2025 Ben Nelson Gala Awards

Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award

Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award, Barbara Weitz

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Barb is an esteemed retired faculty member of UNO with a rich educational background, including a Bachelor’s degree from Carleton College, a Master’s of Public Administration from New York University, and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Her professional life spans roles from the first female summer substitute mail carrier in 1969 to significant contributions to the UNO School of Social Work. Elected to the Board of Regents in 2018, she has been an active community leader, serving on various boards and committees, and has received numerous awards for her dedication and impact. She’s married to Wally Weitz, with whom she shares three children and six grandchildren.

Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award, Katie Weitz

Katie Weitz is a recognized Omaha civic leader, philanthropist, and advocate dedicated to strengthening her community through strategic collaboration and action. As President of the Weitz Family Foundation, she supports initiatives that advance equity, education, and social justice. Beyond her foundation leadership, Katie co-founded Advokatie, a platform that empowers nonprofits and civic causes through innovative communication and fundraising campaigns like Drive 2 Vote with Warren Buffett, and Candidating! Her deep commitment to Omaha’s civic and cultural vibrancy reflects her belief in the power of all our voices in local leadership to protect, support, and sustain democracy through community engagement. But be careful, if she catches you alone, she will ask you to run for office or give money to someone who is! 

Frank LaMere Hall of Fame Award, Dianne Lozier

Dianne Seeman Lozier, CEO of Lozier Enterprise and the Lozier Foundation, is known for her significant contributions to education, social services, and advocacy for women and children. She has been instrumental in the development of Nelson Mandela Elementary, a free, private school serving high-poverty scholars in north Omaha. The Lozier Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life for underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area, emphasizing equitable access to wellness, education, jobs, and housing.

Giải thưởng Chủ tịch Đảng của Nhà nước

 The State Party Chair Award, Senator Victor Rountree
 
Senator Victor Rountree was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2024 to represent
Legislative District 3, covering Bellevue and Papillion. He served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, and served as Chief Budget Officer of Offutt Air Force Base. Senator Rountree is also the co-founder and senior pastor of his church, Endure To The End Ministries COGIC in Bellevue. He is married to Cheryl Rountree of Barney, Georgia, and they have three adult children, a son-in-law, and one granddaughter.
 

Giải thưởng về lòng dũng cảm của thượng nghị sĩ bang Brad Ashford

Giải thưởng Dũng cảm Thượng nghị sĩ bang Brad Ashford, Senator George Dungan

George was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He holds a Juris Doctorate from American University. Prior to being elected to the legislature, he served as a Lancaster County Deputy Public Defender. As the state senator representing Northeast Lincoln, George advocates for working families, strong public schools, and access to healthcare. He lives in University Place with his wife, Britta Tollefsrud, and their dog Redford.

Giải thưởng Dũng cảm Thượng nghị sĩ bang Brad Ashford, Senator Margo Juarez

Margo Juarez was born and raised in South Omaha. After serving on the board of the Omaha Public Schools, she pursued the vacant seat for District 5. Margo was concerned about the future of public schools in Nebraska, inspiring her to run. She is the first Latina to serve in the Nebraska Legislature and the second woman to serve District 5. Margo has an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Giải thưởng tình nguyện viên Preston Love Jr.

 Giải thưởng Tình nguyện viên Preston Love Jr. CD1, Tanner Mitchell
 

In my 29 years of life, I never thought I would have the Honor of accepting the Preston Love Jr Volunteer Award. I was born with a disability called 22q deletion. Until I started volunteering, I was not accepted by a lot of people. Then I attended Nebraska Democratic Party events. I am now accepted into a whole family of new friends. Thank you all for this honor. It means the world to me.

Giải thưởng Tình nguyện viên Preston Love Jr. CD2, Dee Austin
 
A veteran staff member in our Nebraska Legislature, and of multiple political campaigns, including Chuck Hassebrook for Governor and John Ewing for Mayor, where she served as his first Campaign Manager. Dee continues her many years of service volunteering for the NDP and the Douglas County Party in various positions. She remains a lifelong and fierce defender of the National Democratic Party and our candidates.
 Giải thưởng Tình nguyện viên Preston Love Jr. CD3, Joni Kuzma
 

Joni Kuzma is the chair of the Buffalo County Democrats in Kearney and is accepting this award on behalf of her team. She works to create member connections, improve party visibility in the County, build community partnerships, and increase Democratic voters in the party. She believes that 1) any success we have achieved is because of our strong team, 2) it is important to support other county parties, and 3) being involved with the state party is the best way to stay informed and learn about the Democratic Party., She humbly thanks those who nominated her and the NDP for this award. 

 
 

Giải thưởng Tình nguyện viên Preston Love Jr. CD3, Steven Bever

In 2023, Steve began his involvement when he volunteered to assist Michelle Smith for Legislature campaign. His first task was filling in postcards, but he was quickly promoted to making calls, keeping track of volunteer lists, canvassing, and doing anything else that needed to be done for Michelle’s campaign. In May of 2024, he was asked to serve as chair of Adams County Democrats and, since then, has significantly increased the number of people participating in his county party’s events, added many productive committees, coordinated multi-county activities, supported local candidates, and has had a gift for getting into “good trouble.”
 

Giải thưởng tình nguyện viên của Đảng hạt Schimek Quirk

Giải thưởng tình nguyện viên của Đảng hạt Schimek Quirk, Butler County Chair Alan Snyder

Alan Snyder is a retired firefighter and truck driver whose decades of service—on the road and in the firehouse—reflect a deep commitment to community and resilience. After high school, when he had to sign up for the draft, Alan knew that’s when he’d be a Democrat—standing for working people, fairness, and civic responsibility. Today, he’s a key organizer for the Butler County Democrats in Nebraska, channeling his grit and soul into grassroots activism, heartfelt appreciation, and blues songwriting. Whether coordinating volunteers or crafting a call-and-response groove, Alan brings strategy, soul, and humor to everything he does.

Giải thưởng Carrie Howard Sunshine

Giải thưởng Carrie Howard Sunshine, Rikki Poynter
 

Rikki Poynter is a deaf content creator, writer, public speaker, accessibility consultant, and disability activist. Since 2015, she has worked relentlessly to bring awareness to disability rights and to make the world accessible online and offline, from entertainment spaces to political spaces. Her efforts have allowed her to be recognized by and work with the White House, Apple, Samsung, and Google. She is currently working to bring accessible information to candidates’ and politicians’ spaces, asking them to make campaigns accessible with ASL interpreters, captions, and more.

Anne Boyle Giải thưởng đảng viên Dân chủ trẻ tuổi

 Anne Boyle Giải thưởng đảng viên Dân chủ trẻ tuổi, Jonathan Renteria
 
Jonathan took his first political stand at ten, skipping school to join thousands marching through Downtown Omaha during the 2006 Day Without Immigrants. Since then, he’s supported local campaigns and fellow organizers, engaged in grassroots lobbying, and even run for office himself. As Field Director for County Commissioner Roger Garcia’s 2020 campaign, he came within three votes of victory, later helping Roger and RMTA Board Member Yanira Garcia win their 2024 races. Through his work inside and outside the system, Jonathan strives to inspire new leaders to turn the tide together.  
 

Giải thưởng Đội trưởng Khối Mike Fahey

Mike Fahey Block Captain Award CD1, Barrie Marchant

Barrie comes from a very Democratic family. Grandma Marchant was a representative in the Utah State Legislature and a big LBJ fan. His first political memory is seeing JFK in 1960. Being a block captain has been more enjoyable than anticipated. Barrie likes the sense of community it has created. He is thankful for this honor, although he’s pretty sure that other block captains deserve it as much as he does.
 
Mike Fahey Block Captain Award CD2, Walta Sue Dodd
 
Walta Sue Dodd is a visionary leader deeply engaged in Democratic Party organizing, statewide policy reform, and coalition-building across Nebraska. As President of OEA-Retired and an active member of NSEA-Retired, she champions educator legacy, retirement security, and intergenerational advocacy. Her work bridges grassroots mobilization with strategic storytelling – crafting commemorative materials, legislative briefs, and onboarding tools that empower others to lead. In the broader community, Walta advances equity-centered initiatives in education, transportation, and direct democracy, always with clarity, purpose, and collaboration at the core.
 

Mike Fahey Block Captain Award CD3, Karen Granberg

Karen Granberg is a retired Mental Health Counselor and long-time member of the Wayne community in Northeast Nebraska, where she resides with her husband, Gordon. She is a mom, a grandma, and a troublemaker – good, mostly. Her affiliation with the Wayne County Democratic Party for the past ten years has created significant opportunities for outreach, friendship, and meaningful exchange.