GOOD APPLE AWARDS

“Rev. Carol Windrum has been a tireless advocate for justice in Nebraska for more than 40 years. She has advocated for the minimum wage and workers’ rights, for Black Lives Matter, the rights of immigrant people, the rights of LGBTQ+ people, against the death penalty, against the Keystone XL pipeline, and many, many more issues. On any given week, you can find Carol volunteering in her church, preaching for social justice, bearing witness with fellow clergy, mentoring the next generations of social justice advocates in Nebraska, calling or visiting her senators’ offices, testifying at hearings in the Nebraska Legislature, penning letters to the editor, protesting in the streets, gathering for immigrant rights, and even joining national protests such as Occupy Wall Street and the People’s Climate March. Carol’s work and witness have helped to shape the terrain of social justice in Nebraska.” – Jaimee Trobough, Communications Associate

Carol Windrum served in the former Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church as Director of Peace with Justice Ministries over the span of 30 years. In that time, she traveled the state and nation preaching and teaching in local churches encouraging the integration of faith and civic engagement. Over the years, she prioritized mentoring young adults and created the summer intern program the Micah Corps, based on Micah 6:8. The interns were exposed to several social justice issues and then practiced their own public speaking and advocacy on behalf of the least of these. Nebraska Appleseed was always an important influence on these young people!

Since Carol officially retired in 2013, she has remained passionate about organizing for the common good, most specifically through her local church as she facilitates two teams: the Eco Team and the Salt and Light team. The latter’s mission is to educate and activate the congregation to impact public policy.

Carol also serves on the boards of the Nebraska and national ACLU. 

Closer to home, she and her spouse, Tim Fickenscher, are block captains knocking on doors in their North Omaha neighborhood, promoting candidates and policies that strengthen the community and democracy.

When Carol isn’t organizing you might find her floating on a pond in her kayak!

“Schmeeka has envisioned a more just society through grassroots leadership. Her ability to advocate in North Omaha and all of Nebraska speaks volumes about her dedication, drive, and passion to see a Nebraska in which everyone can thrive. Schmeeka initiated voter education throughout the state in 2024 and 2025 by providing comparison overviews of bills (Appleseed-backed bills), holding voter disenfranchisement panel sessions at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, and providing rides to the polls. Schmeeka is a steadfast advocate for all Nebraskans to access health care. She knows firsthand that having access to affordable health care is essential and life-saving. She remains deeply engaged within our community, sharing Appleseed’s values of systemic change through connecting with 3 out of 4 of our teams; she is crucial in grass-roots advocacy work. Schmeeka is the people’s people and a genuine leader and change maker, including successfully working with Nebraska Senators on bills that uplift Nebraska. As a mother of 3 girls, Schmeeka envisions a healthier, brighter future for all children and our Nebraska community. Schmeeka’s ability to strengthen Nebraska at the core is impeccable!”– Freedom Thompson, Organizer, Health Care Access

Schmeeka Simpson is the mother of 3 beautiful daughters, a Creighton University Alumni, and has been with the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation for 11yrs in different capacities from a Volunteer to Radio Show Hostess with Doug & Meeka Mind & Soul Radio 101.3FM and now is the Malcolm X Policy Fellow with the Nebraska Civic Engagement Table. She is the Co-Producer of the Omaha-based Documentary on Redlining ‘Divisible’, Vice-President of Stand In For Nebraska and a Columnist for the Nebraskans For Peace titled ‘Because the System Isn’t Broken’. Schmeeka has collaborated with Appleseed on numerous occasions and in her free time loves to play games, travel and spend time with family and friends.

”Lincoln for Fair Housing is a coalition of Lincoln residents and community organizations dedicated to ensuring fair housing opportunities for all Lincolnites. First convened in the summer of 2023, the coalition went on to run a ballot initiative to protect Lincoln renters from source-of-income discrimination. In May of 2025, it passed with 66% of the vote and source-of-income discrimination is now illegal in Lincoln. The coalition continues working to progress fair housing policy so that everyone can have a place to call home.” – Elizabeth Engman, Senior Community Organizer, Economic Justice – Housing Justice

Lincoln for Fair Housing is a coalition of local residents dedicated to ensuring fair housing opportunities for all Lincolnites. Members include Nebraska Appleseed, Civic Nebraska, YWCA Lincoln, Nebraskans for Peace, League of Women Voters of Lincoln-Lancaster County, Asian Community & Cultural Center, Clinton Neighborhood Organization, and many more!

“TinaMaria saw needs in her community and got to work to address them. 1) Young Latinos lacked connection to their culture. 2) They community needed to be proactive in planning to welcome a potential new population with the opening of a new meat packing plant. 3) People moving to North Platte needed support in the way of direct services to be successful in the community. She knew this would take collaboration from the whole community. She founded Hope Esperanza, a 501c3 and started the work! She brings a group of diverse community members together on a regular basis to problem solve and plan for the community. She has built strong relationships with the mayor, local police and sheriff’s departments, United Way and more and brings them into this collaboration. 

She works continuously to bridge gaps in access and language in all aspects of the community from local government to health care access, workforce, and more. She organizes youth activities to both celebrate culture and bridge among youth. TinaMaria has been a spokesperson on the significance of inclusion, and belonging demonstrating how that works in reality at a statewide Nebraska Chamber of Commerce event and our Nebraska Is Home virtual convenings. She frequently seeks out others who are doing this work to coordinate and share experiences.

Oh, and she wrote a children’s book with her son providing illustrations on inclusion.” – Christa Yoakum, Senior Welcoming Coordinator, Nebraska is Home

TinaMaria Fernandez is the Founder and Executive Director of HOPE-Esperanza, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved and minority populations in Lincoln County, Nebraska. Under her leadership, HOPE-Esperanza has developed a comprehensive approach to service delivery, focusing on breaking down barriers, promoting inclusion, and fostering welcoming and belonging. 

TinaMaria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, where she developed a foundational understanding of human behavior and the importance of safety and belonging. She furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, equipping her with the clinical skills necessary to advocate for health equity and ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare while focusing on the social determinants of health. TinaMaria also works as a grant writer and nurse at a critical access hospital in rural Nebraska, where she is passionate about providing care to her patients.

As a proud mother, TinaMaria balances her professional responsibilities with her role as a mama, instilling values of compassion and community service in her children. Her dedication to both her family and her community drives her to create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

TinaMaria is a recognized leader in her field. She was the keynote speaker at the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, where she shared insights on the importance of supporting newcomers in rural communities. Her contributions to the community have been recognized through various awards, including the Making a Difference Award and the Community Impact Award 2024. TinaMaria also serves on several boards in Lincoln County and is a mentor for Community Connections Mentoring, further demonstrating her dedication to uplifting those around her.

TinaMaria has authored a children’s book titled “Nico’s New Home,” which her son, Micah, beautifully illustrated. This heartwarming story aims to encourage readers of all ages to open their hearts to the beauty of connection and community. Through Nico’s journey, they invite readers to celebrate friendship, acceptance, and the magic of belonging in a new community. 

Through her unwavering commitment to advocacy and community service, TinaMaria continues to inspire others to join in the effort to empower underserved populations and create a more inclusive society. She believes that “people need people,” and this philosophy drives her to foster connections and build relationships within the community.

TinaMaria has dedicated her career to making a difference in her little corner of the world.

“In 2024, as Nebraska faced critical legal challenges concerning competing abortion-related ballot initiatives before the Supreme Court, this dedicated team stepped forward. Paul Rodney provided outstanding and swift legal expertise in defending the abortion-rights amendment proposed by Protect Our Rights. He skillfully argued that the initiative adhered to the Nebraska Constitution’s stringent single subject rule, asserting that its singular purpose was to limit government interference with abortion, a standard practice for ballot initiatives to define legal terms and effect constitutional change. His compelling arguments were crucial in navigating a complex legal landscape where the court applies a narrower interpretation to citizen-led measures.

Meanwhile, David Gacioch, representing a coalition of 29 doctors led by Dr. Elizabeth Constance, courageously spearheaded a separate, defensive pro bono lawsuit. This ‘both-or-none’ challenge passionately advocated for the right of Nebraska voters to weigh in on both initiatives, asserting their belief that both measures met the legal standard to appear on the ballot.

Crucially, Joshua Livingston performed the heavy lifting as local counsel, meticulously ensuring all filings were compliant and effectively coordinating with clients, a vital behind-the-scenes effort that underpinned the team’s success in safeguarding these vital ballot access rights. When it became clear that efforts to thwart the ability of Nebraska voters to weigh in on this critical issue would be at play, this legal team swiftly convened, developed an outstanding legal strategy, and executed that strategy through their hard work and persistence. 

Together, these three attorneys—Paul Rodney, David Gacioch, and Joshua Livingston—demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to justice and the democratic process. Their tireless, pro bono advocacy in such high-stakes litigation ensured that crucial questions regarding reproductive rights remained before the people of Nebraska, reaffirming the fundamental principle that legal expertise can and should serve the public good, regardless of cost. Their work is a profound testament to their dedication to upholding civil and constitutional rights in our state.”– Rebecca Gould, Executive Director

David Quinn (Dave) Gacioch focuses his practice on litigation and enforcement defense, primarily related to the US healthcare sector.  Dave counsels hospitals, health systems, physician practices, and other providers, along with payors, private equity sponsors, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, and others involved in the US healthcare system, on compliance and risk mitigation issues.  He conducts internal investigations for clients, and represents them in government investigations, enforcement actions, and civil and criminal litigation, including class actions.

Dave also has significant trial, hearing, and arbitration experience, and has performed extensive pro bono work. Previously, Dave served as law clerk to the Honorable Ernest C. Torres, Chief Judge of the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island.

Education
Cornell Law School, JD, cum laude, 2004
Dartmouth College, AB, 2001

Joshua Livingston is an experienced attorney specializing in divorce law and other family law related issues at Koenig|Dunne.

Beyond the courtroom, Joshua is active in community activism, education, and legal advocacy, having frequently presented at conferences on child support, implicit bias, and family law reform. He is committed to improving access to justice and supporting underserved families. Josh’s advocacy has garnered national attention for his work on petition initiatives as well as family law advocacy. Josh also serves on the NSBA Legislative Committee, the OBA Giving Circle, and is a Nebraska State Senate legislative candidate for District 8 (Dundee/Benson).

Josh holds a J.D., cum laude, from Creighton University and a B.A. from the University of North Texas. He is admitted to practice in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and the U.S. District Court for Nebraska and actively contributes to legal education and policy through various professional associations.

Paul Rodney’s practice includes all aspects of civil litigation, at both the trial and appellate levels, with an emphasis on complex commercial and product liability litigation and administrative law matters. He also focuses on regulatory and legislative matters, and regularly counsels clients on strategies to ensure compliance with FDA and FTC regulations. His clients operate in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing and consumer products. Paul also devotes substantial energy to various pro bono initiatives, with a particular emphasis on reproductive rights.

Paul received his JD from the University of Denver College of Law in 2009, where he served as Senior Staff Editor for the Denver University Law Review and Court Reports Editor for the University of Denver Water Law Review. Prior to receiving his law degree, Paul received his PhD in English language and literature from the University of Michigan and worked as a technical writer for an international FDA-regulated technology and engineering company.