We are an organization that believes that language access is a basic right.
Our Vision
World Speaks envisions a world where the voiceless are heard, 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
Arturo Aceves González - Language Accessibility Manager
Arturo Aceves González, a proud native of Jalisco, Mexico, holds a medical degree from the distinguished Universidad de Guadalajara. He brings a wealth of experience to his current roles as the Language Accessibility Manager for World Speaks and as a dedicated Spanish Interpreter.
Armed with his medical background and language expertise, Arturo is on a mission to bridge gaps and facilitate connections between individuals and organizations, recognizing the crucial importance of this endeavor.
He firmly believes in the transformative power of connection and the necessity of cultivating trust among us all. Arturo’s unwavering commitment to promoting understanding in our ever-evolving world drives his work. In his own words, “There’s a meaningful change when you understand the world around you. Let’s work together to facilitate this.”
Randy Whitney Chavez - 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. 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 and also interprets for our organization.
“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
Dr. Melanie Bloom
President
Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences – University of Nebraska at Omaha
Jasmine Elmore
Vice President
Maggie Wood
Treasurer
Michelle Dugger
Secretary
Bilingual Clinical Therapist – Boys Town
Lubna Albadawi
Director
Local Coordinator
Candy Zollicoffer
Director
Chief of Staff- I Be Black Girl
Hannah Michelle Bussa
Director
Community Consultant – Elevate Omaha
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