Anahí Salazar Angulo is the Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. She is committed to making the state of Nebraska the best place for kids to grow up in and live full healthy lives. She believes in the impact of community collaboration and advocacy, at any age. With a background in education and non-profit work, Anahí strives to be a support for community leaders who are helping bring justice and equity to Nebraska.
Ronette Steffes is the Finance Director at Voices for Children. Ronette has worked in Non-Profit Accounting and Administration for the past 20 years. Ronette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Bellevue University. In her free time Ronette enjoys camping and spending time with her family, which includes her husband Paul, their three daughters, three grandsons, and three grand pups.
Juliet is passionate about equity, justice, and getting our systems right for kids. She has been an elementary school teacher, a public defender, an education rights attorney, and previously served as the Policy Coordinator for Voices for Children for six years specializing in child welfare and juvenile justice. Juliet, her husband Matt, and their three kids like to spend their time out and about at baseball games and theater performances or lounging at home with their two wild puppies and bossy three-legged cat.
Josh Shirk is the Research Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. Josh recently graduated from UNO with a Ph.D. in public administration. His research has appeared in Administration & Society and Community Development. His primary role with Voices for Children is the yearly publication Kids Count. In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time with his two children, playing pick-up basketball, and reading continental philosophy.
Katie Nungesser is a Policy Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. She is passionate about helping others share their stories and centering individuals with lived experience. She believes that those directly affected by social challenges should have a seat at the decision- making table, as their perspectives are invaluable in shaping effective and inclusive solutions. Katie is guided by her compassion and her own lived experience. In addition, she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Nebraska Wesleyan University and has 15 years of nonprofit experience. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her daughter and taking road trips.
Nia Williams joined the Voices for Children in Nebraska team in 2023 as the Youth & Family Engagement Coordinator.
She brings 20 years of progressive experience working with at-risk and justice-involved youth to the role — challenging them to make more positive behavioral and academic choices.
Nia earned her bachelor’s degree in child protection and juvenile justice from Bellevue University and her master’s degree in criminal justice/criminology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
She specializes in youth advocacy in the areas of behavioral/cognitive skills development, education and academic counseling, family dynamics, violence prevention and vocation/employment.
Jade Valenzuela is the Office Coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska. She first joined the VFC team as a spring intern during her senior year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in public health. In describing her work, Jade says, “Building new relationships and connections within my community has been a lifelong passion of mine. I find the greatest joy in working towards improving the lives of those around me, as these efforts align with my mission of creating a better tomorrow, starting today.”
Samantha is the Fund Development and Marketing Manager at Voices for Children in Nebraska. She was born and raised in a small town in central Nebraska and is passionate about advocating for policies that make Nebraska a more equitable place to live and raise a family. Her love of learning has led her to Bellevue University, where she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Human Services. Samantha lives with two sassy Great Danes, her husband, three children, and mother-in-law. When she isn’t working, she enjoys attending her children’s sporting events, show choir and musical performances, and other activities.
