Who We Are

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

I am a 22 year old proud Chicana from Denver, Colorado studying sociology at Aims Community College. I also participate in multiple groups and coalitions across the state dedicated towards creating social change. I am passionate about uniting and liberating my community and am eternally grateful for the opportunities to fight for justice, equity, inclusion, and of course, peace & love! A fun fact about me is that I love to write and hope to one day become a published author/poet.

I am Calypso, I go to Mountain Vista High School and I am 14 years old. I am part of the Denver Youth Pride Coalition along with working for EYE for Prevention, and I love every second of it. This year I am trying to challenge myself with new ideas, people, and experiences in order to grow as a person.

I am a 22 year old Cheyenne and Chicano man born and raised in North Denver. I am passionate about environmental and social justice. After completing 2 years at Fort Lewis College, having experienced my own challenges with addiction, and losing one of my best friends to an overdose, I started to become involved in drug prevention and other community efforts. I look forward to engaging youth voice in our future projects to come! A fun fact about me is that I have a traditional Cheyenne name that translates to Little Buffalo.

Hi! My name is Alana Mendez. I am 23 and a proud mother of a beautiful 2 year old baby girl. I currently work with elementary school children; which has really given me a different perspective on younger children and the importance of their futures. This has helped me grow as a parent to my daughter. I initially was connected with EYE for Prevention by participating in the Summer Art Program and I am extremely grateful for how that shaped me today. Honored and blessed is just the beginning of how I feel to now be a part of the team as a youth leader. I hope to be a part of a developmental change in my community. Si se puede!

My name is Shaquana but I prefer to go by Janae, I’m 20 years old and graduated from 5280 High School in 2022. I care about making Denver a better place for my community. I have experience working in teams to accomplish projects and I enjoy working with others. Currently I’m a youth leader on the Engaging Youth Expertise ‘EYE’ team. In the future I hope to stop substance abuse and help young adults with mental health.

I am a 17 year old high school student planning to attend CU Denver as a pre-medicine and public health student. I work for Denver Health as a youth leader focusing on mental health and substance use and with the Colorado Vaccine Equity Task Force advocating for equitable vaccine education and access in Colorado.

Sedona is a healer and a warrior. She draws inspiration from her past experiences of adversity to fight for justice. Born and raised in Denver, Sedona is deeply connected to the local ecosystems and communities. Sedona is a Mother to her daughter Yaretzi. She graduated from Naropa University in May 2021 with her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with minors in Peace Studies and Yoga. She has over eight years of Public Health and community organizing experience where she uplifts authentic youth engagement and empowerment. Sedona is a sought after public speaker and poet who has planned and presented workshops for dozens of local and national conferences. Sedona is currently a Health Programs Specialist at the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, and facilitates EYE for Prevention. She is passionate about cultivating healing and liberating spaces for people to connect to each other, the Earth, and their own divine purpose. Sedona strives to help heal 7 generations back and 7 generations forward.

Amelia was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. They have been a community organizer in the Denver community since they were fifteen. Working on issues spanning from quality education, affordable healthcare, and voting rights.

Through their experience as community organizers, it solidified for them that their passion and drive are in policy work. Growing up with a single mother who did not have a stable income, Amelia saw education as her pathway out of poverty. They are currently a student at the Metropolitan State University of Denver studying Political Science with a minor in Chicano/a studies. For Amelia and other students alike, school is a way for students to advance themselves out of their current situation. Therefore it is important to Amelia to work on education policy to create equitable educational outcomes for students across the U.S. Amelia’s ultimate career goal is to work in education policy in Denver through lobbying and advocacy, and eventually run for local office in Colorado.

Amelia believes that policy shapes the way society functions, so if they can create equitable policies and be a part of the world of policy, they can help push the world towards a brighter future for the collective.

Aariyah is a 20 year old Activist and Youth Philanthropist. She is a Colorado Native graduate of Eaglecrest High School Class of 21 alumni. She is passionate about amplifying the voices of the youth and those in her communities. Since graduating, she has engaged herself in many events around public health and equity.

Currently, Aariyah is a Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention and a Youth Voice Specialist with Youth Roots on their Youth Scan project. She enjoys working in spaces centered around healing, expression, and equal opportunities in the workplace; she has recently spoken at the 2022 Conference for Agricultural Worker Health and Youth Roots Power of Philanthropy Bash. Aariyah plans to continue to seek more opportunities in public speaking and continue her knowledge of equity work.

My name is Yoel and I go to DSST Montview High School. I am a part of a few youth groups such as Kramerica Gives and Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. I’m excited to help youth in EYE for Prevention and a fun fact about me is that I love scuba diving!

My name is Galilea Estrella Cano. I am 15 years old. I enjoy art, sports, and history. I am a Chicana and Mexica. I use my art to express my thoughts and feelings.

My name is Axel. I am 14. I enjoy playing sports, and engineering is my passion. I am Chicano, and I will use my words to encourage others.

Hi! My name is Angel, and I am a Junior at DMLK Early College. I am an intern at Children’s Hospital, a debater in the Denver Urban Debate League, an active member in my school’s volunteer club, National Honors Society, and Young Americans Aspiring for Social and Political Activism. I am passionate about advocacy for low income communities, environmental injustice, food insecurity, homelessness, access to healthcare, and poverty. A fun fact about me is that I’ve been to over 11 schools!

I am a 22 year old proud Chicana from Denver, Colorado studying sociology at Aims Community College. I also participate in multiple groups and coalitions across the state dedicated towards creating social change. I am passionate about uniting and liberating my community and am eternally grateful for the opportunities to fight for justice, equity, inclusion, and of course, peace & love! A fun fact about me is that I love to write and hope to one day become a published author/poet.

I am Calypso, I go to Mountain Vista High School and I am 14 years old. I am part of the Denver Youth Pride Coalition along with working for EYE for Prevention, and I love every second of it. This year I am trying to challenge myself with new ideas, people, and experiences in order to grow as a person.

I am a 22 year old Cheyenne and Chicano man born and raised in North Denver. I am passionate about environmental and social justice. After competing 2 years at Fort Lewis College, having experienced my own challenges with addiction, and losing one of my best friends to an overdose, I started to become involved in drug prevention and other community efforts. I look forward to engaging youth voice in our future projects to come! A fun fact about me is that I have a traditional Cheyenne name that translates to Little Buffalo.

My name is Shaquana but I prefer to go by Janae, I’m 20 years old and graduated from 5280 High School in 2022. I care about making Denver a better place for my community. I have experience working in teams to accomplish projects and I enjoy working with others. Currently I’m a youth leader on the Engaging Youth Expertise ‘EYE’ team. In the future I hope to stop substance abuse and help young adults with mental health.

I am a 17 year old high school student planning to attend CU Denver as a pre-medicine and public health student. I work for Denver Health as a youth leader focusing on mental health and substance use and with the Colorado Vaccine Equity Task Force advocating for equitable vaccine education and access in Colorado.

Sedona is a healer and a warrior. She draws inspiration from her past experiences of adversity to fight for justice. Born and raised in Denver, Sedona is deeply connected to the local ecosystems and communities. Sedona is a Mother to her daughter Yaretzi. She graduated from Naropa University in May 2021 with her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with minors in Peace Studies and Yoga. She has over eight years of Public Health and community organizing experience where she uplifts authentic youth engagement and empowerment. Sedona is a sought after public speaker and poet who has planned and presented workshops for dozens of local and national conferences. Sedona is currently a Health Programs Specialist at the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, and facilitates EYE for Prevention. She is passionate about cultivating healing and liberating spaces for people to connect to each other, the Earth, and their own divine purpose. Sedona strives to help heal 7 generations back and 7 generations forward.

Amelia was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. They have been a community organizer in the Denver community since they were fifteen. Working on issues spanning from quality education, affordable healthcare, and voting rights.

Through their experience as community organizers, it solidified for them that their passion and drive are in policy work. Growing up with a single mother who did not have a stable income, Amelia saw education as her pathway out of poverty. They are currently a student at the Metropolitan State University of Denver studying Political Science with a minor in Chicano/a studies. For Amelia and other students alike, school is a way for students to advance themselves out of their current situation. Therefore it is important to Amelia to work on education policy to create equitable educational outcomes for students across the U.S. Amelia’s ultimate career goal is to work in education policy in Denver through lobbying and advocacy, and eventually run for local office in Colorado.

Amelia believes that policy shapes the way society functions, so if they can create equitable policies and be a part of the world of policy, they can help push the world towards a brighter future for the collective.

Hi! My name is Alana Mendez. I am 23 and a proud mother of a beautiful 2 year old baby girl. I currently work with elementary school children; which has really given me a different perspective on younger children and the importance of their futures. This has helped me grow as a parent to my daughter. I initially was connected with EYE for Prevention by participating in the Summer Art Program and I am extremely grateful for how that shaped me today. Honored and blessed is just the beginning of how I feel to now be a part of the team as a youth leader. I hope to be a part of a developmental change in my community. Si se puede!

Aariyah is a 20 year old Activist and Youth Philanthropist. She is a Colorado Native graduate of Eaglecrest High School Class of 21 alumni. She is passionate about amplifying the voices of the youth and those in her communities.

Since graduating, she has engaged herself in many events around public health and equity. Currently, Aariyah is a Youth Leader with EYE for Prevention and Youth Voice Specialist with Youth Roots on their Youth Scan project. She enjoys working in spaces centered around healing, expression, and equal opportunities in the workplace; she has recently spoken at the 2022 Conference for Agricultural Worker Health and Youth Roots Power of Philanthropy Bash. Aariyah plans to continue to seek more opportunities in public speaking and continue her knowledge of equity work.

My name is Yoel and I go to DSST Montview High School. I am a part of a few youth groups such as Kramerica Gives and Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. I’m excited to help youth in EYE for Prevention and a fun fact about me is that I love scuba diving!

My name is Galilea Estrella Cano. I am 15 years old. I enjoy art, sports, and history. I am a Chicana and Mexica. I use my art to express my thoughts and feelings. 

My name is Axel. I am 14. I enjoy playing sports, and engineering is my passion. I am Chicano, and I will use my words to encourage others.