Raising Justice

During Native American Heritage Month, host Juliet Summers welcomes Misty Flowers to the podcast to discuss her role as a child welfare policy advocate for Native children and families. Tune in to learn more about a recent Nebraska law recognizing tribal customary adoptions, the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act, and other ways we can help ensure that Native children and families in our state have all they need to thrive.

Meet Tiffany Uher, executive director of MilkWorks, and learn why this local nonprofit is being recognized as Voices for Children in Nebraska's 2026 Outstanding Youth-Serving Organization at Raise Your Voice.Learn more about the organization at MilkWorks.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Born and raised in North Omaha, Racquel Henderson is a fearless leader, activist, and community advocate dedicated to education, employment, equity, and second chances. She's a sought-after speaker, mentor, and award- winning community leader whose work is rooted in resilience, accountability, and belief in what is possible. We are honored to have her on the podcast and to celebrate her at Raise Your Voice in September. Tune in, and then grab your tickets to the event at VoicesForChildren.com.

Dr. Erin Willis-Loucks, a pediatrician at Children's Nebraska, and her daughter, Micahlyn Loucks, join host Juliet Summers for a conversation about neurodiversity, advocacy, and the power of being understood. Tune in as they share how their family's experiences inspired them to launch Squarepeginclusive and explore how communities can create greater understanding, inclusion, and belonging for neurodivergent children and families.

Host Juliet Summers sits down with Nebraska State Senator Victor Rountree to discuss youth justice, advocacy, and policymaking. From elevating youth voices to advancing legislation on justice system reform and SNAP eligibility, this episode explores how lived experience and collaboration are shaping a more equitable future in Nebraska.

Host Juliet Summers is joined by Eric Savaiano of Nebraska Appleseed and Josh Shirk, research coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, to dig into the findings of the latest Kids Count in Nebraska Report. A focused conversation on food insecurity, this episode explores the power of combining research and advocacy to drive change, and what the 2025 Kids Count data mean for improving well-being for Nebraska’s kids and families.

In this mid-session check-in, host Juliet Summers is joined by Eric Reiter, advocacy and community collaborations coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska, for a grounded look at what’s moving in the 2026 Nebraska Legislative Session. Eric sheds light on how lawmakers, advocates, and community members often bring very different ideas about what’s best for child well-being—and how those perspectives shape the debates unfolding in the Unicameral. Together, they walk through key bills impacting kids and families, highlight emerging trends, and share what to watch as the session heads into its second half.

As Nebraska lawmakers head into a budget-heavy legislative session, critical decisions about children and families are on the line. In this episode of Raising Justice, host Juliet Summers sits down with Anahí Salazar, Director of Economic Stability, Education, & Health Policy at Voices for Children in Nebraska, to unpack key anticipated carry-over priorities from 2025, what to expect during a short session, and why funding decisions around programs like the child care subsidy matter.

In this episode of Raising Justice, host Juliet Summers sits down with two members of Voices for Children in Nebraska’s Youth Leadership Council, Ta’Miyah Wright and Tay’Viana Robinson, to explore food security from their perspective.Join us for an honest conversation about what hunger looks like in their schools and communities, potential solutions, and what gives young people hope for the future.

Host Juliet Summers sits down with Anne Thompson Brandt, Executive Director of Lincoln Littles, to discuss why early childhood care and education are critical for kids, families, and communities as a whole. They explore barriers like cost and workforce shortages, and how policy and community solutions can build a stronger future for Nebraska’s children.