I live in Boulder and I am on the TEENS, Inc. Board of Directors. I am often asked - WHY do I serve there? I’ve attended and spoken at numerous events for TEENS, Inc. At every Chinook West graduation, the speeches by graduating students and the talks by their teacher mentors bring tears of joy to me and all who listen. Each is a story of exaltation of victory over hardships. Youth who have felt sidelined by mainstream institutions, have felt unseen, have not had a voice, have felt like they don’t belong, cross the bridge to get their diplomas. No matter the student’s race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or ability, these challenges are all menacing, debilitating, and backbreaking. For most, these dark clouds shatter dreams and derail futures. For youth that learn the tools at TEENS, Inc., life opens doors that are closed for those who otherwise may not complete high school.

Diversity-Equity-Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are key to uplifting oppressed masses, races, and marginalized communities. The work that TEENS, Inc. does for all its youth is useful and inspirational. Every student who chooses TEENS, Inc. because they feared rejection, bullying, or judgmentalism gets individual attention, personalized mentoring, and trusted companionship. Everyone gets the opportunity to shine as bright as they want to, and they are shown their potential they never imagined they had.

The genius of TEENS, Inc. is that it has been practicing the spirit of DEI from its very inception. This is the reason why students and parents choose TEENS, Inc. It is the very core of their DNA. That is why I serve on the Board of TEENS, Inc.