In January, Young Invincibles’ Rocky Mountain office welcomed 8 additional student advocates to the 2021/2022 Young Advocates program, our 9-month paid policy and advocacy fellowship, where young Coloradans learn how to build campaigns for change in the state.
Alexandra Marie Salazar (she/her/hers) – University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program? I chose to join the young advocates program to become a better, brighter, more experienced advocate. I plan on doing advocacy work as long as my mind and body can permit. To fight for mental health policy and communities that I align with and need someone to fight for them.
Why are you interested in student success? As a student, it is imperative to gain an education and gain experience. Especially in the field you are interested in working in. “Knowledge itself is power.” – Sir Francis Bacon
Cashlin Podhurcak (she/her/hers) – University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program? I joined the young advocates program because I wanted to create ways for others to create change and be heard while also challenging my communication skills by creating an environment that others can thrive in. Advocacy work has been something I’ve always supported and it’s a great way to build community and connect with others. I also want to be a leader for change that allows others to become leaders and have different voices from different communities be heard. Legal jargon of many policies and bills can be confusing to understand and being able to help the legal jargon become civilian language so that it’s understood what is being discussed in our government.
Why are you interested in student success? Students are the future. Schools put a lot of stress and strain on us and having to worry about things such as financial issues, grades, and our next meal can be challenging. We need more supportive and better resources for students to succeed at any level so that we can change the world as much as possible.
Christian Smith (she/they) – University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program? To be able to more effectively create change that benefits marginalized people and make resources for living more accessible to everyone.
Why are you interested in student success? Knowledge is the key to a future where we have a community built on compassion, educated opinions, and a global collective mindset. Students succeeding is critical for us to be able to create this future.
Giovanna Burno (she/they) – Metropolitan State University
Why did you join the advocates program? I joined the young advocates group after working with YI and Hunger Free Colorado last semester on food insecurity. I loved being able to add feedback from an angle that wasn’t as readily accessible to a non-student. This time around I hope to be able to take a better look at policy and how to improve it.
Why are you interested in student success? I’m interested in student success because it helps shape the way people look at themselves. It’s important that people realize that success can be impacted by a lot of things not just how “intelligent” they are.
Kimberly Johnson (she/her/hers) – Arapahoe Community College
Why did you join the advocates program? I decided to join YI to further legislation related to physical and mental needs of those in Colorado. To have the chance to work with others, in a comprehensive way, to do more good and advocate for a common cause.
Why are you interested in student success? Student success is incredibly important because no matter the age of a student- the success they have depends greatly on what is next for this country. As a nation, we educate in the hopes of creating more opportunity and better futures for both the student and those they will impact on their given field.
Mahlet Mamo (she/her/hers) – Colorado Mesa University
Why did you join the advocates program? I wanted to join the advocate’s program because I have always been passionate about helping and advocating for marginalized groups. As a political science student at Colorado Mesa University, I’ve learned the importance of utilizing local government to evoke change in our communities. I’ve seen firsthand the power of organizing and demanding change, and I believe this program will offer tools to do just that.
Why are you interested in student success? I am interested in student success because I believe that students are struggling due to lack of resources. I believe that by offering student’s resources we will grow retention and have more adults who are able to pursue their dreams.
Trinity Sison (she/her/hers) – University of Colorado Denver
Why did you join the advocates program? I was a 2021 Hunger Free Community College Fellow with Young Invincibles and Hunger Free Colorado and decided I wanted to work more with Young Invincibles. In addition to being a part of something larger and learning more about policy/advocacy.
Why are you interested in student success? Student success is important to me. I feel like student achievement and being part of things is important while being a student. Students should explore things and learn more about the world to guide their paths.
Zachariah McCormick (he/him/his) – Aims Community College
Why did you join the advocates program? I Joined the advocates program because there are a lot of changes that need to happen in the state of Colorado and I wanted to be a part of the solution.
Why are you interested in student success? I am interested in student success because everyone has the right to earn an education.