We’re proud to introduce the newest cohort of the Boards and Commissions Fellowship! This free program is part of our Climate Justice Leadership Academy and is designed to help community members develop leadership skills and prepare to serve on local and state boards and commissions.
As with every year, the fellowship brings together a group of community leaders who reflect the diversity of Colorado. This cohort includes organizers, parents, first-generation college graduates, immigrants and environmental advocates — all committed to bringing lived experience to spaces where decisions are made.
The fellowship goes beyond training, providing the tools and support for community leaders to step into real decision-making roles and contribute in ways that create meaningful impacts across Colorado.
Meet the Third Cohort
Mariah Arrieta
I’m originally from Tucson and now a proud Coloradan. Passionate about plant sciences, politics, art and history, I joined this fellowship to deepen my leadership skills and turn my passion into action and to make a big difference in my community and the world. I hope to advocate for policies that support LGBTQ+ rights, immigrants, communities of color and conservation.
Ashley William
I’m a first-generation college graduate with experience in marketing, partnerships and community engagement. I joined this fellowship to grow as a civic leader and serve on boards and commissions focused on tourism, cultural programming and economic development. I believe in the importance of representation and equity in decision-making and look forward to advancing opportunities that keep Colorado’s communities vibrant, inclusive and connected.
Marian Diaz
I’m proud of my Latino heritage, and my life and work have always revolved around food. I began my career in the culinary arts, and over time, my passion has grown to focus on food access and equity. I joined this fellowship to grow as a leader and advocate in food policy. After the program, I aim to serve on boards that advance food justice and create a more equitable and sustainable food system for all.
Sebastian Castro
I’m originally from California and have called Colorado home for the past 16 years. I work as an environmental services trainer in medical housekeeping and have connected closely with my community through my work. I’m a proud member of both the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities focusing my work on the human aspect of environmental issues.Growing up in poverty has fueled my commitment to community advocacy and equity. I joined the fellowship to identify and engage with platforms that allow me to support my communities in meaningful, actionable and sustainable ways.
Alexandra Cruz
I grew up in Mexico as the oldest in an immigrant family and am a first-generation college graduate with a degree in business administration and a minor in Italian from MSU Denver. I’m passionate about supporting others and advancing equity. I joined this fellowship to deepen my leadership and advocacy skills and hope to serve on boards or commissions that uplift underrepresented voices. Outside of work, I enjoy being active, traveling and spending time with my family, friends, husband and dog, Luna.
Raúl Guadarrama Alonso
I’m a Mexican immigrant passionate about conservation and increasing access to public lands. Spending time in nature gave me a sense of home in the U.S. and inspired me to protect these spaces for everyone. I’ve worked in trails, restoration, biology and now environmental policy as a planner. I joined this fellowship to get more involved in local policy and hope to serve on boards or commissions that expand access and safeguard natural resources.
Ben Simpson
I grew up in Colorado and have also lived in Montana, Louisiana and Washington. I have a background in environmental law, policy and community advocacy. I’m passionate about connecting people and communities with meaningful environmental action. I joined this fellowship to grow as a leader and network with like-minded individuals, and I hope to serve on boards or commissions that advance social and environmental justice. I’m also a musician, artist and ceramicist, an avid outdoorsperson, a foodie, a plant and mushroom enthusiast, a Spanish and Italian speaker, and am generally an open book.
Javier Alvarado Vega
I’m a first-generation organizer from Michoacán, Mexico, and I now live in Denver. I’m focused on community empowerment and environmental justice. I joined this fellowship to strengthen my leadership skills and civic participation. My goal is to serve on boards or commissions that amplify community voices and create more equitable systems, creating space for real conversations and speaking out for justice in decision-making spaces. Outside of organizing, I love cinema, writing and cooking.
Manuel Marquez-Avalos
I’m the son of immigrants and a passionate advocate for equity and justice. I recently graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in political science and currently serve my community as a climate equity policy fellow with Cultivando, advancing environmental justice and community-driven priorities. I joined this fellowship to strengthen my leadership and advocacy skills and hope to serve on boards or commissions that reflect and meet community needs. After the program, I aim to continue serving my community and ensuring policies include the voices of people most affected.
Sayuri Toribio
I’m a first-generation Latina immigrant from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, now living in Denver. I’m passionate about community advocacy and civic engagement. I hold a Bachelor of Science in business administration with minors in French and marketing from Regis University. I joined this fellowship to grow my leadership skills and learn how policy can create meaningful change. After the program, I hope to serve on boards or commissions that advance community development, immigrant rights and economic opportunity.
Mili Chavez
I was born in Perú and am a community leader, mother of five and grandmother of three. I’m a survivor of domestic violence, and my experiences inspired me to advocate for Latino communities and equity. I serve on the Jefferson County Food Policy Council and coordinate support groups at Latina Safehouse, including Comadres Unidas and a group of community organizers. I joined this fellowship to learn how to serve on boards or commissions. My goal is to ensure community voices are heard and valued in decision-making spaces.
Karen Mahoney
I’m from Southern California and now live in Grand Junction, where I work as a nonprofit administrator. Nature has always been my grounding force. I’m passionate about protecting public lands and the environment for future generations. I joined this fellowship to connect with others, collaborate and find the best way to lend my voice in building a stronger, more sustainable community. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, Mike, and our rescue dogs. I also enjoy visits from my two grown children when they come to town.
Azmal Hossan
I’m a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at Colorado State University, focusing on climate change, environmental justice and Indigenous adaptation. I collaborate with the Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance on community-engaged research in the Missouri River Basin. I serve on Larimer County’s Environmental and Science Advisory Board and the Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Committee. This work inspired me to join the fellowship and deepen my impact in environmental advocacy and community engagement.
Jef Otte
I started my career as a journalist and have worked in communications for nearly a decade. I’ve also been deeply involved in grassroots activism, from early organizing with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) to volunteering with programs that support survivors of abuse and unhoused youth. I’m committed to advocating for marginalized communities, including those most affected by pollution and climate change. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my kids and making art.
Gilberto G. Ramirez Macias
I’m the first college graduate in my family and lead programs that support Latino communities. As the Spanish programs coordinator at Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, I build connections through cultural events like Fiesta Hispana and mentor Latinos to help them discover their potential and develop leadership skills. I celebrate my roots through the danza azteca, where the sound of the drums, the conch shell and the energy of the dance connect me to my heritage. I joined this fellowship to grow as a leader and prepare to serve on boards and commissions that uplift minority communities, with the ultimate goal of running for a decision-making position where I can represent and advocate for them. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and caring for my animals.
Thomas 'Drew' Nesmith
I’m originally from Arkansas and moved to Colorado in 2020. I hold a degree in political science and history and a master’s in environmental policy and management. I’ve worked on policy and legislative issues across Colorado, focusing on transportation, land use, housing and energy. I’m committed to advancing sustainable economic and labor rights and supporting environmental policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, snowboarding and spending time with my dog, Pruitt, and my partner, Jenny.
Sofia Fecchino
I’m a mother of two and the Elevar program manager at the Eagle Valley Community Foundation, where I support entrepreneurship through bilingual programming, mentorship and community workshops. I also coordinate programs that create inclusive spaces for Latino and LGBTQ communities to connect, learn and celebrate culture. I serve as a board member and chair of the School Advisory Team at Stone Creek Charter School, contributing to school governance and family engagement. I joined this fellowship to grow as a leader and serve on boards and commissions that advance equity, entrepreneurship and opportunity. In my free time, I enjoy riding dirt bikes, spending time with my kids and friends, going to concerts and riding horses.
Nicki Schiller
I’m from Florida and now live in Colorado. As the community and culture manager for Adaptive Adventures, I know the importance of inclusion in outdoor spaces and the healing power of nature. I joined this fellowship to grow as an advocate and contribute to boards and commissions that expand environmental access and strengthen community participation.
Girija Kulkarni
I’m from Colorado and the daughter of two immigrants from India. I serve as the eastern plains additive conservation manager with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, where I focus on strengthening the connection between people, landscapes and wildlife. I joined this fellowship to grow as a community advocate and serve on boards or commissions that promote sustainable land stewardship and conservation. I hope to use what I learn to amplify diverse voices, advance collaborative conservation and ensure young professionals like me have a seat at the table in shaping Colorado’s future.
Laura Peniche
I’m originally from Mexico and now live in Colorado. I’m a community organizer and storyteller who works to create positive change by challenging narratives that have historically oppressed vulnerable populations. Connected to my ancestral Anahuac roots, I view conservation not just as a movement but as a sacred way of life. I joined this fellowship to strengthen my leadership and learn how to serve on boards or commissions focused on environmental justice. After the program, I hope to advance community-led solutions and equity in Colorado. I also teach yoga and meditation, using mind, body and soul techniques to help others find peace, healing and their inner self.
Rocio Franco
I’m an Indigenous Mexican living in Colorado. I work at Cultivando, leading community partnerships and programs with passion, care and dedication. I share my love for community with my daughters and draw inspiration from nature, seeing in its beauty and balance a reflection of the harmony and resilience I bring to my work, family and the communities I serve.
Nancy Rodriguez
I’m a mother of four, three with disabilities, and a survivor of domestic violence. I’ve been advocating for my community for more than 10 years and take pride in contributing to positive change. I joined this fellowship to continue preparing myself so future generations, including my children and grandchildren, have greater opportunities and a stronger legacy of resilience and wisdom. After the program, I hope to ensure my community’s voice is heard clearly in decision-making spaces.
Kika Orozco
I’m originally from Mexico City and moved to Denver in 2005, I’m a mother and community connector inspired by my family to work for a more just future. I’ve led projects that bring families closer to nature, including sustainability workshops and tree-planting campaigns. I joined this fellowship to learn how boards and commissions work and to represent my community in decisions that affect daily life. I hope to continue building bridges between the city and immigrant communities, ensuring their voices are heard and creating lasting change.
Mayra Gallardo Loya
I’m from Chihuahua, Mexico, and am a mother of two. I hold a degree in physical culture and health sciences. I have faced and overcome racism and discrimination, and I take pride in speaking out for justice and advocating for my community. I joined this fellowship to expand my knowledge, amplify my voice and connect with others to create meaningful change. After the program, I hope to support initiatives in child care, mental health and equitable opportunities while promoting the benefits of physical activity for all.
Frances Manriquez-Medina
I’m from Colorado, and my family migrated from Mexico. I’ve always been involved in my community through volunteer work and programs that promote advocacy. I’m passionate about protecting the environment, especially water and air quality and ensuring vulnerable communities have a voice in decision-making. Through this fellowship, I want to strengthen my ability to engage the community and protect Colorado’s environment.
