We are an organization that believes that language access is a basic right.
Our Vision
World Speaks envisions a world where every voice is respected, the marginalized are included, & the vulnerable are safe.
Our Mission
To address socioeconomic gaps and injustices through cultural education, inclusion initiatives, and advocacy services.
Here’s what we do
Accessibility
Community
The Next Generation
Our Supporters
Our Partners
Meet Our Team
Leah Whitney Chavez– Executive Director & Founder
Leah Whitney Chavez is the Founder and Executive Director of World Speaks Omaha a non profit whose mission is to connect our city despite language barriers and the cultural differences that tend to separate communities. With a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature in Spanish, she is bilingual and from an early age had an appreciation of latino culture. She is married to her husband Randy Chavez.
“I was born in Bellevue, Washington, and grew up surrounded by different cultures. I can remember that my group of friends included Chinese, Latino, Indian, Black, and White kids. We all lived in the same neighborhood and took the school bus together every day. I believe that as a nation we are blessed to have so many different people fill our borders. It’s our superpower. This is something to celebrate.”
Paulina Campos Guzman - Programs Manager
Born and raised in Santiago de Chile, Paulina studied a bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature, holds different certificates to teach Spanish as a second language, and a certificate in community interpreting. At a young age Paulina built a career in aviation working for different international airlines, traveling the world, living in different countries, learning other languages, creating connections, and experiencing life through different cultures. Paulina always had a passion for actively participating in the community working together with neighborhood groups and other nonprofits to address issues such as language access, food resources and education. Paulina joined the World Speaks team; first as an interpreter, translator, and Spanish instructor, and later on as The Programs Manager for the organization.
“Working with my community has awakened something so powerful and beautiful in me that I don’t see myself doing any other work. Meeting so many wonderful people and organizations with the same goal – to create change and make a difference – powers me to continue to fight for a more open and equitable society where everyone is represented and heard. I feel inspired and honored to be part of this incredible organization.”
Ivan B Lopez -Interpretation and Linguistic Strategist
Ivan Lopez is a certified medical interpreter, born and raised in Omaha, NE, with Mexican roots. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Translation and Interpretation, French Culture and History, and Health Sciences from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Through learning a third language, he began to form a passion for communication which has driven him to share his experiences with the purpose of educating the importance of understanding. From a Spanish and French tutor at the university, to teaching abroad in Martinique, France, to teaching introductory medical and community interpretation courses, to presenting conferences for MICATA and NATI, he continues to share his experience with everyone who will lend an ear. For everyone to understand each other, they must be able to communicate.
“Working both communities abroad and communities back home has shown me that communication and access are integral to the prosperity and health of each individual and their families. The lack of access due to lack of understanding is unjust and I am blessed to be able to have the opportunity to make an impact through my profession, passion, and now, World Speaks!”
Amber Coleman - Administrative Coordinator
Randy Whitney Chavez - Volunteer Communications Manager
Randy has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and a minor in advertising. He also specializes in branding. He is married to Leah Whitney Chavez. He is behind the new creative direction of World Speaks. Born in L.A. and raised in Mexico he has his own immigrant story. Randy is fluent in the Spanish language.
“I believe in World Speaks’ mission. Diversity strengthens and enriches our schools, friend groups, organizations, and businesses. I am excited to tell this story through design.”
BOARD MEMBERS
Jasmine Elmore
President
Human Resources Director – Pottawattamie County
Dr. Melanie Bloom
Vice President
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences – University of Nebraska at Omaha
Krystal Rider
Treasurer
President – Omaha Data Science Academy
Candy Zollicoffer
Director
Executive Assistant – I Be Black Girl
Hannah Michelle Bussa
Director
Community Member
Brian Torpy
Secretary
FDMR, Inc – General Counsel
Anahí Salazar
Director
Voices for Children – Policy Coordinator
Advisory Board
Brittany Young – Cofounder and Chief Operations Officer – Start Center Omaha
Patti McAtee – Director of Development – Project Control
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We remove language barriers so that every member of our community has access to vital information, resources, engagement opportunities, and a voice in how their community is shaped.
Mailing Address:
World Speaks
7914 W Dodge Rd #475
Omaha, NE 68114