Maureen Peckman, the executive director of the Council for a Better Nevada, recently was honored for making a difference in the African-American community.
Peckman was recognized for her often outspoken stance on the state's public education system. She was recognized during the 15th annual Trumpet Awards during the Trumpet Foundation's High Heels in High Places brunch, which focuses specifically on women in the community.
Besides her work with the Council for a Better Nevada, Peckman also is a member of the local chapter of Teach For America's advisory board.
When speaking, Peckman's passion for improving the public education system is more than prominent.
"It's frightening," she said. "We are seeing frequent inconsistencies. It's a risk to our entire community and our society. If we can't prepare these young people for the future, what will our society be in 50 years?"
The CBN, founded in 2003, is a nonprofit group with no political status. Peckman explained that it consists of concerned, influential, local residents who are working to improve the quality of life in the state. One of its top priorities is the state's public education system.
Teach For America is a nonprofit organization that places recent college graduates in teaching positions in low-income urban and rural public schools for two years. The competition for recent graduates trying to take part in the program has become rather fierce over the last several years.
Besides Peckman's positions with Teach For America and the CBN, she also is the president of Peckman Outdoor Media, a billboard company.
Peckman, through her company, has donated $50,000 to Adams Elementary School in the Sunrise area.
"Adams is an empowerment school," Peckman said. "There are four empowerment schools. The idea is that they'll have more control over their budgeting and planning. I do try to help when I can."
Peckman seems to consistently understate her efforts.
"It was just such an honor to be recognized," she said. "There were so many people involved, but it really is an honor to be acknowledged."
Diane Pollard, secretary of the Trumpet Foundation's national board, nominated Peckman for the honor.
"Maureen (Peckman) thinks outside of the box and is always willing to take risks, even if it means not doing what is expected," Pollard said. "Too many times, people will do or say what others want, just to remain in their favor. Maureen is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is best for our community, especially when it comes to children and their well-being."
For information on the Council for a Better Nevada, call 303-7642.
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