In 2026, Spark will host THREE Developer Academies across Nebraska, expanding opportunities for community-minded developers to learn, connect, and build where it matters most.
Save the dates and sign up to receive a notification when applications open two months before each Academy. You can also review what information is needed so you are ready to apply.
The Fremont Developer Academy applications are officially open
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, this is your chance to dive into community development, build real skills, and be part of work that truly strengthens neighborhoods.
• Applications open: February 9 – March 13 • Academy dates: April 27 – May 1
You are cordially invited to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 2 of The North Omaha Trail.
Please join us as we mark this important milestone and celebrate continued investment in North Omaha’s future.
April 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM
26th St & Lake St, Omaha, NE 68111
We look forward to your presence at this important moment for the North Omaha community.
Take a look at our updated
Advocacy page!
We’re excited to share Spark’s updated Advocacy page, designed to highlight how we’re shaping policy, elevating community voices, and transforming Omaha through action.
Our new Legislative Bill Tracker offers a transparent, easy-to-navigate look at the housing and community development bills we’re following this session, including measures that impact urban policy, accessibility, and equitable growth across Nebraska.
You’ll also find resources for advocating throughout a bill’s lifetime, tips for testifying at hearings, and guides for connecting with your elected officials.
We’re excited to introduce Annette Silence as our new Urban Design Outreach Coordinator!
A proud Omaha native, Annette was born and raised right here in the community she calls home. After spending ten years in Orlando, Florida, she returned to Omaha twenty years ago and has been deeply engaged in community involvement ever since.
Annette joins Spark after an incredible 18-year career with an organization where she worked closely with individuals throughout the community, an experience that was both fulfilling and impactful. She’s eager to bring that same passion for service and connection to her role at Spark CDI.
Outside of work, Annette is an avid walker who starts each day with a 5 to 7-mile walk, her favorite way to stay grounded and energized.
We’re thrilled for the energy, experience, and heart Annette brings to our team and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in our neighborhoods.
We’re thrilled to introduce Sha’lise Oliver, who joins Spark with an impressive background in civil engineering and a deep-rooted passion for community development.
A proud Omaha North High graduate (Class of 2020) and alumna of North Carolina A&T State University, Sha’lise earned her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, summa cum laude, in 2024. She’s now pursuing her master’s in City and Regional Planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on housing and community development.
Sha’lise brings hands-on experience from Burlington Capital, HDR, and Crescent Communities, where she contributed to real estate projects, infrastructure planning, and community engagement. From supporting multimillion-dollar development proposals and analyzing grant opportunities to creating site layouts and conducting stakeholder interviews, her work reflects both technical expertise and heart for people.
Her passion for community development is rooted in her Omaha upbringing and a strong commitment to equity. Currently, her graduate research explores how housing instability affects students in Omaha Public Schools, with the goal of improving collaboration between schools and housing systems.
Sha’lise believes that every person deserves to live in a community that is safe, supportive, and built with care, a belief that perfectly aligns with Spark’s mission.
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sha’lise and can’t wait to see the energy, insight, and innovation she brings to our work in Omaha’s neighborhoods.
Help us welcome Sha’lise to the Spark family! Send her a note, a warm welcome, or a word of encouragement at sha’lise@sparkcdi.org.
Help us welcome Mandy Aleksiak to the Spark family!
We’re excited to introduce Mandy, our new Executive Assistant, and a nonprofit operations professional with more than 20 years of experience supporting teams, systems, and the people they serve. Mandy joins Spark after an impactful career working at the intersection of administration, customer experience, and mission delivery, most recently as Director of Audience Services for The Rose.
Mandy is deeply people-oriented and brings a strong commitment to collaboration, clear communication, and thoughtful problem-solving. She has a gift for bringing order, warmth, and care to complex work, all while keeping people at the center.
She’s excited to join Spark and contribute to efforts that strengthen neighborhoods and build community, and we’re grateful to have her talents and heart on our team.
