Yuridia Igbokwe and Clarice Jackson receive CSM’s Shining Light Award

OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha business owners Yuridia Igbokwe and Clarice Jackson recently received College of Saint Mary's (CSM) Shining Light Award for their advocacy of women.

The inaugural award recognizes people in the community who educate, advocate and improve the lives of women locally, nationally and/or internationally.  

“Historically, women's contributions in the world have been overlooked and undervalued. This award is meant to illuminate those who are not letting women's contributions go unnoticed, who are lifting up women's voices and who are working to make the world a better place. Clarice and Yuridia are two of those illuminators. Their work is making an impact and is laying the foundation for others to stand on,” said Amanda Roe, assistant dean of sciences and professional studies. 

The award name comes from Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, who stated, “We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” The Sisters of Mercy opened many women’s secondary and post-secondary schools, including CSM.

“The Shining Light Award honors those who illuminate the path for others through advocacy and impactful leadership—values that are deeply rooted in the legacy of foundress Catherine McAuley and the mission of College of Saint Mary,” said Marisa Mathews, director of student leadership and inclusive programming. “This year’s recipients, Yuridia Igbokwe and Clarice Jackson, truly embody the spirit of this award. Yuridia’s work through Lincua Academy bridges language gaps and empowers diverse communities, while Clarice’s leadership in literacy advocacy uplifts voices that have long been unheard. Both women are powerful examples of what it means to shine a light that guides and inspires others, both locally and beyond.” 

Igbokwe, a recent graduate of CSM’s Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies program, is the founder and CEO of Lincua Academy, a language consulting company that provides translation and interpretation services for conferences, organizations, attorneys, healthcare clinics and individuals. She has worked as the immigration specialist and the director of marketing and public relations at a law firm for over 15 years. 

The person who nominated Igbokwe said, “Our world could use many more people like Yuridia who, following Catherine McAuley’s example, want to make things better for those that are often overlooked and she is working hard to make that happen. Yuridia is an inspiration and a shining light in the world.” 

Igbokwe volunteers for the Heartland Integration Center, which helps immigrants and refugees integrate into Omaha and the United States. She recently became a Mercy Associate, a Sisters of Mercy partner who engages in service work to help those who experience poverty, illness or lack of education, especially women and children. Igbokwe also completed an apprenticeship as a diplomatic documentation coordinator with the Consulate of Mexico. 

Jackson is the founder and CEO of Black Literacy Matters, which empowers Black children by providing structured literacy programs that nurtures their foundational skills, and the Voice Advocacy Center, a reading center that specializes in teaching reading and spelling to students who are struggling to read. 

“Clarice embodies the essence of the Shining Light Award, reflecting Catherine McAuley’s vision of being a guiding lamp to those around her. Her unwavering commitment to education, advocacy and empowerment is not just a contribution—it is a movement that continues to uplift and transform lives,” said the person who nominated Jackson. 

She currently serves on the coordinating council for the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, as an African American commissioner for the State of Nebraska, an advisory committee member for Nelson Mandela Elementary School, a Phoenix Academy board member and board member of the mayor of Omaha's Human Rights and Relations Board. She is a graduate of the Special Education Advocacy Training (S.E.A.T.) program and internship.  

“Beyond education, Clarice is a powerful voice for advocacy, standing firm in her commitment to justice, equity and inclusion. She uses her platform to address systemic challenges that disproportionately affect women, ensuring their voices are heard in spaces where change happens. Her mentorship and leadership have inspired women to rise above adversity, embrace their strengths and create lasting change in their own communities,” her nominator said.