About Us

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 including the Greater Omaha Chamber, University of Nebraska President’s  Advisory Council, Educare, MAPA’s Heartland 2050, among many others. 

Recognitions

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

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, she 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.

She holds a master’s degree in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in Medical Sociology from California State University, Long Beach. 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.

Barb Stratman, MS

Director of Education

Barb is an Omaha native with a steadfast commitment to advancing educational equity for historically marginalized students. As Director of Education, she spearheads the implementation of a comprehensive and equitable educational framework tailored for residents of South Omaha. 

Prior to coming to Canopy South, Barb served as an English Language educator within various school districts across the region. Her specialization in teaching immigrant and refugee students with limited or interrupted formal education underscores her dedication to inclusive learning environments. She has had the unique experience of teaching students across the K-12 education spectrum in the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela.    

Over two decades ago, she embarked on her professional journey when she joined Teach For America after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Marquette University. Her transformative experience teaching underserved schools in the Texas Rio Grande Valley ignited her passion for collaborative efforts in effecting change and pursuing justice creatively. Upon her return to Nebraska, Barb obtained a Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Barb has held numerous roles throughout her career in education. More recently, she served as an Educational Facilitator for the Buffett Early Childhood Institute in which she supported the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan for reducing or eliminating income-based achievement gaps within the Omaha Learning Community. She comes to this work with the spirit of curiosity and unwavering commitment to collaboration. 

Etienne (ATN) 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. In her role as Executive + Project Coordinator, Etienne seamlessly merges her administrative talent with her unwavering dedication to community engagement.

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.Through her dynamic approach, she supports initiatives that bring positive transformation to the lives of individuals and families, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Leah Vinton, MPA

Award + Program Administrator

Leah comes to Canopy South with two decades of experience working with nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and Latin America. A fifth-generation Nebraskan, Leah is proud to trace her South Omaha roots to her great-great Czech grandparents that called Vinton St. home during its Bohemian days.

In her role as Awards + Program Administrator, she leads the North & South Omaha Recovery Grant Program (NSORG), overseeing the grant administration and compliance of both the 24th Street Collaborative and the Q Street Collaborative in partnership with several South Omaha organizations. She will also play a pivotal role in launching Omaha’s first Community Investment Trust, an innovative, low-risk investment opportunity for residents in zip code 68107. 

As a bilingual nonprofit professional, her expertise spans resource development, grant and program management, and community engagement. Most recently, Leah spearheaded the development and launch of innovative programming at Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim, successfully attracting new national funders to expand the organization’s reach and amplify its impact. Leah’s international work includes leading outreach and fund development initiatives with Mercado Global, supporting efforts to connect Indigenous Maya artisans to global retailers, fostering economic empowerment for women and families in Guatemala.

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Utah and a Master of Public Administration from NYU Wagner. She is deeply committed to allyship with Indigenous and Refugee, Immigrant, and Migrant (RIM) communities, advancing initiatives that foster equity and opportunity for all.

Valeria Marquez

Program + Engagement Manager

Valeria joins Canopy South with a deep commitment to advocating for immigrant rights and community development, deeply influenced by her heritage as a second-generation Mexican American raised in Fremont, Nebraska. In her role as Program + Engagement Manager, Valeria leads outreach, recruitment, and facilitation of the Ambassador Program – a paid leadership curriculum for residents. She will also support outreach and engagement efforts for the launch of Omaha’s very first Community Investment Trust – a low-risk investment opportunity for residents of zip code 68107.

Her previous work with the Learning Community Center of South Omaha allowed her to support families and children through impactful parent education and early childhood development initiatives. Holding a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology, Valeria has a strong foundation in understanding social dynamics and human behavior, enriching her ability to connect with the communities she serves.

Brian Allen

Construction + Real Estate Manager

Drawn to Canopy South’s mission of fostering equitable growth, Brian brings a diverse professional background spanning construction, small business startups, nonprofit organizations, and the government sector. In his role as Construction + Real Estate Manager, Brian will oversee our mixed-income housing initiatives. He will support each project from construction, design, and development. 

Brian, an Omaha native, holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. His previous work with the City of La Vista allowed to support redevelopment efforts that transformed public spaces and enhanced community engagement. His experience includes further support and consultation for the construction and redevelopment efforts for notable projects such as Film Streams’ Dundee Theater and the Adventure Tower at River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs. With a fresh perspective and a passion for community development, Brian is eager to advance Canopy South’s mission by fostering strong partnerships, enhancing neighborhoods, and creating lasting opportunities for current and future South Omaha residents.

Tianna Robinson

AmeriCorps VISTA, CIT Outreach Coordinator

Tianna is an accomplished administrative professional with over two decades of government experience. In her role as AmeriCorps VISTA Community Investment Coordinator, she supports outreach, marketing, and community engagement efforts for the launch of Omaha’s first Community Investment Trust (CIT). This innovative program provides residents of zip code 68107 financial education, culminating in the opportunity to invest in a low-risk commercial property along the south 24th Street corridor.

After a career in government service, Tianna transitioned to public service as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Her first year was spent with the Veteran Leaders Corps, where she applied her expertise to develop job opportunities for veterans, blending her professional strengths with her commitment to supporting those who have served their country. Tianna is passionate about building meaningful community connections and ensuring that resources are accessible to those who need them most. Her skillset, dedication, and warm heart bring immense value to Canopy South’s mission and to the South Omaha community she proudly serves.