Gratitude Gala 2025
Join us for the 2025 Gratitude Gala & Awards, an inspiring evening celebrating the individuals, businesses, and organizations that uplift the Midlands African Chamber, Inc. through leadership, mentorship, and community support. We’ll honor those who champion diversity, promote inclusion, and help build a vibrant and inclusive business community. Come be part of a night that recognizes the people making a lasting impact.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Location: Metropolitan Community College Institute for the Culinary Arts
5370 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111
Honorary Co-Chairs
Carol Russell
Honorary Co-Chair
Bio
Carol Russell
Carol Russell is a dedicated community leader and longtime advocate for medical research and nonprofit service in Nebraska. With degrees in Zoology, Chemistry, and Pathology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, she began her career as a medical technologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Carol was a founding member of Nebraskans for Research, supporting stem cell research at a critical time, and continues to champion healthcare and science through her work with the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures. Her volunteerism spans numerous organizations, including the Nebraska Community Foundation, Prevent Blindness Nebraska, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Alliance, and the Nebraska Legislative Task Force on Human Trafficking. A resident of Omaha, she has served on the Foundation board since 2002 and is married to Rick Russell, President of Millard Lumber.
Darrell Black
Honorary Co-Chair
Bio
Darell T. Black
Darell T. Black is an accomplished IT leader, he is an Associate Director for Process Consulting-Kyndryl Holdings, with extensive experience in operations management, business transformation, and project execution. He has a proven track record of driving efficiency and growth through strategic planning, process improvements, and talent acquisition. Darell specializes in leveraging data-driven insights to address complex organizational challenges and has successfully led initiatives such as consolidating billing formats for over 209 agencies within five months. His strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable asset in the IT industry.
Winsley Durand
Honorary Co-Chair
Bio
Winsley Durand
Winsley Durand serves as the Senior Director of Diversity and Economic Inclusion at MCL Construction, where he leads initiatives to grow the participation of small, minority-owned, and emerging businesses in the construction industry. With over two decades of experience in economic development, Winsley spent 18 years at the Greater Omaha Chamber, where he launched and directed the nationally recognized REACH Initiative. The program provided over 8,500 hours of training and mentorship, helping contractors scale their businesses and earn certifications, and was honored with the IEDC Gold Award for Equity and Inclusion. He also held key leadership roles in member services, entrepreneurship, and supplier diversity. Winsley is a long-time instructor for the Illinois Basic Economic Development Course, where he has trained more than 1,500 professionals. His contributions have earned him multiple awards, including Omaha’s 40 Under 40, the MLK Jr. Award, and the Aspire to Inspire Award from the City of Omaha.Your Support, Their Future
Sponsoring the Gratitude Gala is more than an act of generosity - it’s a bold commitment to equity, empowerment, and progress. Your partnership with the Midlands African Chamber directly supports programs that uplift underserved entrepreneurs and emerging leaders across our community.
Through your sponsorship, you help fund transformative initiatives like Suit Up, Rising CEOs, the MAC Scholarships, MAC-Xcelerator, UMOJA Forum, and other essential resources that provide mentorship, access to capital, and opportunities for growth.
Together, we’ll celebrate excellence, inspire innovation, and open doors for the next generation of changemakers. Join us in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future - starting now.
Support the 2025 Gratitude Gala as a Sponsor
Click the button below to become an event sponsor. To learn more about event sponsorship, contact the Midlands African Chamber, Inc at [email protected].
- Premium branding on event materials
- Employee engagement opportunities (award presentations, volunteering, etc.)
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- Name on six (06) MAC Foundation Scholarship Awards
- Full page ad in digital program - 5.5" wide x 8.5" deep
- Reserved table of 10 with VIP seating
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
- Midlands African Chamber, Inc’s website listing with logo
- Employee engagement opportunities
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- 1/2 page ad in digital program - 5.5" wide x 4.25" deep
- Table for 10 at Gratitude Gala
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
- MAC Foundation, Inc’s website listing with logo
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteering, etc.)
- 1/2 page ad in digital program - 5.5" wide x 4.25" deep
- Table for 10 at Gratitude Gala
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
- Midlands African Chamber, Inc’s website listing with logo
- Bronze Sponsor for Gratitude Gala
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- 1/4 page ad in digital program - 2.75" wide x 4.25" deep
- 6 registrations Gratitude Gala
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
- Midlands African Chamber, Inc’s website listing with logo
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- Premium seating for 10 for Gratitude Gala
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
- Midlands African Chamber, Inc’s website listing with logo
- Premium Seating for 10 people at the Gratitude Gala
- Branded table tent with your company name/logo displayed on your sponsored table
Make a direct impact by investing in the future of a rising leader.
Your sponsorship includes:
- $1,000 directly awarded as a scholarship to a deserving recipient
- $200 allocated to support scholarship program administration
- Recognition from the podium during the Gratitude Gala
- Company name featured on the official scholarship certificate.
Support education. Empower dreams.
Beverage Sponsor – $2,500
- Exclusive branding on the beverage station
- Recognition as the official Beverage Sponsor during the Gratitude Gala
- Company logo prominently displayed on beverage table signage
Auctions Sponsor – $1,000
- Recognition as the official Auctions Sponsor
- Company logo featured on all auction-related signage at the event
Donate Auction Items such as gift certificates for the following:
- Luxury Travel & Getaways
- Dining & Culinary Experiences
- Health, Wellness & Spa
- Arts, Culture & Entertainment
- Family & Kids Experiences
- Fashion & Lifestyle
- Business & Professional Development
- Sports & Recreation
- Wine Beverages
Support our Mission
By supporting the Midlands African Chamber, you’re investing in inclusive entrepreneurship and economic growth. Your contribution helps us provide programs, mentorship, and opportunities that empower underrepresented communities and build a stronger, more equitable future.
