UNO Student Ayva Swift Receives the 2026 Marian Ivers Community Service Leadership Award

Omaha, NE – For Ayva Swift, community service began long before she arrived at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Growing up in Syracuse, Nebraska, she spent much of her childhood volunteering alongside her father at the Dunbar Volunteer Fire Department. Just days after turning 16, she officially joined the department as a firefighter, becoming one of only two women serving at the time.

Over the next four and a half years, Swift responded to emergency calls, assisted with administrative responsibilities, and helped organize community fundraisers. The experience taught her that meaningful service often requires personal sacrifice, whether that meant missing time with friends or leaving activities to respond to emergencies.

Her commitment to serving others continued throughout high school. Through Students of Service, Swift traveled across the Midwest to work alongside local organizations, learning about the communities she served and the importance of understanding their needs. She also volunteered as a Dollars for Scholars ambassador, helping students from her hometown learn about scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

At UNO, Swift has continued to build on those experiences through leadership roles and community engagement. She currently serves as Director of Integrity for the Student Government Association, Vice President of the UNO Pre-Law Society, and Vice President of Administration for Zeta Tau Alpha. Through these positions, she advocates for student interests, expands access to educational and professional opportunities, and helps create supportive environments where others can succeed.

Her involvement with Zeta Tau Alpha has also provided opportunities to support breast cancer education and awareness. Swift has participated in fundraising efforts that raised more than $10,000 in one semester, along with community events and activities benefiting individuals and families affected by cancer.

Most recently, Swift completed more than 450 hours of AmeriCorps service with Conservation Nebraska in Omaha. During her summer of service, she worked to make environmental education and conservation resources more accessible, developed community partnerships, and helped connect Nebraskans with opportunities to engage in environmental initiatives.

Her interest in advocacy and conservation extends into her professional experiences. As a legal intern with Cedar Tree Native Law, Swift has developed a growing interest in Tribal law and sovereignty. She is also completing an externship with National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy, exploring how mapping technology and environmental storytelling can support community-led conservation efforts.

Following graduation, Swift hopes to spend time working in conservation in the Rocky Mountains before attending law school. Her long-term goal is to pursue a legal career focused on Tribal law or energy and natural resources law, using her education and experience to advocate for communities and protect natural resources.

Inspired by Marian Ivers' legacy of service and leadership, Swift believes making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Instead, it begins with showing up for others, understanding community needs, and creating opportunities for those around us.

Swift is a senior honors student in UNO's College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Philosophy with minors in Sustainability and Native American Studies.