Willie Barney

About Willie Barney

Willie Barney is the Founder, President, and Facilitator of the Empowerment Network. The…

Experience

1. Founder and President

   Empowerment Network

   Jun 2006 — Present · Omaha, NE, US

   Willie Barney is the Founder, President, and Facilitator of the Empowerment Network. The Network is a collaborative of residents, leaders, and organizations working to facilitate positive change in Omaha, Nebraska and other cities across the country. Formed in September 2006 and officially launched on April 27, 2007, the Network works collectively to improve the economic condition and quality of life for African-Americans, North Omaha residents and citizens in the Greater Omaha area. The Empowerment Network Collaborative is one of the catalysts in Omaha that has helped to increase high school and college graduation rates; reduce unemployment; decrease gun violence; generate hundreds of millions of dollars in community revitalization investments; increase access to health care and healthy foods; and, launch the rebirth of an African-American centered arts, culture, entertainment, and business district. The movement has evolved into a nationally recognized approach for community engagement, collaboration, capacity-building and leadership development with a focus on transforming Omaha into a GREAT city, in every zip code and neighborhood! The comprehensive community-based development organization has launched major initiatives with measurable outcomes. Hundreds of organizations and thousands of residents have participated in the groundbreaking approach. The group, under the leadership of Barney, has launched major initiatives with measurable outcomes and results including: Omaha 360 Violence Intervention and Prevention Collaborative North Omaha Village Zone Revitalization Plan Transformation 2025: Empower Omaha! North Omaha 2025: Empower North Omaha Christmas in the Village at 24th and Lake African-American Leadership Conference Omaha African-American Male Achievement Collaborative North Omaha Cradle to Career Education Collaborative Pastors & Faith Leaders Adopt-A-Block Initiative Advance Omaha: Diversity and Inclusion

Education

• Northwestern University

  Leadership Institute

  1999 — 1999

• St. Ambrose University

  Bachelor's degree

  1986 — 1990

• Harvard University

  Leadership Institute

  2004 — 2004