We are an organization that believes that language access is a basic right.

Illustration of a brown woman with one hand on one hip wearing a teal hijab, a tan long-sleeve top and a teal skirt looking up at a white man with short curly ginger hair wearing a green t-shirt and light blue pants standing next to her and smiling at her. Two light gray message bubbles on top of them, one showing a teal color message in Spanish and the other message in Japanese.

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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!”

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Amber Coleman - Administrative Coordinator

Amber is an experienced Administrative Coordinator with over 18 years of administrative expertise, including nearly a decade in the nonprofit sector. Born and raised in Colorado, she eventually moved to Omaha through her husband’s military service. Along the way, she’s had the opportunity to connect with people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
 
She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Information Management. Amber brings strong organizational and communication skills to her role, helping ensure that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. Her diverse experiences have shaped her collaborative approach and deep appreciation for community service. Amber is proud to support an organization that promotes language access and helps bridge communication gaps within the community. She values collaboration, continuous learning, and contributing to meaningful work that makes services accessible to all.
 
Randy Whitney Chavez is featured in this portrait photograph. He is wearing a blue collar shirt printed with white flowers and black square shaped glasses. Randy is showing a closed-mouth smile, he has a short Brett beard, a pencil mustache and long curly brown hair on a low ponytail style. The outdoor background is blurry in light and dark brown tones.

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

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Jasmine Elmore

President

Human Resources Director – Pottawattamie County

Dr. Melanie Bloom is featured in this portrait photograph. She is wearing a short-sleeved v-neck green top and black pants. Melanie has armpit-length curly blond hair and she is smiling at the camera. The background shows part of a brick-wall building with big white frame windows surrounded by gardens.

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 is featured in this portrait photograph, she is wearing a round neck gray printed blouse with big red, brown, and white. She is smiling at the camera and has ear-length black curly hair.

Candy Zollicoffer

Director

Executive Assistant – I Be Black Girl

A headshot of Hannah Michelle Bussa, a young white woman with curly brown hair. She is wearing a light green jacket and black shirt underneath. She is smiling through silver glasses. The background has a white wall with a grey cactus painted onto it.

Hannah Michelle Bussa

Director

Community Member

 

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Brian Torpy

Secretary

FDMR, Inc – General Counsel

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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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Mailing Address:

World Speaks
7914 W Dodge Rd #475
Omaha, NE 68114

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