as 4-H Positive Youth Development, Lakota Life and Culture Conference, PRIDE Group, Mother Daughter Lakota Shawl Making, and more. Her commitment extends to Early Childhood education, evident through her diverse roles in the Scottsbluff Public Schools Every Child, Every Day, Everywhere Initiative, Western Nebraska Community College Diversity Advisory Committee, Birth-8 Advisory Council – Sixpence, and various other advisory boards. Jackie's dedication to education and community enrichment is a cornerstone of her impactful service.

  • Faith Mills is the Executive Director of Panhandle Partnership, Inc. serving the eleven rural and frontier counties of the Nebraska Panhandle. The Partnership’s mission is to collaborate among agencies, networks and the broader community to find creative solutions to improve the quality of life of people and communities in the Panhandle. Faith grew up in Colorado, studied music and English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and began her career doing National Service with AmeriCorps. She worked in the behavioral health field for 15 years and has been involved with the Panhandle Partnership in one way or another for over a decade. Faith has extensive experience building and working across systems and is committed to innovative, collaborative, systemic work.

  • Sarah is a valuable addition to the Empowering Families Board since July 2021, is dedicated to community education and civic engagement. As an educator in Scotts Bluff County, she channels her passion into helping students unlock their full potential daily. Raised in east/central Wyoming, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a Public Relations emphasis and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Chadron State College, Nebraska. Her teaching certificate is from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Sarah's commitment to Empowering Families reflects her desire to extend her impact beyond the classroom, making a positive difference in both her students' lives and the community at large.

  • Maria Alvizar, Guadalupe Olivas, Rebecca Estrada, Jackie Guzman, Maricia Guzman, and Valeria Rodriguez

Building Bridges, Changing Lives: The Empowering Families Story

In 2017, visionary community leaders united to address the needs of our diverse community, focusing on low-income individuals and people of color.

Recognizing the gaps, Empowering Families was born in 2018 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, advocating for positive policies, fostering civic engagement, and promoting higher education accessibility for all students, irrespective of immigration status.

Since 2019, we've proudly been a member of the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table, amplifying our impact. From DACA and Naturalization Clinics with Immigrant Legal Center to hosting the Mexican Consulate, we've facilitated over 200 identifications and birth certificates for Mexican nationals, registered 200+ Native American and Latino voters, and played a pivotal role in completing the 2020 census. Our journey continues, committed to building a more empowered and inclusive community

Support Empowering Families Today!

Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in the Panhandle community. Your donation to Empowering Families fuels initiatives that promote education, civic engagement, and inclusivity. Together, we build bridges, empower minds, and create a stronger, more united community.