Human Rights and Relations City of Omaha

Featured AAPI Artist: ...CIARA FORTUN...

Ciara Fortun is an Omaha-based freelance artist and designer whose work spans fashion, mixed media painting, tattoo design, cover art, and merchandise design. Known for her abstract, collage-style pieces inspired by music, dreams, faith, and personal reflection, Ciara’s work explores creativity, identity, and purpose through bold visuals and layered storytelling.

Featured AAPI Artist: Lew Lunbeck

Lew Lunbeck is an Omaha-based Impressionist painter, toy maker, and former art gallery proprietor whose passion for art began at a young age. After spending years traveling across the United States, riding freight trains, busking with his guitar, and living on the road, Lew returned to Omaha with a renewed focus on building a career through his art. His work reflects creativity, individuality, and a lifelong dedication to artistic expression.

Featured AAPI Artist: Makayla Leiting (Elem by ML)

Born in the Philippines and raised in Omaha, NE, Makayla is a Filipino-American fashion designer whose work blends contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling. Her designs draw inspiration from her Filipino heritage, art, travel, and timeless design while exploring identity, craftsmanship, and modern femininity.

The pieces featured in this year’s display incorporate handwoven textiles from Mindanao, Philippines, honoring generations of women artisans and the rich tradition of Filipino weaving. Through combining heritage fabrics with contemporary silhouettes, Makayla’s work celebrates culture, individuality, and the stories woven into each piece.

Featured AAPI Artist: Seng

Seng is a tattoo artist at Brightside Tattoos whose work blends bold creativity with striking visual storytelling. Alongside tattooing, Seng also creates incredible digital artwork that showcases their unique artistic style and perspective. We’re excited to feature their work as part of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month display!

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we have been privileged to host a celebration of the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities through this year’s display in the foyer of the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center. The display features artwork from talented local AAPI artists whose pieces highlighted creativity, culture, identity, and community.

Over the next few days, we will continue highlighting the featured artists in individual posts. Tomorrow is your last chance to stop by and experience the exhibit in person!

The ONEBiz staff has had the pleasure of working with the team at Rochelle's Notary Agency, a dedicated provider of compassionate mobile notary and document support services.

About the business: Built from the ground up with a focus on heart and entrepreneurship, Rochelle’s Notary Agency is founded on the principles of clarity, dignity, and convenience. As a growing Black-owned business, Rochelle is committed to mastering every facet of the industry while securing the support needed to thrive. By meeting clients wherever they are, she ensures that essential document services are handled with the love and care they deserve.

What they provide:
- Compassionate Mobile Notary: Professional document support that comes directly to you, making the process easy, comfortable, and completely stress-free.
- Accessible Document Support: Bringing clarity and dignity to every signing by meeting clients wherever they are.
- Strong Community Growth: A dedicated Black-owned business focused on excellence, networking, and building a legacy of service.

Rochelle’s Notary Agency knows that growth requires the right connections and visibility. Ronna, the owner said, "ONEBiz helps businesses like hers by providing networking opportunities and visibility into one very helpful organization."

Interested in connecting with ONEBiz? Whether you are just starting out or expanding your reach, we provide the efficiency and SEB growth opportunities you need to succeed.

Find us here: https://onebiz.cityofomaha.org/

The ONEBiz staff has had the pleasure of working with the team at Lavender Lane Laundry, a leader in providing laundry solutions for the community.

About the business: Started in early 2026, Lavender Lane Laundry was created to provide busy mothers with a reliable laundry service that restores time and reduces stress. More than just a service, they are a community-focused business that gives back 10% of their proceeds to support mothers in need. Every load is handled with care and calm, turning a daily chore into a meaningful act of community support.

What they provide:
- Stress-Free Laundry Services: High-quality care designed to give mothers back their most precious resource: time.
- Community Impact: A dedicated mission to support mothers in need through a 10% give-back initiative.
- Reliability: A service built on the values of purpose, care, and showing up for the community.

"One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome is building Lavender Lane Laundry from the ground up while navigating uncertainty, limited resources, and balancing multiple responsibilities. Through that process, I’ve learned to stay rooted in purpose, trust the timing, and keep showing up even when things feel unclear." — Desree Coleman, Owner

Lavender Lane Laundry knows that growth requires the right connections and a strong support system. ONEBiz helps businesses like theirs by condensing City of Omaha resources, procurement assistance, and SEB growth opportunities into one very helpful organization.

Interested in connecting with ONEBiz? Whether you are just starting out or expanding your reach, we provide the efficiency you need to succeed.

Find us here: https://onebiz.cityofomaha.org/

Numbers tell a story, and Omaha’s story is one of growth. 📈

Through the Economic Sustainability Program (ESP), we aren't just checking boxes for National Apprenticeship Week. We’re building a foundation for the future of our workforce 👷

🏗️ ¡Atención SEBs y Contratistas en Omaha!

¿Quieres saber cómo hacer negocios con la Ciudad de Omaha? Esta es tu oportunidad.

La Ciudad de Omaha y la United Hispanic Contractors Association (UHCA), tienen el placer de invitarle a nuestro próximo Evento de Networking para aprender cómo hacer negocios con la Ciudad de Omaha.

Este encuentro es una oportunidad única para conectar con los diferentes departamentos de la Ciudad que solicitan servicios para proyectos.

🔍 ¿Qué aprenderás?
🔸 Cómo conectar con departamentos clave (Parques, Obras Públicas, Planeación, ONEBiz y más).
🔸 Requisitos para participar en programas de contratistas.
🔸 Procesos para solicitar permisos y licencias esenciales.

📅 Jueves, 23 de abril de 2026
🕔 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 Kiewit Construction (1450 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE)

🚀 ¡Regístrate hoy mismo!

📲 Por teléfono: (531) 333-4646
🤳 Escanea el código QR en la imagen adjunta.

Are you or someone you know facing, or at risk of, eviction? Join us for a Housing and Eviction Information Night on Thursday, April 9 from 5:30–7:30 PM at Together (2419 Leavenworth St). Hear from local legal experts, learn about your rights as a tenant, and get connected to helpful resources. Free and open to the public, with food and drinks provided with sign up. Sign up via the link in comments or QR code on the flyer.