Boards and Commissions Fellowship - Conservation Colorado

2024 Cohort Blog

Introducing the second cohort of the Boards and Commissions Fellowship

The Climate Justice Leadership Academy is shaping the future of environmental leadership in Colorado. We are proud to introduce the second cohort of our Boards and Commissions Fellowship—a group of 20 fellows from the heart of our communities—who are learning how to serve on local and state boards and commissions.

This free fellowship program goes beyond training — it creates a space where diverse community members learn and explore the importance of advocating for environmental justice. Each of the 20 fellows brings unique perspectives and experiences, reflecting the diversity and needs of Colorado’s communities.

The new cohort is already making a positive impact in their communities!

Learn More About Boards & Commissions Fellowship

Meet the Second Cohort Members

Mari Alvarez

I’m a 55-year-old immigrant from Mexico, and my experiences with discrimination motivated me to pursue my education. I recently earned a bachelor’s degree in social work. Studying for my degree — in English as a second language — was challenging, but my unwavering determination helped me achieve this goal. This fellowship will allow me to use my skills to advocate for immigrants and marginalized communities.

Kim Carracedo

I’m the daughter of two strong Panamanian immigrants and have always been an advocate for marginalized communities. I earned degrees in political science and international studies and served in the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU), where I secured funding for immigrant services. I’m excited to continue amplifying my voice through this fellowship and advocating for the issues that matter most to me. In my free time, I enjoy visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Roosevelt National Forest with my two dogs.

Gabriel Cervantes

I was born and raised in Thornton, Colorado. I take pride in connecting with people and empowering others through trust and meaningful relationships. This fellowship will help me empower myself and pass on that knowledge to others, encouraging them to take the same path. I aspire to run for president of the Thornton Arts, Sciences, Culture and Humanities Council to build transparency and support young leaders in reclaiming their right to self-determination.

Additionally, after three months in this fellowship, I am proud to have been accepted and appointed to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Citizen Advisory Committee to contribute to the RTD’s strategies, initiatives and transportation programs.

Ceci Curiel

I’m an adult educator passionate about environmental justice and educational access. I enjoy exploring how people connect with the environment and aim to make environmental action accessible to everyone. This fellowship will support my goal of fostering inclusion in the environmental field, regardless of identity or historical barriers.

Camila Frech

I’m a first-generation college graduate from Baton Rouge with roots in San Salvador and a background in business administration. I’ve worked in the Colorado Legislature and for nonprofits serving the Hispanic community. This fellowship is an opportunity to continue developing my leadership skills and ensure Latino voices are heard in decision-making spaces.

Angelica Guzman

I’m a Latina who grew up in Basalt, Colorado and was raised by a single mother. My connection to nature deepened through experiences like skiing, rock climbing and hiking, which led me to pursue a degree in ecosystem sciences and sustainability. I’ve seen firsthand the inequities between nature and vulnerable communities, which drives my passion for advocacy. Through this fellowship, I aim to ensure that underrepresented voices play a role in creating a healthier environment.

Blanca Lerma

I’m originally from Sinaloa, Mexico and grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. My passion for community involvement began when I started my small business during the pandemic. Through this experience, I’ve built connections and developed a strong desire to make a difference in my community. With this fellowship, I’m exploring which board or commission to join in order to bring positive change to my community.

Karla Lemus

I’m originally from Michoacán, Mexico and raised in Aurora, Colorado. I’m an undergraduate political science student at the University of Colorado Boulder. I’m passionate about advocating for social justice and equity. This fellowship will help me sharpen my communication skills and deepen my knowledge to better serve my community. I’m particularly interested in applying to boards or commissions focused on immigration, as well as supporting Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and advocating for youth.

Gloria Maturo

I’m from Lima, Perú. I attended an American school where I learned English and French. I worked in mining camps, assisting low-income communities by improving education and healthcare. In Lima, I was part of a charitable organization, where I served as vice president and president. I’ve supported projects in Mexico, Chile, Perú and the United States. Through this fellowship, I would like to join a board or commission to help my community.

Elena Mendez

I’m a public health professional, nature lover and photographer, committed to community engagement and mentorship. My passion as an outdoor enthusiast lies in preserving natural spaces and promoting health equity. Through this fellowship, I hope to serve on a board or commission focused on environmental protection or public health, contributing to meaningful change.

Miarri Phillips

I’m a sociology student at the University of Colorado Denver and a passionate advocate for social justice. I’ve held leadership roles focused on educating others about active citizenship and civic engagement. My love for nature drives my commitment to creating equitable outdoor experiences for communities. This fellowship will strengthen my ability to amplify voices and cultivate inclusive spaces.

Irving Reza

I moved from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Colorado in 2001 and graduated from the University of New Mexico. I’ve worked as a paralegal in immigration law and agriculture, and I’m eager to engage in government. Through this fellowship, I plan to focus on housing or transportation boards or commissions to address rising housing costs and transportation safety issues.

Vero Rodriguez

I’m a Mexican immigrant, artist and community advocate, passionate about equality, justice and access to health. My journey as an immigrant has instilled in me a deep belief that everyone deserves a dignified life. This fellowship is an opportunity to turn my passion into organized action. I’m excited to learn, grow and make a difference by advocating for environmental justice, gender equality and access to health.

Reyna Soria-Vasquez

I’m a woman, mother, wife and community advocate with 18 years of experience empowering marginalized communities. Now, driven by my experiences with injustice, I work as a promotora at Cultivando. With this fellowship, I aim to ensure that others don’t face the same struggles I went through, and support just and lasting changes in areas like health equity and environmental justice.

Max Valentine

I’m passionate about community-driven change and aspire to advocate for sustainable land use and water resource management in Colorado. This fellowship will deepen my understanding of local governance and community engagement. I hope to join a local board or commission focused on environmental policy, where I can continue championing the causes that matter most to me through community advocacy.

Guadalupe Villalobos

I’m a proud mother of five and a promotora at Cultivando. I’m passionate about education and helping my children achieve their goals, such as college graduation. I believe in advocating for equitable systems that support our communities’ success. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, having coffee with friends and walking with my daughters and dog.

Renzo Walton

I’m originally from Lima, Perú. I’ve been an immigration services specialist since 2016 and a department of justice accredited representative. I’ve dedicated my career to uplifting immigrants and marginalized communities in northwest Colorado. This fellowship will help me continue my advocacy work, particularly in immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as social justice, with plans to volunteer on boards focused on access to justice.

Maria Zubieta

I’m a promotora at Cultivando, and I’m proud to be part of this fellowship. My family motivates me to achieve my goals. I love my work because it allows me to address the challenges our community faces in health, education and immigration—issues I’ve personally experienced. I am committed to sharing information and supporting leadership to create lasting change and improve the quality of life for all families.

Raoudha Zelaya

I’m a refugee, volunteer firefighter and community advocate. In my role as a community services navigator, I focus on helping immigrants and refugees integrate into society. I’m passionate about social justice, women’s rights and access to healthcare for refugees and immigrants. I am committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability within my community advocacy efforts. This fellowship will help me deepen my impact and advocate for systemic change.

Cindiley Vargas

I’m a first-generation Latina with degrees in criminal justice and public service. I’m proud of my journey and enjoy weightlifting, pilates and traveling. This fellowship will help me explore opportunities to engage with boards and commissions, particularly in criminal justice reform, to advocate for youth and create systemic change.