Welcome to CIRA Scope—news and insights focused on the work, initiatives and impact of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA). CIRA Scope offers a closer look for you to observe and zoom in on the people, partnerships, and progress happening in immigrant and refugee communities.
New program advances professional development and civic engagement skills for immigrant and refugee leaders
April 3, 2026
OMAHA, Neb. — Immigrant and refugee leaders throughout the Omaha community are cultivating professional development through the new program: MyCity Greater Omaha.
MyCity Greater Omaha, or MyCity GO, was born through a collaboration with the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) and the Greater Omaha Chamber. Its goal is to advance civic engagement and leadership among the 25 participants.
The free, eight-week program offers hands-on learning for participants to understand how civic systems work, build further leadership skills and confidence, and make meaningful connections with other leaders and organizations in the community.
Hellen Okwir came to the first class with her children, since childcare was provided for participants. She has been a business leader in Omaha for years, and she looks forward to expanding her skills and professional development.
“This program helps me meet new people, talk about the community, and support each other. I know that I am not alone. This program teaches me that I have a voice and I am strong,” Okwir said.
More than 40 people applied for the opportunity to be a member of MyCity GO’s first class. Of those, 25 were chosen based on their propensity for community engagement, open to learning opportunities, and willing to apply lessons to their professional lives. Other qualified applicants were put on a waitlist for the next cohort.
“When immigrant leaders are more connected and able to fully participate and contribute their talents, it strengthens the city and expands shared prosperity for all,” said Khenda Mustafa, CIRA Director of Community Engagement.
Mustafa added the guiding principles of MyCity GO include representation, accessibility, collaboration, empowerment, and sustainability. Although this is the first class in Omaha, it follows the structure of a similar program in Lincoln.
Mayme Myint, CIRA Resettlement and Placement Supervisor, graduated from that program in Lincoln, My City Academy, last year.
“Before this program, I knew Lincoln was a great place to live, but now I truly understand the heart of our local government and the service available to all of us,” she said. “I met so many friendly people from different backgrounds. We started as strangers and ended up a community. I feel empowered as a leader and neighbor.”
The program runs for about eight weeks, from March 25 through May 20, 2026. Each week, participants will focus on a different topic.
“When we intentionally expand who participates in civic life, we strengthen our workforce, grow our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and drive long-term economic vitality. Increasing opportunity for a key demographic through this program is a civic priority as well as an economic strategy for sustained growth,” said Heath Mello, President & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. wrote a letter of support for the program, calling it an opportunity that “provides to foster a more welcoming and inclusive Omaha.”
Upon completion of the program, participants are eligible to receive a $500 stipend and $1000 scholarship for continued professional development. Those who were interested in participating but were not chosen for this round may apply for the next cohort.
In 2022, Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center merged, and the combined nonprofit organization is now CIRA, the Center for Immigrant & Refugee Advancement. Our diverse team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate legal representation, refugee services, and social work services. We take on the most complex immigration cases, resettle refugees from around the world, and ensure all clients have access to resources they need to live. Operating in 6 different offices from Council Bluffs to Scottsbluff, our team of more than 100 full-time employees helps communities welcome immigrants and refugees as they build their lives here. We assist with all forms of family and humanitarian-based immigration, and we never turn any family away due to inability to pay.
To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.
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