Cultura
The Latino Center of the Midlands is a place where being Latino, Latina, or Latinx is celebrated. We’re a community center where culture thrives; a place where the door is open to everyone. Our community comes from many different countries and we created this page to celebrate that diversity.
Cultural Spotlight
“Where are you from?” has never had a simple answer for me. As an Air Force brat, I was born in Okinawa, Japan, raised across several U.S. states, and have called the Omaha area home for over 20 years. While my upbringing moved often, my family roots are grounded in Kentucky and the Midwest. Being African American and growing up in a military family shaped my identity in lasting ways. At the center of my culture is family—both by blood and by community—along with resilience, determination, and a deep respect for those who came before us. Despite histories that were fragmented or erased, there is pride in honoring our ancestors and carrying their strength forward. My Air Force upbringing taught adaptability and connection. Though it came with unique rules and constant moves, it also offered exposure to diverse cultures and the opportunity to grow through change—an experience I truly valued.
Shavonne Washington-Krauth
LCM Board, Director of Culture and Inclusion at Children’s Nebraska
Playlist Spotlight
Sayings and Slang
Bayunco – Dumb (El Salvador)
A playful way to call someone dumb.
K’encha – Bad luck (Bolivia)
Used when things don’t go as planned or when someone is going through a rough patch.
Uno no es monedita de oro para caerle bien a todo el mundo – One cannot be liked by everyone (Mexico)
The phrase means that it is impossible to be universally liked.
Bannear – Ban (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. The correct word in Spanish is prohibir.
- My school banned cellphones in classrooms because the students got too distracted.
- Mi escuela prohibió los teléfonos móviles en las aulas porque los alumnos se distraen demasiado.
Trailblazer
Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria | Scientist & Inventor
Olga D. González-Sanabria is a Puerto Rican engineer and inventor whose groundbreaking work helped power humanity’s journey beyond Earth. She co-developed the long cycle-life nickel-hydrogen battery that powers the International Space Station, helping shape the future of space exploration. Her contributions transformed technology while paving the way for more Hispanic women to see themselves in STEM, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire future generations to dream boldly and pursue what once seemed impossible.
