The Bloc, Inc

Second Sprinkle of Gratitude: We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals and businesses who contributed to making our very first auction possible. Your generosity and support have been instrumental in making this event truly unforgettable. Special thanks Dr. Sriram Ramaswamy for your unwavering support and the Breckenridge Getaway. Our gratitude also goes out to Salserodelante Productions for bringing flair and flavor, Sakoon the Spa for creating a haven of relaxation, and Jenny Simpson at Refresh Ashland for adding a rejuvenating touch. Dr. Syed Haqqi, Mirela Coric and Amarela Okanovic. Brian Jackson, your contributions are sincerely valued, and last but not least @Le Voltaire's Chef Wilson for our dinner for 8, and Markeisha Kluth at Salon 114! Thank you all for making this event such a memorable success. Thank you to Monica Sempek for these beautiful photos. To submit a nomination for 2025, visit our website at www.50over50ne.com. You will receive an email notification once the remaining photos are available. To stay updated, subscribe at www.50over50ne.com.

The Bloc attended the Ethics Space event hosted by the Business Ethics Alliance at Creighton University's Heider College of Business. The keynote speaker, an investigative reporter John Carreyrou from the Wall Street Journal and author of Bad Blood on the Theranos scandal, shared powerful insights into the intimidation tactics used to silence witnesses. In the afternoon, a dynamic panel of journalists, moderated by Kristi Andersen, explored the critical role of media in America. The event was thought-provoking, emphasizing the importance of ethics, journalism, and corporate responsibility in today’s complex world. Thank you for having us and thank you to the team AnnMarie Marlier, Ph.D., Shannon Underwood Dr. Syed Hamza Haqqi, Ed.D. for such great work! We ran into two of 50 Over 50 NE alumni, Madeline Moyer, Aileen Warren (not pictured), and Jim Hegarty who received the Beacon of Ethics award! Congratulations!

We are deeply grateful for the incredible experience we had yesterday at the Global Women’s Forum, hosted by Marco Kpeglo LeRoc. Marco, this event was a beautiful tribute to all women on International Women’s Day. Thank you for your generosity in providing scholarships that allowed our Personal Board of Directors alumni to attend. Your commitment to fostering relationships and human connections is truly inspiring. A special shoutout to Alejandra Wells, our 20 Under 20 award recipient, Personal Board of Directors alumna, and founder of Hiya, who gave a powerful talk on health and wellness. She spoke with incredible authenticity about mental health and the importance of checking in on the people around us. Alejandra, your openness and sincerity were deeply moving, and it’s clear you already understand the immense power of being true to yourself. It was also wonderful to reconnect with Dr. LeDonna White Griffin and Sandy Spady 50 Over 50 NE award recipients. What an incredible way to bridge the gap between youth and true community. It was wonderful to see some known faces and meet new ones! Thank you all for an unforgettable day filled with inspiration, connection, and reflection. #gratitude #inspiration #humanconnection

Happy International Women's Day from all of us at The Bloc! ?? Today, we pause to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and brilliance of women around the world. Every day, women are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and inspiring change in every corner of society. Their contributions shape the fabric of our communities, fuel progress, and light the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future. At The Bloc, we honor the countless women who lead with courage, creativity, and compassion. We stand proudly in solidarity with women everywhere, committed to advancing equality, empowerment, and opportunity for all. Let’s continue to celebrate, uplift, and support one another—because when women rise, we all rise. Here’s to progress, unity, and a world where every woman has the freedom to shine, thrive, and lead. ??? #internationalwomensday #omaha #leadingwithcourage #community

Nominations have been extended for The Bloc’s 20 Under 20 Nebraska Awards. This award highlights young individuals who are making a significant impact in their schools and communities by demonstrating leadership, innovation, and dedication in various fields. Categories include: · Leadership · Arts & Entrepreneurship · Academics · Community Involvement · Athletics The deadline to nominate has been extended to March 10, 2025! Click here to nominate a deserving young individual: https://lnkd.in/eyecTKeK #omaha #omahanebraska #20under20NE

Alejandra Wells, 2024 20 Under 20 NE Distinguished Award recipient, is the founder of Hiya, an online jewelry boutique promoting teen mental health. She started Hiya as a sophomore to cope with anxiety and depression and later expanded her mission to help others. Hiya’s “Buy One, Give One” model donates a bracelet to a teen in need for each sale. The initiative includes the "Check on Your People" campaign and partnerships with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters. Alejandra also launched Hiya the Magazine to further raise mental health awareness. Nominations are now open for The Bloc’s 20 Under 20 Nebraska Awards. This award highlights young individuals who are making a significant impact in their schools and communities by demonstrating leadership, innovation, and dedication in various fields. Categories include: · Leadership · Arts & Entrepreneurship · Academics · Community Involvement · Athletics The deadline to nominate is February 28, 2025! Click here to nominate a deserving young individual: https://bit.ly/3CypIIa #omaha #omahanebraska #20under20NE

Nominations are now open for The Bloc’s 20 Under 20 Nebraska Awards. This award highlights young individuals who are making a significant impact in their schools and communities by demonstrating leadership, innovation, and dedication in various fields. Categories include: · Leadership · Arts & Entrepreneurship · Academics · Community Involvement · Athletics The deadline to nominate is February 28, 2025! Click here to nominate a deserving young individual: https://bit.ly/3CypIIa

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his pivotal role in advancing civil rights and social justice. His commitment to equality, nonviolence, and community continues to inspire efforts toward a more just and inclusive society. As we reflect on his impact, we are reminded of the importance of working together to create positive change. #MLKDay

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Michele Manger to The Bloc’s Board of Directors! With her wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for improving the lives of caregivers and seniors, Michele brings an invaluable perspective to our team. Her journey as a family caregiver and her extensive background in the Senior Living industry make her uniquely qualified to help us address the complexities of aging and caregiving. Michele’s deep understanding of the challenges caregivers face, along with her commitment to empowering them to not only cope but thrive, will be a guiding light for our mission. Her impressive academic credentials, including an M.B.A., a Masters Certification in Gerontology, and ongoing Ph.D. studies at UNO, are a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning. Her certification as a Life Coach, Dementia Practitioner, and Conscious Aging Facilitator, combined with her role as an Adjunct Professor at Creighton University, enriches our board with both expertise and a forward-thinking perspective. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michele has demonstrated her passion for supporting others through her volunteer work with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Dreamweaver Foundation. Her Inspired Caring podcast and coaching programs continue to inspire and educate, helping caregivers and families navigate their journeys with grace and resilience. Michele’s personal story of caregiving for her grandmothers and in-laws and her experiences with aging family members give her a profound empathy and insight into the challenges faced by so many. She’s a natural leader, and we are confident that her unique perspective will help The Bloc continue to grow and evolve in our mission to support caregivers and families. Welcome to The Bloc, Michele! We are so excited to work alongside you and are grateful for the passion, expertise, and heart you bring to our board. #WelcomeMichelle #TheBlocBoard #CaregiverSupport #AgingJourney #EmpoweringCaregivers #SeniorLiving #Gerontology #DementiaCare #InspiredCaring #CaregiverWellness #ConsciousAging #FamilyCaregiving #SeniorCareAdvocacy #CaregiverThrive #BoardMemberSpotlight #CommunityLeadership #AgingWithGrace #CaregivingJourney #LifelongLearning #MakingADifference

Wishing you healthy and prosperous 2025 Happy New Year! ??????