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Can Do Event 2025

              What: Can Do Awards 

              When: Wednesday - May 7, 2025

                           11:00 AM - Doors Open

                           11:30 AM - Program Begins

                             1:00 PM - Program Concludes

              Where: Scott Conference Center (6450 Pine Street in Omaha)

              Contact: Mike Joyce, mjoyce@kidscan.org, 402-731-6988

            Event Co-Chairs: Jill Feilmeier and Marcos Rodriguez

 

Tickets & Sponsorship Info

SPONSORSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Download the sponsorship form here or purchase directly at this link.

For more information, please contact Mike Joyce at 402-731-6988 or mjoyce@kidscan.org

Can Do Future Award

Dr. Katie Weitz

The recipient of the 2025 Can Do Future Award is Dr. Katie Weitz. This award, sponsored by Wells Fargo, recognizes individuals who strive to create opportunities for a brighter future for the most underserved members of our community.  Dr. Weitz is the president of the Weitz Family Foundation, focused on supporting systemic change that transforms our community into an equitable place to live.  She went to Westside High School and then received her bachelor’s degree from Carleton College in political science, and a Master’s degree in teaching and learning from DePaul’s School of Education.  Unable to stay away from school, she quit her teaching job in Chicago Public Schools to pursue a masters degree and then a Doctorate degree  from Northwestern University in Human Development and Social Policy. Fourteen years later she still loves discussing her dissertation topic–civic and political engagement among urban adolescents. She is the mom of two beautiful (grown) children and enjoys spending time at Film Streams, reading, hiking in the desert with her husband, and travelling.
 

Can Do Junior Award

Emilio Carabantes

The recipient of the 2025 Can Do Junior Awards, sponsored by Bellevue University, is Emilio Carbantes. He was chosen to receive the award because of his outstanding character, leadership, and academic achievement. Emilio leads by example—serving on safety patrol, participating in Reading Olympics, and being elected by his peers as President of the after-school program. He was also the very first recipient of Gilder’s Citizenship “Green” Award, recognized for being focused, respectful, and ready to learn. Academically, Emilio consistently performs at a high level. He ranks in the high achievement quadrant on MAP tests in reading and science, has advanced six levels in Lexia this year, and gained over a year’s worth of progress in math through SuccessMaker. His positivity, reliability, and genuine care for others make him a true asset to the school community and a deserving recipient of this honor.
 

Can Do Mentor Award

Brenda Leuck

Brenda Leuck is the recipient of the 2025 Can Do Mentor Award. Sponsored by Union Pacific, the award recognizes the difference one person’s time can make in the life of a child and community. Brenda is a Criminal Defense Attorney for the Douglas County Public Defender. She chose this field stating on her application that she “believes that no one should be judged by their worst deed, and everyone deserves to be represented by a competent, caring and zealous advocate”. Using her own words… "zealous advocate" is a perfect way to describe Brenda! She consistently goes above and beyond in mentoring Mili. She has created career experiences coordinating meetings with a teacher and detective as those are future careers Mili has mentioned considering. She often brings in her own ingredients to make cheesy bread or pizza. Brenda truly sees Mili and brings out the best in her. In addition to mentoring, Brenda volunteers with the Omaha Bar Association to give courthouse tours for 4th grade students. Mili got her own private courthouse tour and met with judges and the mayor! 

 

Can Do More Here Award

 

 

Can Do Sponsors

  • American National Bank
  • Bellevue University
  • Union Pacific
  • Wells Fargo
  • American National Bank
  • Bellevue University
  • Union Pacific
  • Wells Fargo

Good Neighbor Sponsors

  • Bridges Trust
  • Dundee Bank
  • Elias & Sultana Foundation
  • FNBO
  • Lincoln Financial Group
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Scheels
  • Security National Bank
  • Tenaska
  • University of Nebraska - Omaha
  • Dr. Katie Weitz

Best Friend Sponsors

  • American Family Insurance
  • Baird Holm
  • BizCo
  • Buildertrend
  • Deloitte & Touche LLP
  • Barb Else and Dr. Brad Carson
  • Metropolitan Community College
  • Nebraska Methodist

Special thanks to these event supporters:

  • Bob Maas
  • Debra Kaplan
  • CHI Health
  • UNICO
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