Lincoln Literacy is led by a board of passionate volunteers.
Our board members are a mix of community members and partners seeking to make the place they live and love better for others. As leaders, students, tutors, donors, teachers, and librarians themselves, board members are far from figureheads; they’re fundraisers, decision-makers, and difference-makers, taking an active role in our literacy and job successes.
Our Board Strives to Be
- Cultivators of community
- Persistent advocates of literacy
- Lifelong learners and problem solvers
- Active and engaged in Lincoln Literacy’s operations
A note from our Board Chair, PK Duncan
“Lincoln is one of the best cities to raise a family. That is partly due to our tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees. By teaching our neighbors English and essential life skills, we’re ensuring our community continues to thrive and evolve.
The true scope of our impact became clear to me at my first Global Celebration. Hearing firsthand stories of transformation and seeing our reach grow to serve over 3,000 people in 2025 opened my eyes to the vital need for our services. I encourage you to get involved as a donor or volunteer. People in Lincoln are known for being kind and welcoming — now is the perfect time to prove it and help us help others thrive.”
— PK Duncan, Board Chair
Lincoln Literacy Board of Directors
PK Duncan – Chair, Duncan Aviation, Business Development
Tana Wagener – Vice Chair, VP, Human Resources, West Gate Bank
Emily Koenig – Treasurer, CFO, Lincoln Electric Systems
Zack Wineinger – Secretary, Site Manager, Google
Tasha Everman – Ex Oficio, UNL College of Law, Assistant Dean, Career Development
Jim Hoppe – Member at Large, Retired
Betulia Jimenez – Student
Farshad Maltes – Member at Large, CEO, Community Development Resources
Kelly Neill – Member at Large, Business Owner, Billiard Buyers Group
Virginia Nelson – Member at Large, Retired
Nizar Rasho – Member at Large, Lutheran Family Services, Director of Refugee Resettlement, refugee, former Lincoln Literacy student
Daryoush Razavian – Member at Large, Retired
Mark Schilmoeller – Member at Large, Managing Director of Operations and Executive Vice President, Nelnet
Hunter Shen – Member at Large, Immigration Attorney, Brown Immigration Law
Paul Stevens – Member at Large, Assoc. Professor, Bryan College of Health Sciences
Blanca Valencia – Member at Large, Multicultural Banking, Union Bank and Trust
Marcia White – Member at Large, Director of Development, University of Nebraska Foundation, Lincoln Literacy Tutor
Ryan Wieber – Member at Large, Director City Libraries
Our board meets once a month in a hybrid format. To ask a question, bring something to the attention of the board, or ask about current board openings, please contact: info@lincolnliteracy.org.