United in purpose and passion, our team at Seventy Five North is dedicated to building pathways to intergenerational prosperity for everyone in the Highlander community. By fostering strong community partnerships and creating enriching experiences, we strive to uplift and empower every resident, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
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.
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 Education. 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 Highlander’s youth ecosystem from a holistic lens.
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 Education at Seventy Five North, Jimmi is dedicated to cultivating pathways to high-quality education opportunities in the Highlander neighborhood. She collaborates closely with the neighborhood elementary school, early learning center, and various community-based partners to foster a robust educational ecosystem that supports residents from cradle to career.
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, 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.
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 Marketing Coordinator, Hannah orchestrates a wide range of marketing, public relations, communications, and community engagement efforts. Her role amplifies Seventy Five North’s mission and enhances community connectivity within the vibrant Highlander neighborhood.
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 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.