TONY GONZALEZ was born and raised in the heart of South Omaha. To this day, Tony continues his cultural ties to the South community by dedicating his time to empowering youth and providing resources for their success. His love for after-school programming started at six when he became a club member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands (BGCM) in South Omaha. Since then, he has been involved with the nonprofit for the past 34 years.
While still a member, Tony joined the staff at the South club as a High School Attendant until his high school graduation in May of 2000. During college, he was chosen as a Program Specialist. Upon earning his Bachelor of Science in General Studies from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), he was named Sports, Fitness & Recreation Program Director.
In 2007, Tony was again promoted to Associate Club Director until he was selected to lead the South Teen Focused Center in 2014. Towards the end of his tenure, the teen late-night program was averaging 130 teenagers with the intent of building resilience and decreasing risky behavior. In 2019, Tony was also integral in the opening of the newest club at Bryan Middle as the Associate Club Director until he landed his dream job as the South Club Director in July of 2021.
During Tony’s years of professional service to BGCM and dedication to the Latino community, he played a key role in the South club when they were recognized nationwide as one of the Top 25 BGCA Clubs. The club was also awarded the BGCA Street SMART Award and the prestigious BGCA Honor Award for Best Club Program in the Movement. For his work in the community, Tony was also recognized with the Latino Heritage Award from the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation. Tony is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNO.
Besides having a passion for youth work, Tony is an accomplished musician. His enthusiasm for mariachi music started at 11, when he joined Mariachi Las Estrellitas. Then in 1996, along with his brother and friend, they formed Mariachi Los Galleros; after 25 years, he is still a vocalist and vihuela player. Tony uses his talent to showcase traditional Mexican music by performing in art centers, parades, and festivals.