Nina Lanuza and Jessica Cabán contributed to this story.
Education, representation, and conversation all mean a great deal to Cynthia Alarcón, and she strives to offer opportunities to explore each of them to her fellow residents of Columbus, Nebraska.
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, Cynthia moved to Columbus in 2006 after earning her bachelor’s degree from Morningside College in Iowa.
Since then, she has become a familiar face in the local education world, serving as an English as a Second Language paraeducator at Emerson Elementary and a bilingual adult advocate at the nonprofit Center for Survivors. Since 2009, she has been a Title IC Migrant Education Program coordinator for Educational Service Unit 7, and she earned a master’s degree in 2015 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“Columbus has become my home partly because of the opportunities and life changes I’ve made here, and I am proud to be an educator in this community,” she said. “I ensure that all eligible students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma that prepares them for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment.”
Cynthia volunteers at the elementary school her children attend and at Centro Hispano. She is also an active member of her church and, most recently, she was appointed to the Columbus City Council, representing Ward 1.
“My decision to get involved in City Council was driven by a deep commitment to my community and a desire to make a difference in the community I call home,” she said. “My background in education gives me the opportunity to contribute my knowledge in assessing, analyzing, and developing programs in a different capacity as a City Council member.”
Cynthia was sworn in as a councilwoman in January 2024 and has been working to create more community involvement in Columbus.
“Over the years, I have seen both the strengths and challenges of our city, and I believe that through proactive and inclusive leadership, we can address these issues effectively. It is also a great opportunity for community engagement and to learn about city government and be a part of conversations and decisions for community improvements.”
Cynthia is aware her actions may inspire future generations, including her children, to want to serve their communities.
“It is exciting to see the diversity and inclusivity of our community represented in the workforce, business owners, police and fire department, City Council members, and a number of agency boards,” she said.
She said she was inspired to get involved in city government by another Latina council member, Kat Lopez. Cynthia feels it’s important to have people of all different backgrounds and cultures active in government office.
“Representation matters as it reflects community diversity that promotes inclusive decision-making, advocacy, equity, and community empowerment,” Cynthia said. “Communities need more women leaders, Latino leaders, young leaders, and leaders of different professions to create inclusive communities where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive and a feeling of belonging.”
She’s rooting for the next generation of leaders to take on a more active role in their communities.
“Know that you are not alone,” Cynthia said. “Current and previous leaders are a great source of knowledge and support. In my experience, they are always willing to share and offer insight that helps in the learning process of city government.”
To help others, Cynthia was a key in the formation of the Columbus Young Latino Professionals Association, which launched in June 2022 with a goal to empower Hispanic and Latino young professionals in the area.
In December 2022, a visioning session facilitated by the Center for Rural Affairs helped determine the association's programming for 2023. In addition, the Center sponsored the speaker and provided simultaneous translation for the group’s Resume Building Workshop in August 2023. In October 2023, the Center sponsored a professional headshot session which brought in 34 professionals.
Cynthia encourages others to find their passion and work hard to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
“My purpose is my family, offering them the very best of me and a community to call home,” she said. “Life will always be busy, but if you have the opportunity to elevate your purpose, then step up and make a difference. It is not easy, but the reward is worth the effort.”
