October 14, 2025

Celebrating the Power of Community: Destino 2025

What an incredible night! As the lights dimmed and voices echoed through the Scott Conference Center, we came together to celebrate, reflect, and commit ourselves to a shared vision. Destino 2025 isn’t just a fundraiser; it is a living symbol of hope, community, and what we can build together. 

It’s difficult to capture the warmth and joy that filled the night, but here are moments that will stay with us:

Honoring leaders who embody our mission: 

This year’s honorees reminded us that when passion meets purpose, communities thrive! Cristina Castro-Matukewicz, our 2025 Honorary Chair, celebrated the power of equity and connection. Mary and Rodrigo López, recipients of the Familia y Comunidad Award, inspired us through many years of selfless service to our community. And Shannon and Emiliano Lerda, our Orgullo Empresarial awardees, have built more than a business. As co-founders of Elevator, they have supported and empowered our local small business community. 

Stories of impact: 

For Vicente Juarez, Siembra Salud was more than just an internship—it was the beginning of a calling. What started as an introduction to health care grew into a lifelong mission to serve others. Now an anesthesia technician at CHI Health, Vicente continues to build on his experience as a CNA, EMT, and nursing student, with hopes of earning a master’s in public health to give back to the community that inspired his journey.

Overwhelming support: 

Destino 2025 sold out, and we surpassed our $220,00 fundraising goal by $64,750 —a powerful testament to your belief in our mission and the strength of our community! Each gift, large or small, carried a message of faith in our shared vision, a belief that when we come together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Thanks to your generosity, the Latino Center can continue doing what it does best—helping our community thrive! Through Cultivate Wellness and Healthy Communities, families can keep strengthening their well-being through gardening, health screenings, and workshops. Students will remain supported through Pathways to Success, where mentors and leadership development help them stay engaged in school. Adults can continue advancing through Adult Education by improving their literacy in English and Spanish, preparing for citizenship, and earning their GED to expand their opportunities. And through Siembra Nebraska, high school and college students will keep gaining hands-on experience and mentorship through our community partners to turn passion into purpose and prepare them to lead the future.

Your continued support keeps this momentum alive and fuels the work that changes lives every day! Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X to see how your generosity is helping our programs grow and create new opportunities for families, students, and adults alike. Every gift counts—donate today to keep this vital work moving forward.