Category: Community Engagement

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows! 

Leah, is a proud Coloradan by heart. Her knack for encountering quirky suitors—like the man who took her to buy a gun rack on a first date—earned her a monthly dating column in a women’s magazine, launching her freelance writing career. Since then, her work has graced the pages of publications like “Marie Claire,” “INSIDER,” “Colorado Life Magazine,” and “Fodor’s Travel”.

Beyond her writing, Leah serves as a communications and marketing consultant for arts and culture organizations and nonprofits. Passionate about her Northeast Denver community, Leah is thrilled to be a Stand Fellow, eager to sharpen her community organizing skills and learn how to navigate legislation to better advocate for her neighbors.

Leah’s favorite children’s book, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein, reflects her belief in self-discovery and fulfillment. She cherishes Colorado’s diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to sweeping plains, deep canyons, and high deserts, which continually inspire her love for the state she calls home.

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows! 

Driven by a deep commitment to empowerment and healing, lauren serves as an alternative high school counselor and private practice therapist, blending her B.S. in Sociology and M.A. in Counseling to uplift individuals and communities.

Her leadership experience in the service industry shaped her passion for creating meaningful change, which she channels through volunteering with The Gathering Place and advocacy with Stand for Children.

Lauren values authenticity, resilience, and love, striving to help others navigate life’s challenges with courage and grace. her favorite book is The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith.

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows! 

A passionate educator and advocate, Alysia juggles her roles as a high school English teacher, college Psychology professor, and devoted parent of two with unwavering dedication to justice in her community. Her favorite book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, inspires her belief in teamwork, love, and resilience against adversity.

Beyond teaching, she loves reading, particularly Dramione fanfiction, for its exploration of character growth and new perspectives. Her work and hobbies reflect her commitment to learning, creativity, and fostering meaningful growth in others.

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows! 

A dynamic and compassionate leader, Tom starts each day at dawn, balancing a life dedicated to family, learning, and community service. Whether it’s helping his grandchildren excel in school, preparing for his vital role as an Election Judge, or coaching youth basketball, he thrives on making a difference.

A lifelong learner and avid reader with a library of over 2,000 books, Tom finds joy in photography, woodworking, and storytelling. Fueled by innovation and passion, he approaches every challenge as an opportunity to solve problems and inspire others.

Stand Colorado advances solutions that increase opportunities for families, historically furthest from privilege, through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards a stronger Colorado.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, share knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2024–2025 Fellows! 

Lesley is a proud first-generation college graduate from Westwood, Denver, whose journey reflects resilience and passion for creating change. A 2013 FloCrit alumna and Southern New Hampshire University graduate, she champions equity and access through roles such as Parent Advisor for Ascend at the Aspen Institute and co-chair of the Denver Health Community Advisory Panel.

Deeply dedicated to education equity, Lesley’s advocacy ensures students and families have pathways to success. Her favorite book is “Tuesdays with Morrie”, she values authentic connections, balancing her impactful work with biking, paddleboarding, and creative pursuits like sewing and embroidery.

Stand for Children Colorado advances educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards racial justice and equity in education.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, democratize knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2023–2024 Fellows! 

Meet Leah

Leah claims to be from Colorado, though she was technically born in Texas. Her ability to attract odd suitors — like the man who took her to buy a gun rack on a first (and last) date — earned her a monthly dating column in a now-defunct women’s magazine produced by the Boulder Daily Camera and launched her freelance writing career. Since then, her words have been published online and in print for a wide range of publications, including Marie Claire, INSIDER, Colorado Life Magazine, and Fodor’s Travel. In addition to writing and editing, Leah works primarily with arts and culture organizations and nonprofits as a communications and marketing consultant. As someone passionate about her Northeast Denver community, she is excited to be a Stand fellow and to learn about how to most effectively advocate for her 80205 and 80216 communities. 

1. What are you most excited about this year’s fellowship program? I am excited to increase my community organizing skills and learn how to have more impact through this fellowship. I’m hoping to learn even a little bit about how to better navigate what bills exist and where they are in the process.
2. What is your favorite children’s book? My favorite children’s book is called “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O” by Shel Silverstein. It is about a lonely wedge shaped piece looking for where it fits and realizing it doesn’t have to fit anywhere to be fulfilled.
3. What do you like most about Colorado? My favorite thing about Colorado is how varied the landscape is. People only think about the mountains, but so much of Colorado is plains or high desert, deep canyons and wide plateaus. 

Stand for Children Colorado advances educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards racial justice and equity in education.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, democratize knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2023–2024 Fellows! 

Meet Andrea

Andrea was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, as a Latina women. She is the mother of two children who are 8 and 3. She first got involved with Stand for Children in 2023 when she shared her experience growing up with an incarcerated parent and testified in favor of HB23-1133, Cost of Phone Calls for Persons in Custody. It was then she realized how important and impactful it is to be part of such an amazing group of community of leaders making a difference in our communities and children’s lives. 

1. What are you most excited about this year’s fellowship program?  I’m excited about the bills we are supporting and making a difference for our student’s futures.
2. What is your favorite children’s book? My favorite childhood book is the Junie B. Jones series and the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series.
3. What do you like most about Colorado? My favorite thing about Colorado is our beautiful Rocky Mountains.

Stand for Children Colorado advances educational equity and racial justice in Colorado through meaningful partnerships with families, educators, schools, and policymakers. One of the ways we uphold this work is through our annual Advocacy Fellowship.   

Stand for Children Colorado Advocacy Fellows are community leaders advocating for policy solutions towards racial justice and equity in education.  With the support of Stand staff, advocacy fellows will deep dive into issues affecting Colorado communities today, co-create solutions, democratize knowledge back to their communities, work to break down barriers to power and access decision makers, and, in the process, build long-lasting relationships and invaluable skills. 

We are excited to introduce the 2023–2024 Fellows! 

Meet Yaeel

1. What are you most excited about this year’s fellowship program? Me entusiasma poder seguir aprendiendo de la organización y seguir aportando de una manera productiva para que las voces y necesidades de nuestra comunidad sean escuchadas. ( I am excited to continue learning from the organization and continue contributing in a productive way so that the voices and needs of our community are heard.)

2. What is your favorite children’s book? The Giving Tree.

3. What do you like most about Colorado?  Su Naturaleza,Su oxígeno,Su gente. ( Its Nature, its oxygen, its people.)