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' 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 worked as a Department of Justice Accredited Representative with the Immigrant Legal Center, providing essential legal services, education, and advocacy for immigrants in the Panhandle from 2021-2025. 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

  • Dr. Wendy Kemling-Horner has dedicated over 27 years to the field of education, working as the Executive Director of Student Services at Scottsbluff Public Schools since 2006. With a passion for service, Wendy has volunteered for Special Olympics for the past 35 years, advocating for individuals with special needs. Active in the community, Wendy serves on several boards, including Panhandle Beginnings, LifeLink, NASES, and Northfield Haven. Holding a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Wendy is committed to advancing educational opportunities and making a positive impact on youth both in the classroom and beyond.

  • 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.

  • Isabel Moreno is the Executive Director of the St. Agnes Catholic School Foundation, where she focuses on ensuring the long-term financial stability of the school. In addition to her leadership role, Isabel is a proud entrepreneur and the owner of two thriving small businesses in downtown Scottsbluff. Through her work, she has played a pivotal role in bringing new Latino-owned businesses to the Valley, fostering inclusivity and economic growth.

    Isabel’s entrepreneurial journey has allowed her to build strong connections with diverse members of the community. Her passion for the growth and success of Empowering Families extends beyond business; she actively serves on multiple community committees, using her skills in networking and business expertise to drive positive change.

    Whether advocating for education, supporting local businesses, or championing community initiatives, Isabel is dedicated to helping her community thrive and empowering others to achieve their goals.

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

Building Bridges, Changing Lives: The Empowering Families Story

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.

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

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.