The Omaha Jaycees is the oldest young professional organization in the Omaha metro, building strong community leaders since 1921. We strive to create impactful change in the Omaha Community by creatively collaborating as ‘young professionals’ (21-40) to solve past, current, and future problems that we face as a city.
The Omaha Jaycees founded one of the oldest ‘young professional’ recognition programs in the country with TOYO – Ten Outstanding Young Omahans. The event, in it’s 86th year locally, grew nationally (TOYA) and internationally (TOYP).
Some of the other ongoing initiatives of the Omaha Jaycees are: Hometown Holidays benefiting the Nebraska Children’s Home Society, TOYO Teens awarding 10 scholarships annually, Beer & Bacon Festival with a revolving beneficiary, Tax Education Day starting March 2019.
What separates the Jaycees from other young professional groups is our commitment to improving our community. Plus, the Omaha Jaycees is part of the national and international Jaycees with chapters in over 175 countries.
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Nathan Jones joined the Jaycees in 2014 and enters his third term on the board as President in 2018. He’s an advocate for philanthropy, always looking for creative ways to positively impact the Jaycees organization and its affiliated causes.
By day, Nathan can be found networking and developing relationships with business professionals across the region, as he works to build his professional consulting firm: Assurance Business Solutions.
A refugee from Kansas, Nathan moved to the Omaha area in 2008 while attaining his BSBA from Midland University.
Married in the spring of 2016, Nathan and his wonderful wife Abbey have two beautiful twin girls. When he isn’t spending time with Abbey and their dog Molly, Nathan can be found outside enjoying the seasons and refereeing soccer matches.
An active member of the Jaycees since 2018, Katie Bruno currently serves as Vice President of Membership for the Omaha Jaycees. As someone who is passionate about networking and building strong relationships, Katie seeks to engage other young professionals into becoming active community leaders while growing both professionally and personally.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Katie moved to Omaha to pursue her education. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Investment Management and Financial Analysis, both from Creighton University. A financial advisor for Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners, Katie spends most of her time working with her clients to build customized financial plans and investment strategies.
Outside of the office, she enjoys cheering on the Bluejays, traveling, crafts, and exploring all Omaha has to offer.
Balkissa Mahamane works at Kiewit Corporation as a Business Transformations and Controls Analyst. She owns Excellence Insights LLC, providing organizational and financial services to small businesses thriving for operational excellence. Balkissa also co-owns a commercial cleaning business, 4CleaningSisters LLC.
Her drive for continuous improvement applies to her social life as well, where she promotes entrepreneurship, education and community service. She is a SCORE Volunteer, the Director of Finance for the Africa Leadership Summit 2019 and a fellow of the 2019 class of the New Leaders Council, Omaha Chapter.
Balkissa founded La Grande Académie International Education, a unique human capital development model that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education. This project invites rural communities, from developing nations, into the global, diverse and progressive community of innovation; and equips them with tools and resources enabling them to defy poverty. She is an alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program, where she was awarded for La Grande Académie School in Zinder, Niger. Balkissa promotes the Diaspora Cares Network calling the African Diaspora and friends of Africa to collaborate and leverage global resources to inspire their communities.
When taking a break from it all, Balkissa can be found traveling or craft making with her children.
Brent Shishido is currently in his second term as the Vice President of communications. Brent designed and developed the current Omaha Jaycees website.
From Honolulu, Hawaii, Brent moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry, Master’s of Science in Human Anatomy, and is currently working on a Medical Degree. Outside of school, Brent enjoys programming, golfing, and finding new places to eat with his fiance, Brendy.