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Step-Up Omaha Coaching Team

Partnering with you to ensure a positive and impactful experience for everyone involved.

Summer Coaches
Work with interns during the summer program only (June–July). Assigned to training sites and worksites.

Year-Round Coaches
Support participants beyond the summer with ongoing guidance, programming, and career development.

This page highlights our Year-Round Coaches and Leadership Team. If you are looking for your Summer Coach, please visit the Contact Your Coach directory page.

Village Empowerment Center

5190 Sprague Plaza
Omaha, NE 68104

Monday — Friday: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Phone: (402) 502-3763

Our coaching team leads with purpose, structure, and heart—working together to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact for young people across Omaha.

Leadership Team

KrisShonda Levering

KrisShonda Levering
Program Director & Payroll Specialist

CJ Carter

CJ Carter
Assistant Director of Programs

Brenda Esqueda

Brenda Esqueda
Assistant Curriculum and Resource Coordinator
ES
Employment Specialist
Assistant Worksite Director

Leadership Voices

KrisShonda Levering
“I lead with vision, accountability, and purpose—making sure every intern experience is meaningful, organized, empowering, and connected to a larger mission of growth and opportunity.”

Charles Carter (CJ)
“I help turn vision into action by connecting strategy, people, and programming so every young person feels supported, challenged, and equipped to succeed.”

Brenda Esqueda
“I build bridges between preparation and possibility by creating learning experiences and resource connections that help young people move forward with clarity and confidence.”

Worksite Leadership
“We help create experiences that do more than place interns—we help build environments where young people can develop professionalism, confidence, and a vision for their future.”

Career & Life Skills Coaches

High School Seniors &
Transition Interns

Brenda Esqueda

Brenda Esqueda

E-MAIL besqueda@stepupomaha.com

High School Juniors

Ellington Bass Sr.

Ellington Bass Sr.

E-MAIL ebass@stepupomaha.com

High School Sophomores

Donald Harris

Donald Harris

E-MAIL dharris@stepupomaha.com

High School Freshmen

CJ Carter

CJ Carter

E-MAIL ccarter@stepupomaha.com

Support Coach

Support Coach

Coach

E-MAIL noreply@stepupomaha.com

Support Coach

Support Coach

Coach

E-MAIL noreply@stepupomaha.com

About Our Team

At Step-Up Omaha, our team is united by a shared commitment to helping young people access meaningful opportunities, build real-world skills, and discover what is possible for their future. We lead with care, consistency, and purpose—creating experiences that inspire growth, strengthen confidence, and connect youth to pathways that matter. Together, we do more than support a program. We help build futures, strengthen community, and invest in the next generation of leaders who will move Omaha forward.

Vision in ActionWe approach every role with intention and make sure each experience reflects growth, opportunity, and impact.
Youth at the CenterWe serve in a way that helps young people feel seen, supported, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.
Built for Lasting ImpactWe help create confidence, connections, exposure, and pathways that leave an effect well beyond one season.

Schools We Serve

Step-Up Omaha partners with schools across the city to help young people connect to career exposure, work experiences, and future opportunities.

We proudly connect with students across Omaha-area schools and continue building stronger pathways from education to opportunity.

Omaha Public High Schools

Benson
Bryan
Buena Vista
Burke
Central
North
Northwest
South
Westview

Millard Public High Schools

Millard North
Millard South
Millard West

Other Schools

Blackburn
Creighton Prep
Marian
Westside
Omaha Street School
Quest Forward Academy Omaha
Ralston
Roncalli

Grade and Middle Schools

All Saints
Beveridge
Bryan Middle
Buffett
Davis
Holy Name
King Science
Lewis & Clark
Marrs
McMillan
Monroe
Morton
Nathan Hale
Norris
Ralston
Sacred Heart

Is your school not listed?

Email us at
info@stepupomaha.com