From the president
Caitlin Little is a dedicated and passionate leader committed to community engagement and social impact. A first-generation college student at Northern Essex Community College (NECC), she maintains an impressive 3.95 GPA while actively participating in the Pathways to Academic and Career Excellence (PACE) Program. Caitlin embodies leadership through action, believing in inspiring and uplifting those around her.Before moving to New England, Caitlin co-founded "BFF Omaha," a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community through accessible arts programs. Her efforts led to the establishment of Omaha’s first state-recognized Arts and Culture District, featuring First Friday Art Walks, artist markets, and youth initiatives. Since relocating, Caitlin has continued her civic engagement by serving on local arts commissions, participating as a panelist for the State Council on the Arts, and joining the Creative County Changemakers cohort. She approaches leadership with kindness and empathy, striving to create opportunities that foster inclusive and sustainable communities. With a deep commitment to the non-profit sector, Caitlin is driven to address public issues with innovative solutions, ensuring that no community member is left behind. Her leadership exemplifies the power of compassion in creating lasting change.
Personal Statement
I’ve spent my life turning lived experience into leadership. Growing up without basic resources shaped not only how I see the world, but how I move through it—rooted in empathy, driven by equity. I believe leadership starts with listening, and that real change begins when we center the voices of those most impacted. In my work, I focus on dismantling systemic barriers by building trust, advocating for access, and creating inclusive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I approach community work not as charity, but as solidarity. I believe in collaboration over saviorism, and I measure impact not by numbers, but by connection and sustainability. As a Newman Civic Fellow, I look forward to growing within a network of changemakers— sharing strategies, amplifying each other’s work, and continuing to ask hard questions about justice, power, and possibility. I want to be the kind of leader who doesn’t just open doors but holds them open for others.