Alexandra Reyes Amaya (she/her/hers)
University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program because I want to be a voice for my community. For our leaders to make the best decisions for our state, they need to know what concerns people have. I want to advocate for them and make real change through policy.
Why are you interested in student success?
I believe education is critical to making decisions for our community. We have the power to vote and make our voices heard, so it is important we make educated decisions. Being successful in school is also how we achieve our career goals, which is important for low-income groups who struggle to leave the cycle of poverty.
Alex Clark (they/them/theirs)
University of Colorado Boulder
Why did you join the advocates program?
I was looking for an opportunity to support a larger community and make a difference in relevant issues like mental health. While I have done advocacy in the past, the Young Advocates Program allows me to make change on a larger scale, while working with important figures in policy. It is also a great place to develop life-long leadership skills like speaking, planning, and networking.
Why are you interested in student success?
I am interested in finding ways to support minority students and those struggling with unemployment, financial hardship, disability, etc. Education is an important opportunity for many students to be able to explore career paths and gain a pathway to more competitive jobs. It should be available and accommodating to all students regardless of demographics or status to ensure equal opportunity.
Angela May (she/her/hers)
Why did you join the advocates program?
If an opportunity arises to learn new skills I’m all about at least giving it a shot! This opportunity gives me the chance to make an impact in my home state, Colorado. I just hope I will be able to make some changes or at least get the ball rolling in some areas that we may not always think of, until it’s too late.
Why are you interested in student success?
I am a first-generation student, I want to make my family proud and be a good role model for my kids. Most of all, I want to show that someone with a background like mine can change and become successful while helping others!
Evan Clark (he/him/his)
Arapahoe Community College
Why did you join the advocates program?
I recently read Barack Obama’s A Promised Land, a book that is filled with stories and lessons that the former President learned during his community organizing days. The book inspired me to find a program that sought to help others and truly make a difference. I found exactly what I was looking for in the Young Invincibles Young Advocates Program. YI has a proven record of fighting for many things that I care a great deal about including expanding health care for young adults and advocating for affordable higher education. YI gives the opportunity to advocate on behalf of young adults while working with a group of young adults that truly want to make an impact. How could I pass that up?
Why are you interested in student success?
In today’s world, student success seems to be a prerequisite to overall success. Those that succeed as students, despite the enormous challenges that students face, seem to possess the tools to conquer any challenge that may be presented.
Gabriella Hempelmann (she/her/hers)
Colorado State University
Why did you join the advocates program?
I really wanted to join a strong group of individuals who are open to making positive changes in the community.
Why are you interested in student success?
I believe that student success is the key to not only solving current problems but future problems as well.
Gianella Ramos Millan (she/her/ella)
University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program?
To create a better relationship with advocacy and lobbying.
Why are you interested in student success?
I think student success is crucial for our future. An engaged and empowered student is our future leader. Student success should not be limited to a certain demographic but should be encouraged through all fields and career paths.
Jasmine White (she/her/hers)
Metropolitan University
Why did you join the advocates program?
I would like to learn more about policymaking and how to communicate effectively and professionally.
Why are you interested in student success?
What student success means to me is, feeling comfortable enough to reach out for help yet feeling empowered with knowledge on how to navigate my education. I always look back on my time at CCD and I feel I was successful because I was open to learning and trying new things and I always felt welcomed from the staff and faculty if I had any questions or concerns.
Joshua Coleman (he/him/his)
University of Northern Colorado
Why did you join the advocates program?
I Joined the advocates program to break out of the constricted social network of one state at a time can provide. To learn and grow in a mass of problems my knowledge and perception to recognize issues in a swarm of ever changing environments.
Why are you interested in student success?
I’m interested in student success because we all have stories that resonate with our feelings and experiences in life. Pushing for success allows individuals to heal, grow and treat the area of passion in ways never thought of making the future we dream of.
Kaydee Lucero (she/her/hers)
Colorado Mesa University
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined because I saw a great opportunity to advocate for other young people on the Western Slope and learn how to run events. This program is an amazing opportunity to start doing what I love!
Why are you interested in student success?
I want students to succeed because we are the next generation of the work force. Higher education should be readily accessible for those who want to follow that path. The better we make our education system, the more students can begin to make amazing changes in our system.
Keaton Sheagley (he/him/his)
Colorado State University Pueblo
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program to be able to support and advocate for all people in my local community and my state community.
Why are you interested in student success?
I am interested in student success because it will provide me more of an opportunity to grow!
Liza Shokhrin (she/her/hers)
University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the advocates program in order to make positive change in my community and learn how to be a leader. I want to be the voice for people that are not usually heard. I am extremely passionate about mental health and I believe everyone deserves to be supported.
Why are you interested in student success?
I am interested in student success because I want to ensure that all students receive the same opportunities and have access to all the resources they need to succeed. I believe everyone can be successful and it is important to provide support for students in order to succeed.
Michaela Cameron Cardinal (she/her)
University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined the Young Advocates Program because I want to learn how to be a voice for change and action within my community, and empower others around me to feel the same. As young people, we must rise to meet the challenges presented to us by strengthening our voices and building power with one another, in order to create the just and equitable world that we all deserve.
Why are you interested in student success?
Student success and learning in general is important to me because engaging wholeheartedly and critically with unfamiliar knowledge as well as different perspectives is one of the most important things a person can do for themselves, as well as others.
Nicole Cappellino (she/her/hers/ella)
University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined YI to learn how to stop thinking about making a difference and actually making one.
Why are you interested in student success?
I’m interested in student success particularly because I am a first-generation student. Student success is important to cultivate a future of powerful leaders with an ecological perspective. A future where leaders are investing in creating an environment where everyone has the potential to equally thrive, not just those born in the United States.
Nicole Splitler (she/her/hers)
Tulane University
Why did you join the advocates program?
I joined YI because I am currently pursuing my master’s in social work and wanted to find additional ways to enrich my education. I believe that YI will provide me with the knowledge of how to practically apply my education in my community through activism and advocacy. This work would ideally take form in addressing the intersection of mental health and work/school life balance in young individuals.
Why are you interested in student success?
Student success is very important to me as I have experienced first hand the difficulty of juggling heavy course loads, working multiple jobs and internships, extra curriculars, social life, and self-care. This balancing act can take a significant toll on young people and immense sacrifices have to be made which can manifest as poor grades, dropping out, significant student debt, or mental/physical health problems. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to higher education and their environment and experiences while in school should be as enriching as possible. Additionally, the cost of education in the United States has become extremely unaffordable leaving students with tremendous debt. I would love to be a part of the movement to make education accessible and affordable for all.