Staff, Alumni Recognized in 2022 TOYO! List

Six Mavericks were among the 10 individuals recently recognized as “Ten Young Outstanding Omahans” (TOYO) by the Omaha Jaycees. Vetted from hundreds of applicants, these young professionals, ages 21 through 40, have shown that they are committed to improving the Omaha community through acts of kindness while excelling in their professional careers.

One of the recipients is Josefina Loza, a UNO alumna and manager of student publications at UNO, overseeing the student-run Gateway newspaper.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by the Omaha Jaycees as a Ten Outstanding Young Omahans! recipient,” Loza said. “I'm elated. I'm soaring the universe right now. I'm so incredibly grateful because this is just the start.”

Loza’s engagement in the community extends to serving as the vice president of marketing and public relations for the Midlands African Chamber, the communications director for the Global Leadership Africa Summit, and the public relations manager for The Bloc’s “50 Over 50 NE” awards ceremony.

Loza said also hopes to uplift the community by assisting businesses. She established Lozafina, LLC in 2020 to help small businesses bolster their online presence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and became a founding member of the Midlands African Chamber Inc, which serves businesses in African and African American communities.

“I have nothing but gratitude for all of those close friends, colleagues, family members, and clients who believed in my journey,” Loza said.

Congratulations to all our Maverick honorees!

Noelle Obermeyer- (Alumna - Political Science)

Andrea Kathol- (Alumna - Public Administration)

Keegan Korf- (Alumna - Communications, Journalism)

Josh Gillman- (Alumnus - History, International Studies)

Bri Schuler- (Alumna - Nonprofit Management)

Anayeli Martinez Real- (UNO Project Achieve Alumna)