Who We Are

Here at THE BLOC, our mission is to enhance the lives of the youth and seniors in Omaha & Lincoln. We know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our founding by Philipe Bruce, we have been determined to make an impact. The core of our efforts is to bring our team’s fresh ideas and passion for the range of activities we’re involved in. Through all of our endeavors, we hope to display the conviction behind our beliefs.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

Tony's journey is driven by his love for sports and a desire to impact lives positively. Initially drawn to sports for its competitiveness, he discovered its ability to teach life lessons and inspire others. As an advisor, he guided financial stewardship, and as a coach, he instilled essential life skills. Now, as the Director of Business Development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Tony leverages his experiences to make a difference through education and community development.	Dulce Sherman, Owner and HR Executive Advisor at Sherman Executive Consulting, brings over 30 years of HR leadership experience to nonprofits and businesses. A first-generation American from Mexican immigrant parents, she champions community service and diversity. Dulce holds degrees in HR management and management, along with certifications in Emergenetics. Actively serving on nonprofit boards, she's a leader in civic engagement, currently Vice Chair for the Latinx Caucus for the Nebraska Stat
Karen Gibler has been with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. Her current role at the Sarpy Chamber is President and C.A.O. She has also led the Sarpy County Chamber Foundation in current efforts to assist small businesses in the current climate. Karen Gibler has been with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. Her current role at the Sarpy Chamber is President and C.A.O. She has also led the Sarpy County Chamber Foundation in current efforts to assist small businesses.	Ian Vickers is the CEO of Global Partners in Hope. The organization brings hope to international communities right out of our backyard. They partner up with local organizations and individuals they can help to bring hope to people that need it through Education, Clean water, Medical Care, and Energy. They have impacted communities on a global level. Recent projects include building a medical facility in Togo, establishing a leadership development education in China.

Tony's journey is driven by his love for sports and a desire to impact lives positively. Initially drawn to sports for its competitiveness, he discovered its ability to teach life lessons and inspire others. As an advisor, he guided financial stewardship, and as a coach, he instilled essential life skills. Now, as the Director of Business Development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, Tony leverages his experiences to make a difference through education and community development.

Dulce Sherman, Owner and HR Executive Advisor at Sherman Executive Consulting, brings over 30 years of HR leadership experience to nonprofits and businesses. A first-generation American from Mexican immigrant parents, she champions community service and diversity. Dulce holds degrees in HR management and management, along with certifications in Emergenetics. Actively serving on nonprofit boards, she's a leader in civic engagement, currently Vice Chair for the Latinx Caucus for the Nebraska Stat

Karen Gibler has been with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. Her current role at the Sarpy Chamber is President and C.A.O. She has also led the Sarpy County Chamber Foundation in current efforts to assist small businesses in the current climate. Karen Gibler has been with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce since 2012. Her current role at the Sarpy Chamber is President and C.A.O. She has also led the Sarpy County Chamber Foundation in current efforts to assist small businesses.

Ian Vickers is the CEO of Global Partners in Hope. The organization brings hope to international communities right out of our backyard. They partner up with local organizations and individuals they can help to bring hope to people that need it through Education, Clean water, Medical Care, and Energy. They have impacted communities on a global level. Recent projects include building a medical facility in Togo, establishing a leadership development education in China.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

With extensive experience in client services and training, Hailey is a dedicated professional focused on elevating customer experiences and driving organizational success. Currently, as the Franchisee Communication and Engagement Manager at Right at Home, she prioritizes fostering strong relationships and nurturing a customer-centric environment. Previously, at North End Teleservices LLC, Hailey excelled as the Director of Customer Experience, spearheading the growth of the Quality Assurance and	Yesenia Peck, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), radiates inclusivity, striving to empathize with all. Formerly a legal practitioner in Lima, Peru, Peck's advocacy now spans Nebraska. Leading the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for over 17 years, she embodies servant leadership, finding deep meaning in her service to every organization. In a state where Hispanics/Latinos comprise over 12 percent of the population, Peck champions inclusion over person
Chris Phillips is a visionary, dynamic, compassionate business leader. As North End Teleservice's (NET) chief operating officer, Chris manages day-to-day operations for the No. 6 fastest-growing organization in Nebraska, according to the 2021 Inc. 5000. He is one of the youngest chief operating officers in the nation. He helps facilitate such North End Teleservices community-engagement activities as Native Omaha Days, and many other community building projects.	Michelle is a passionate advocate for caregivers and seniors with extensive experience in Senior Living and as a family caregiver. She holds an M.B.A., a Masters in Gerontology, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Gerontology at UNO. A Certified Life Coach and Dementia Practitioner, Michelle will also teach Long Term Care Administration at Creighton University. She volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Dreamweaver Foundation, and shares insights through her Inspired Caring podcast.
Balkissa is a visionary senior executive and Intelligent Automation Manager at NEI Global Relocation. Since March 2020, she has led multiple groundbreaking automation projects in document processing, process mining, robotics, and machine learning. Balkissa excels in balancing process optimization with advanced tools, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and integrating Industry 4.0 technologies.	Dina Becirovic is the Chief Executive Officer for The Bloc. She serves as the Director of Research & Development at Omaha Insomnia & Psychiatric Service, and as an Adjunct Instructor at the Metropolitan Community College. Dina serves on the External Advisory Board for Creighton University's MPH Program. She is a native of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is fluent in Bosnian and Serbo-Croatian.
Ismael Gbadamassi is the Chief Financial Officer for The Bloc and formerly of All Nations House of Worship. He was managing partner of Goyi Store, one of the first ethnic grocery stores in Omaha, and is a Business Consultant for OKRA African Grill, an Omaha-based restaurant. Ismael also holds DOT Commercial Licenses and has been a Transportation Operations Coordinator for Lyman-Richey Corporation for over nine

OUR TEAM

Dina Becirovic

Chief Executive Officer

Ismael Gbadamassi

Chief Financial Officer

Jessi Cordova

Operations Manager