Meet Our Team
Sharlon Rodgers
President & CEO
Sharlon Rodgers
President & CEO
Sharlon is a seasoned administrator with over 25 years of experience, leading several multi-million-dollar expansions, renovations, and health system regulatory compliance and risk management. Post-Covid, Sharlon pursued her passion for mission-driven work related to the broader social determinants of health. This led her to the current role as President and CEO of 75 North Revitalization Corporation.
Sharlon’s dedication extends to civic commitments, including the current chair of the Omaha Municipal Land Bank and the Omaha Performing Arts board. Other recent community leadership included chair and advisor roles for the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee, the American Cancer Society board chair, and Omaha Children’s Museum board member.
Sharlon holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a master’s from the University of Nebraska’s Executive MBA program. In her spare time, she enjoys time with friends and traveling. She is married to Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rodgers and is the proud mother of two sons, Ellis and Evan.
Jimmi Watts
Director of Operations and Strategic Partnerships
Jimmi Watts
Director of Operations and Strategic Partnerships
After working at Howard Kennedy Elementary, Highlander’s neighborhood elementary school, our team was fortunate to welcome Jimmi Watts as Seventy Five North’s Director of Operations and Strategic Partnerships. After working closely with the Seventy Five North team during her six years at Kennedy, Jimmi was invigorated by the tremendous potential for supporting neighborhood families by shifting out of the school and focusing on bolstering neighborhood-level interventions.
Jimmi’s tenure at Howard Kennedy was a significant chapter in her impactful 19-year career with Omaha Public Schools. After moving to Omaha in 2003, the Winner, SD native taught Special Education, Kindergarten, and Math intervention, eventually rising to the role of Dean of Students at Howard Kennedy Elementary.
As the Director of Operations and Strategic Partnerships at Seventy Five North, Jimmi is dedicated to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization and cultivating strategic partnerships that support long-term growth and sustainability. She works to develop and nurture key partnerships with external stakeholders, donors, and community leaders to enhance the organization’s impact and reach.
In addition to her primary role, Jimmi, a natural leader and go-getter, manages various internal organizational operations, including financial and data management. She also facilitates Seventy Five North’s involvement with the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant and actively participates in the Purpose Built Communities (PBC) network, where she supports up-and-coming education directors and participates in the PBC Education Community of Practice.
Jimmi holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of South Dakota. She furthered her education with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University, followed by additional graduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned a degree as an Elementary Math Specialist. Additionally, Jimmi holds a certificate in English as a Second Language and is certified to teach K-12 in this domain.
Outside of her professional life, Jimmi enjoys watching sports and never misses a chance to wear her team colors on game day for the Minnesota Vikings, Husker volleyball, or Creighton University men’s basketball. She also loves spending time in the garden and with her husband of 16 years, Ed.
Kashya Burrell
Director of Community Relations
Kashya Burrell
Director of Community Relations
Kashya Burrell, an Omaha, Nebraska native, graduated from Ralston High School and then attended The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) as a first-generation college student. While on an academic scholarship through the Young Scholars program, she earned her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Real Estate and Management.
Kashya began her professional career as an administrative support for a private real estate broker in Downtown Omaha. During her final semester at UNO, she served as the Community Development intern at Seventy Five North. After graduating, she was offered a full-time position as the Program Coordinator and later transitioned to her current role as the Community Relations Director. In this role, Kashya leads strategic community partnerships and sustainability initiatives, working to create enriching experiences for the Highlander neighborhood. She is also a proud board member of Learning for ALL, a nonprofit focusing on adult basic education services, GED preparation, and English as a second language learners.
In her free time, Kashya enjoys exploring various coffee shops in the Omaha metro area with her friends. She also prioritizes rest, relaxation, and connection with friends and family through activities like watching movies or shows, playing board games, or simply lounging and catching up on life.
Hannah Grenewich
Communications and Engagement Manager
Hannah Grenewich
Communications and Engagement Manager
With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology from Creighton University, and as a first-generation college student from Minnesota, Hannah has embarked on a journey that blends her academic foundation with her drive for community development and connection.
Transitioning to Seventy Five North, Hannah started as a Practicum Student, collaborating closely with the Omaha Housing Authority to support former residents of Spencer Homes as they navigate relocation. In this role, Hannah developed orientation procedures and created essential case management resources for Omaha Housing Authority case managers.
As the organization’s Communications and Engagement Manager, Hannah works with her colleagues to orchestrate the organization’s strategic communication efforts and community engagement initiatives. She is responsible for designing and executing communication plans that amplify Seventy Five North’s mission and programs and assists in the organization of neighborhood events. She also co-facilitates the Highlander Resident Committee and works with neighbors to lead neighborhood initiatives.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Hannah finds joy in hiking, indulging in a good book or puzzle, spending time with family and friends, and listening to people tell their stories and geek out about their passions.
Erin Crnkovich
Office Manager
Erin Crnkovich
Office Manager
Erin has worked in various administrative roles, including as a Juvenile Court bailiff and the Operations Manager at an environmental nonprofit. She was drawn to Seventy-Five North by the organization’s deep commitment to and pride in the Highlander neighborhood and its residents. As the Office Manager and Assistant to the CEO, she provides essential support and brings a sense of well-ordered chaos to the team. Erin is constantly impressed by the knowledge, passion, and kindness of her coworkers.
Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in German Studies from Macalester College and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon, where she focused on the intersection of food, culture, and the environment. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and pretending to help her husband in their garden.
LaDaysia Smith
Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator
LaDaysia Smith
Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator
LaDaysia Smith is passionate about building relationships, sharing authentic stories, and creating spaces where communities can connect and grow stronger together. As Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator at Seventy Five North, she works alongside Highlander residents to cultivate meaningful connections, organize engagement initiatives, and work alongside neighbors to ensure community voices shape neighborhood programs and events.
A proud Omaha native, LaDaysia earned her degree in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Community and Regional City Planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Throughout her academic and professional journey, she has developed a deep understanding of how storytelling and communication can bridge gaps and strengthen communities. She has gained hands-on experience in social media management, design, and outreach through internships with Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the Nebraska Football Team, and the Metropolitan Utilities District.
Her ability to connect with diverse communities extends beyond Omaha. While studying abroad in Kigali, Rwanda, LaDaysia served as a Communications Liaison, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and deepening her relationship-building skills. She also led as Chapter President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., bringing people together through events, advocacy, and service.
LaDaysia’s passion for community is reflected in all aspects of her life. She enjoys volunteering at local gardens, capturing the vibrancy of Omaha’s historic 24th Street, and spending time with family. She also finds inspiration in reading, writing poetry, and exploring new recipes.