Nebraska Synod ELCA

The new year has been challenging with all the changes we are experiencing. The Heartland Work Center has developed a change management resource – acknowledging that while we cannot control change, we can manage our response to it—that has helped us stay resilient. This training is led by Dr. Stover and will help you explore how you can help your community in the challenging times we are facing.

Dr. Lina Traslaviña Stover is a Sociologist dedicated to addressing inequality and social justice. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, she moved to Nebraska to further her education. With extensive experience in higher education, her work has focused on expanding access for underrepresented populations to higher education and understanding migration’s complexities. She believes that listening to people’s histories fosters empathy and drives meaningful change: “it is from these histories that we can identify patterns of inequality and explore solutions. Understanding precedes action.”

Lina brings her passion for cultivating leaders into her current role as the Executive Director of the Heartland Workers Center, a nonprofit committed to building leadership and civic engagement among immigrant and underserved communities in Nebraska. She oversees key programs such as “Get Out The Vote,” the Health & Safety Training Institute, Leadership Development, and the Family Safety Plan. She believes that leadership is rooted in motion, “It is the active and intentional effort to build relationships, communicate with compassion, and collaborate patiently.” She is proud of the community being built at the Heartland Workers Center.

Adding to her title as a Sociologist, she is a mom and an educator. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration & International Studies from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a master’s in Urban Studies from University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology with a concentration in inequality from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. 

Her accolades include the UNK Distinguished International Alumni Award 2024; Graduate from Leadership Omaha Class #46; TOYO Ten Outstanding Young Omahans, Omaha Jaycees in 2015; United States Hispanic Leadership Conference Voices of Empowerment featured speaker in 2013, Richard H. Larson Fellowship, UNL 2008-09; Dr. Elizabeth; Alfred Outstanding Service Award, Omaha Public Schools, 2008; Outstanding Senior Award, UNK Alumni Associate, 2004.