OUR MISSION
City Impact is a faith-based, youth development non-profit in Lincoln, Nebraska. We mentor, teach, and empower under-resourced kids, growing them into leaders who break the cycle of poverty.
We live and serve where our community needs it most. Our space is full of energetic kids with hopes and dreams. We work with them to remove emotional, physical, and spiritual barriers, allowing them
to flourish.
We don’t just hand kids a Bible but walk through life with them, equipping them to empower others. When kids believe they can become leaders, they achieve it.
Mentor. Teach. Empower. Transform. That’s how we beat the cycle of poverty.
Meet Our Staff
Kristy Goodwin
Executive Director
Kristy is originally from Chicago, Illinois. She holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, Masters in Management, and Master of Theological Studies. Kristy brings a life-long faith in Christ, and a passion for mentoring, leadership, and community development to her role at City Impact.
She loves City Impact’s focus on long-term relationships to cultivate rising leaders. Her dream is for City Impact alumni to run our organization one day, dedicated to growing the ripple of empowerment throughout Lincoln and Nebraska at large.
Outside of work, Kristy is a life-long learner constantly seeking new ways to grow. She loves music and culinary adventures. She is passionate about equity and inclusion for women in all areas of life.
Jon Banks
CI Success Coordinator
Jon is originally from East Moline, Illinois but has called Lincoln home for 10 years. He believes in the power of our youth to change and grow our community.
His favorite thing at City Impact is making connections with youth, mentoring, and learning from them. Jon’s hope is to guide youth to achieve beyond what they imagine.
Jon is a devoted husband and father who loves making memories with his wife and kids. He’s also an avid sports fan, whether watching or playing. He has even played football professionally!
Tessa Contreras
Development Associate
Tessa grew up in Lincoln and attended UNL, earning a degree in psychology. She loves encountering people and learning new things. She loves City Impact’s faith-based holistic accompaniment, care, and reverence of everyone involved – kids, staff, volunteers, and donors alike.
Her hope is that the practical, hands-on, interpersonal work of City Impact will radiate Christ’s Love from within, enabling His Love to ripple throughout the community and beyond.
In her free time, Tessa enjoys being outdoors, hanging out with her dog (Chewie), and spending time in prayer. She also loves learning through reading, podcasts, and webinars.
Lisa Gustafson
Program Assistant
Lisa lived in several different states before landing in Nebraska. She feels blessed and proud to call Lincoln home. Lisa has a BS in Education from UNL and has worked in a variety of sectors, but her heart is to work with kids.
Lisa wholeheartedly believes in the pulse of City Impact – to love God and love people, living out exactly what Jesus tells us to do! She is humbled to be a part of God advancing His purposes through City Impact’s mission of investing in and loving the youth of our community.
When not at work, you will most likely find Lisa in her studio creating, out on a hike, traveling, or simply living life with family and friends.
Sherri Lafler
City Impact Youth Administrator
Sherri holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She has a long history of working with youth, and she LOVES it!
Her favorite part about City Impact is the genuine connection with our youth. Sherri knows that authentic relationships require active listening, unconditional affection, and accountability with kindness. Her dream is for City Impact to reach every neighborhood throughout Lincoln that needs it.
When she’s not at work, Sherri enjoys cooking, gardening, and cycling. She loves spending time with her teenage daughter, cheering her on, and encouraging her interests.
Sonia Miller
Assistant engagement director
Reneé Meyer
City Impact Kids Administrator
Reneé is from Houston, TX but has happily called Lincoln home since 2005. Before joining the City Impact team, Reneé worked in Women’s and College Ministry for almost 20 years, first at Texas A&M and then at Lincoln Berean Church.
Reneé’s favorite thing about City Impact is our focus on long term relationships: She loves connecting with the community, program families, and especially our City Impact kids. Her greatest hope is that every student who walks through our doors would know they are loved by God and have the opportunity to grow into all God made them to be.
Reneé loves language, different cultures, and traveling the world. When she’s at home, you’ll find her reading, writing, or enjoying time with her husband and three sons.
Angela Pillow
CI Success Coordinator
Angela was born in North Carolina but grew up in Mobile, Alabama. She moved to Nebraska in 5th grade and has been here ever since. Before working at City Impact, she worked at Time Warner Cable in Public Access TV Channel & Tech Support and their Front Desk.
Her favorite thing about City Impact is serving the community where she grew up. When she’s not working, she can be found dancing and taking videos and photos.
Her favorite book is the Bible, and her favorite story in the Bible is the story of Joseph. She loves God and loves people, which makes her amazing at her job and connecting with everyone around her.
Robrenna Redl
Office Coordinator
Robrenna was born in Chicago, lived all over as a military kid, then found a home in Lincoln 25 years ago. She served in the military for 21 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Robrenna is inspired by City Impact’s desire to help youth and their families know that they are valued human beings worthy of being treated with love, respect, and dignity. Robrenna’s dream for City Impact is to continue the work of guiding kids to see their full potential, for youth to know they have a valuable voice, and to help heal our community.
Robrenna is also a certified trauma healing facilitator and is pursuing additional training in trauma therapy. Outside of work, she hosts two podcasts!
She’s a wife and a proud mom of two. Outside of work, Robrenna enjoys travel, reading, and listening to podcasts.
Deejay Reiss
CI Success Administrator
Deejay is a Lincoln transplant from Kansas and Texas. She’s a Doan College graduate with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She and her husband Jake have a wonderful daughter.
Her favorite thing about City Impact is our commitment to community involvement. Her dream is for Success Mentoring to be available in ALL Lincoln middle and high schools.
Deejay loves spending time with her family and friends, going bowling, enjoying local restaurants, and hosting gatherings.
Ailani Segura
Youth intern
Ailani is a Lincoln native with family in both Nebraska and Mexico. She has been part of City Impact since 4th grade. She’s a hardworking homeschool student who loves learning!
She appreciates City Impact’s commitment to uplifting youth who are navigating life’s ups and downs. Ailani loves the close friendships she’s found at City Impact.
When she’s not at City Impact, Ailani is often busy developing a variety of hobbies and skills including figure skating, illustration and design, violin, and writing. She also loves to kayak and bike.
Our Board of Directors
CHAIR
Craig Ames
Retired COO, Bryan Health
VICE-CHAIR
Brad Roth
Executive Director, NU Tech Ventures
SECRETARY
Sandra Hilsabeck Hastings
Owner, SandraLee Enterprises and Sandra Hilsabeck Books
TREASURER
Philip Rihanek
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Board Members
Ron Brown
Senior Offensive Analyst, Nebraska Husker Football
Brad Bryan
City Impact Co-Founder
Financial Advisor, PlanA Wealth Management
Brenna Grasz
Attorney, Keating O’Gara Law
Lucas Hains
Director of Business Development, RentVision
Ed Osborn
Retired Owner & CEO, GT Exhaust, Inc.
Clint Runge
Managing Director, Archrival
Cindy Tinkham
First Vice President of Compliance & Risk, Union Bank & Trust
CITY IMPACT STAFF
Kristy Goodwin
Executive Director
YOUTH BOARD MEMBER
Maray Loyd
Student & CI Youth Leader
See Your Impact
