Can Do Event 2024
YOU ARE INVITED!
What: Can Do Awards
When: Thursday - May 2, 2024
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
Tickets & Sponsorship Info
SPONSOR AND TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
For more information, please contact Mike Joyce at 402-731-6988 or mjoyce@kidscan.org
Can Do Provider Award
The Can Do Provider award, sponsored by Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC), honors child care providers on their journey to higher quality. The 2024 recipient is Carime Ruvalcaba, a passionate, dedicated child care professional from Grand Island and the owner of Karime Child Care, LLC. Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Carime came to the United States 22 years ago. Carime’s dedication to improving the quality of her family child care program can be seen by her participation in many programs, including Rooted in Relationships, Sixpence, Getting Ready, Circle of Security™ and Cultivating Healthy Intentional Mindful Educators (CHIME). In 2023, she was named an Early Childhood Champion by NECC and the We Care for Kids campaign.
Can Do Junior Award
The recipient of the 2024 Can Do Junior Awards, sponsored by Bellevue University, is Josue Jacinto Salazar. A native of Mexico, Josue arrived in the United States in 2022 and enrolled at Gilder Elementary, quickly earning a reputation as a hard-working, respectful, and talented student. He loves mathematics and science and would like to pursue engineering or a related scientific field. According to Josue, Kids Can programs introduced him to new friends while providing the opportunity to dive deeper into his science-related studies such as robotics. Paula Kastl, Site Director at Gilder, said about Josue: “We can count on him to help with whatever the task is until the job is done. He is compassionate towards his peers, respectful to adults, and always helping others.”
Can Do More Here Award
Shanketta Newsom O’Neal is the 2024 recipient of the Can Do More Here award sponsored by American National Bank. She is not only an Account Director at LinkedIn, but also a passionate, multi-talented artist—she’s a dancer, choreographer, singer, song writer, performance poet, teaching artist, and actress. Shanketta utilizes dance, writing and spoken word as her main platforms to provide healing, encouragement, and structure to those she is called to serve. Shefounded I Heartbeat Dance in 2017, the first and only majorette dance studio and competition team in Nebraska. The organization has carved a unique space in fostering artistic and cultural education for Nebraska's youth, especially those in underserved communities. Using dance, her vision is for young girls to be motivated and inspired to dream big despite any hardships or situations they were born into.
Can Do Mentor Award
The 2024 recipient of the Can Do Mentor Award is Jacob Mendoza. Sponsored by Union Pacific, the award recognizes the difference one person’s time can make in the life of a child and community. Jacob became a mentor after reflecting on his current and former mentors and their impact on his life. His mentors allowed him to grow his confidence and be comfortable with his interests around culture and the arts. He views his relationship with his mentee, Damon, as a way to “pay it forward” and continue the mentoring legacy. During his mentoring sessions, Jacob enjoys being creative in the kitchen and then sharing their delicious creations with friends, siblings, and teachers. When asked about the most rewarding part of his mentoring journey, Jacob replied, “It’s a very particular and unique thing to be able to watch a relationship of strangers grow into something familiar. It’s even more special to be part of such a thing.”
Can Do Future Award
The recipient of the 2024 Can Do Future Award is Anayeli Martinez Real. 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. Anayeli is a committed volunteer and a professional role model for youth in STEM careers. She is a connector for youth who want to pursue a career in STEM but struggle to access avenues of support at educational institutions, corporations, and the broader community. Anayeli is a servant leader and unsung hero. Just a few of her volunteer experiences include: CIRCLES Middle School Career Coach for Nebraskans For Civic Reform, Metropolitan Community College’s Construction Advisory Committee, and the Learning Community Council for South Omaha & Bellevue – Early Childhood Development.
Presenting Sponsor
Can Do Sponsors
American National Bank
Bellevue University
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative
Union Pacific
Wells Fargo
Good Neighbor Sponsors
Bridges Trust
Cox
Deloitte
Dundee Bank
FNBO
Holland Basham Architects
Lincoln Financial Group
Medica
Mutual Of Omaha
RELI Group
Scheels
Security National Bank
Tenaska
Katie Weitz, PhD
Best Friend Sponsors
Barb Else & Brad Carson
Baird Holm LLP
BizCo Technologies
Boyd Jones Construction
CHI Health
Fluid Mechanical
Kiewit Building Group
Max I. Walker
Methodist Hospital
Metropolitan Community College
UNICO
University of Nebraska - Omaha
West Gate Bank
Special thanks to these event supporters:
- Bland Cares Foundation
- Debra Kaplan
- Bob Maass
- OPPD
- Physicians Mutual
