About Us

Meet Our Team

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  CESAR GARCIA, PE

  Executive Director

  César is driven by a vision for the future – an equitable community full of choice and opportunities for residents to thrive, providing a strong foundation for success. In his role as Executive Director, he fosters intentional partnerships with community stakeholders and leads strategic initiatives and projects to fulfill the mission of the organization.

  Previously, César served as a Principal in the Firm and as an Engineering Sector Leader at DLR Group. While there, he was the Lead Engineer for several notable local projects, including the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Academy and the new addition to Central High School.

  He holds a master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nebraska and brings more than 15 years of engineering, project management, and business development experience to the organization.

  Originally from one of the largest cities in Colombia, César immigrated to the United States as a teenager in pursuit of opportunity – a common thread, which bonds his own experience to many in the community he serves. With strong ties to Omaha, much of his time is committed to giving back to the city foundational to his success.

  Garcia serves on multiple boards and committees focused on mentorship and equitable development, including ACE Mentor Program Nebraska, Heartland 2050’s Regional Planning Committee, and the Greater Omaha Chamber’s ConnectGO Technical Group.

  Recognitions
  • Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
  • Ten Outstanding Young Omahans
  • Leadership Omaha Class 38

• 

  CRYSTAL SIERRA, MS

  Director of Operations

  Crystal comes to Canopy South with a passion for equitable development that amplifies the community’s voice to ensure residents have a genuine stake in the changes that shape their everyday lives. From project inception to implementation, Crystal effectively manages initiatives, leads community engagement efforts, and provides invaluable support to internal operations.

  Born and raised in Southern California, Crystal had the opportunity to live and work in diverse communities that celebrated and honored a variety of cultures. These experiences have influenced her professional journey, fueling her drive to dismantle systems of inequality often found in marginalized communities. Crystal believes that holistic urban planning and human-centered design can serve as a powerful catalyst for change.

  Crystal holds a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she honed her expertise in urban design, policy, and community development. Additionally, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Medical Sociology from California State University, Long Beach, where she gained a deep understanding of the social determinants of health and the importance of considering human well-being in neighborhoods.

  With her background spanning urban design, higher education, and the nonprofit sector, Crystal brings a unique perspective to her work at Canopy South. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to integrate diverse perspectives and innovative strategies into her projects, ensuring that each initiative reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the community.

• 

  Juan Padilla

  Community Development Manager

  Juan comes to Canopy South with experience in the profit and not for profit world. Having worked for Union Pacific Railroad for almost six years, Juan realized during his time there that his passion lied in nonprofits.

  Juan had the opportunity to work for the Omaha Community Foundation where he was part of a team that helped bring in more donors to the organization, and also helped cultivate relationships with current donors. During his time at OCF, Juan also completed the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certification.

  Born in Guatemala City, Juan moved to Omaha as a young child and has lived in Omaha since. Juan is a firm believer that having a thriving community is the result of a safe neighborhood, higher education, a healthy lifestyle, and providing community members with opportunity to thrive.

  Juan attended Doane College where he had the chance to play soccer and graduated with a degree in Business Administration, and then was able to become a graduate assistant for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams.

• 

  Etienne Brock

  Executive + Project Coordinator

  Etienne, a proud South Omaha native, brings her passion for equitable housing to the place she calls home. She believes in uplifting diverse community voices to build neighborhoods where everyone has equal opportunity to education, employment, and joy.

  Drawing from her experience in assisting individuals experiencing homelessness in Denver, Colorado, as well as her administrative roles at the Omaha Housing Authority and Omaha Public Schools, Etienne brings a wealth of knowledge to her work at Canopy South.

  With a Bachelor’s of Arts in History, specializing in Women and Gender Studies and Latin American Studies from Creighton University, Etienne lays a solid foundation for her pursuit of social change. As a graduate student at the University of Nebraska Omaha, she is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Urban Studies with a concentration in human community, expanding her expertise in shaping thriving and inclusive urban environments.

  In her role as Executive + Project Coordinator, Etienne seamlessly merges her administrative talent with her unwavering dedication to community engagement. Through her dynamic approach, she supports initiatives that bring positive transformation to the lives of individuals and families, ensuring a brighter future for all.