On Oct. 16 in Omaha, Civic Nebraska will honor six Nebraskans with Strengthening Democracy Awards for their efforts to build a more powerful democracy in the Cornhusker State. Before then, we’re sharing a bit more about each winner to share what makes them special.

Civic Nebraska honors Laura Gamboa Urrego with the 2025 Community Builder Award for forging connections across Grand Island, bringing nonprofits, institutions, and immigrant communities together through initiatives like the Welcoming Initiative and the Fourth Street Business Improvement District.

Laura may be early in her career, but her impact in Grand Island has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since returning to her hometown after graduating from the University of Nebraska, she has immersed herself in community-building — leading coalitions, strengthening civic institutions, and helping neighbors understand and exercise their power.

Danielle Helzer, one of her nominators, has watched Laura’s trajectory with admiration.

“She hit the ground running, building community, and she hasn’t ever stopped,” Helzer said. “She’s done just about everything a community builder can do: nonprofit work, public schools, canvassing neighborhoods, serving on boards, speaking at city council meetings. The work she has done in the last few years has been incredible to support.”

One of Laura’s most visible contributions has been co-facilitating the Grand Island Welcoming Initiative. Each month, nonprofit leaders gather to envision and advance a more inclusive community for immigrants and refugees. Even as her career has shifted, Laura has kept at it, sustaining the group’s momentum and creating space for both education and collaboration. This is not glamorous work that takes persistence and patience, but Laura’s steady leadership has made the initiative a vital forum in the city.

She has also been at the center of one of Grand Island’s most urgent challenges: preparing for and responding to federal immigration enforcement. As the leader of the Community Safety Planning group, Laura brings together nonprofits, schools, health providers, and law enforcement to mitigate the effects of ICE raids and deportations. The space can be contentious, but her nominators describe her ability to keep the conversation constructive.

“Laura makes space for all voices, even those she disagrees with,” Helzer said. “She finds a path forward when there doesn’t seem to be one.”

Laura’s advocacy has also reshaped Grand Island’s downtown. The city’s Fourth Street corridor, a hub of immigrant- and refugee-owned businesses, had long been overlooked. Laura helped lead the push for the creation of a Business Improvement District to invest in the area. When the city council debates grew heated, she insisted that 4th Street deserved the same attention as the rest of downtown. Today, as a member of the BID board, she continues to champion equity in community investment.

Her efforts ripple beyond individual projects. Chris Hochstetler, another nominator, describes her as “a Nebraskan who epitomizes community building.” He noted her ability to cross boundaries, encourage civic participation across political lines, and foster coalitions that include nonprofits, city administration, and corporate leaders. Her courage to speak to officials at every level has inspired young and old alike.

“She is always willing to stand in front of the city, county, and state to share what strength in the community means,” Hochstetler said.

Eric Garcia-Mendez, who also nominated Laura, underscored her deep roots and broad reach. Born in Colombia and raised in Grand Island, Laura has served through schools, nonprofits, and civic engagement groups. From canvassing to leading get-out-the-vote campaigns, from serving on boards to mentoring young leaders, she has become a connector, a collaborator, and a force for belonging. 

“She has grown and stepped into her leadership role in the community,” Garcia-Mendez said. “She is incredibly deserving of this award.”

Her current role as Director of Community Engagement at the Stuhr Museum was created for her, a testament to her reputation for bridging institutions and residents. Yet beyond titles and positions, Laura’s nominators point to her personal qualities: grace, kindness, courage, and the ability to hold people accountable while extending an olive branch. She believes in people, and she believes in Grand Island. 

That belief is what drives her forward, making Laura Gamboa Urrego a true Community Builder.

Meet Laura and her fellow honorees at Strengthening Democracy Awards on Oct. 16. RSVP today!