Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month |
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Latina Achievement Support (LAS) students at New Vista High School celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and enjoying some delicious tamales from Tlaquesalsa in Westminster. |
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National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, celebrates the cultural and civic contributions of Americans with Latinx and Hispanic heritage. Latinas have made enormous contributions to our country, from activist Dolores Huerta – who honored YWCA Boulder County as our guest speaker at the 2020 Dash & Bash Closing Ceremony – to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Latinas in Boulder County have faced daunting obstacles from the earliest years of non-indigenous settlement, yet they have persevered as community builders and activists.
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize three of the thousands of Latinas in our community who fought for respect, justice, and dignity.
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Join Us: Beyond the Buzzword - Critical Race Theory |
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Join YWCA Boulder County and NAACP Boulder County for a powerful virtual discussion to learn the facts about Critical Race Theory - what it is and isn't - on Tuesday, September 21 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is the buzzword of this summer. Barely searched in 2020, the term reached its popularity peak on Google trends in late June 2021, with related searches for “ban” and “Critical Race Theory taught in schools”. Much of its popularity has been driven by state legislators who have introduced or passed bills to ban CRT from being taught in public schools. These efforts continue despite teachers’ assertions that this graduate-level legal theory is not being taught in K-12 schools. It has, however, had a chilling effect: school districts and teachers are increasingly fearful that they will get in trouble for speaking about race, at all.
Participants will learn from a panel of experts, during a moderated discussion, the information needed to challenge the misrepresentations of CRT being used to create barriers for educators who are working toward more inclusive curriculum and equity programming in schools.
Participants will also receive resources to act and voice support for greater equity and inclusion in K-12 education.
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Amie Baca-Oehlert
President of the Colorado Education Association
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Amie Baca-Oehlert represents the 35,000-member-strong statewide teacher’s union. Committed to students and educators, Baca-Oehlert is a high school counselor for Adams 12 Five Star Schools. |
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Dr. Ashlea J. Campbell, EdD
University of Northern Colorado
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Ashlea Campbell, EdD is a recent graduate of the Educational Studies doctoral program at the University of Northern Colorado. Her dissertation utilized critical race theory to examine the curricular decision-making and instructional practices of Black male elementary teachers. She currently works as an SEL Specialist for Richardson Independent School District and as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Northern Colorado. |
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Dr. Debora Ortega, PhD, MSW
University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work
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Professor Debora Ortega is the founding director of the Latino Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship, a consortium of interdisciplinary faculty dedicated to creating and advancing knowledge that gives voice to the history, politics, culture and legacies of Latino communities. She joined the faculty of the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work in 2005. Prior to her appointment at DU, she was a faculty member in the School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas. |
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Dr. Stephanie Renee Toliver
University of Colorado, Boulder
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Stephanie R. Toliver is an assistant professor of Literacy and Secondary Humanities at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Informed by her love of science fiction and fantasy texts as well as her experience as a 9th and 10th grade English teacher, Toliver’s scholarship centers the freedom dreams of Black youth and honors the historical legacy that Black imaginations have had and will have on activism and social change. |
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Elvira Ramos (she, her, hers)
Mission Launch
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Elvira Ramos directed programs and grantmaking efforts for the Community Foundation Boulder County for 10 years and currently co-directs Leadership Fellows Boulder County. In addition, she is a consultant and trainer with Mission Launch. She has more than 30 year's experience in nonprofit management and community relations and has worked in the areas of domestic violence, the unhoused, and mental health. Elvira is an experienced trainer and facilitator, and has focused much of her efforts over the years on DEI, inclusive leadership, and supporting historically underrepresented people to represent. |
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Thank you for Celebrating with Us |
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Pictured for our ribbon cutting (left to right): Brittny Wilson, Debbie Pope, Randy Clapp, James Hoppe, Marta Loachamin, Alice Messinger and Robyn Hazlitt |
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It was wonderful to see many of you last month as we celebrated this big milestone.
Thank you to the wonderful donors and funders who made this expansion possible:
Alice Wonderland Fund
Twisted Foundation
Boulder County Worthy Cause
Buell Foundation
El Pomar Foundation
Gates Family Foundation
Mile High United Way
ECHO/National Wildlife Federation
Thank you to Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin for joining us and representing Boulder County and the impactful Worthy Cause grant funding that made this project possible.
If you weren't able to join us, click below to see photos of the renovations and watch the messages Congressman Neguse and Gov. Polis sent to us.
Thank you also to Elisa García and Daniel Ondaro of NuMundo Music and Ben & Jerry's Boulder for helping us celebrate!
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LAS Graduates Spread their Wings - Itsel Martinez |
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We are proud to celebrate our 2021 graduating class of Latina Achievement Support (LAS) students who are pursuing their post-secondary education this fall. One of these students is Itsel Martinez, who graduated from New Vista High School in May and just started classes at CU Boulder. We had a chance to catch up with Itsel recently on her experience with LAS over her entire four years of high school. “I decided to get involved with LAS because they would support me through my academic year at school,” she said.
“They offer a lot of support and resources for literally anything, from how to take care of yourself, resumes, scholarships, volunteer work and more,” Itsel recalls. “I have memorable experiences from when I was involved in LAS. I enjoyed it a lot when speakers taught us different things… Another memorable experience was the field trips we took as a group, like going to a museum, pumpkin patch, and touring universities. They were wonderful.”
This additional support helps the students overcome the systemic barriers which face many first-generation Latina college students. For Itsel, “my goals for the future are studying and graduating from college, being an example for other Latinas who might have had a more difficult time than me and helping them out. During my participation in LAS, I have learned that there are many other people like me, who look for support and struggle, but do their best. I am not alone in whatever I am going through … because there is a huge support system that is right there to help us.” Congratulations and best of luck to Itsel and all our LAS graduates!
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Donor Highlight: Chris and Michelle Maughan |
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Pictured: Michelle and Chris Maughan with their daughter Margot outside of Telluride. |
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Persimmon family Michelle, Chris (and little Margot) Maughan shared their experience being involved with YWCA Boulder County and Persimmon Early Learning, including as donors and corporate partners.
When and why did you get involved with YWCA Boulder County?
I initially got involved with the YWCA via Alpine Bank's involvement with the Dash & Bash. Post Dash & Bash a number of our staff here at Alpine Bank wanted to participate in the Reading to End Racism program. At Alpine Bank we try to financially support nonprofits that both serve our local community but also resonate with our employees.
What motivated you to support YWCA Boulder County and our programs, both as a family and with Alpine Bank as a Corporate Sponsor?
Michelle and I personally wanted to find the best early childhood education program for our daughter. In our experience, the teachers at the YWCA are top notch and the new facilities are amazing. From a financial perspective we appreciate the flexible care and want to help support the sliding scale program. It is so important for a community to offer these types of programs so that all families/kids can be well supported.
What sets the YWCA and Persimmon Early Learning apart from other organizations/programs like it?
The mission statement sets the YWCA apart from other ECE programs. The focus on social justice and female empowerment strikes me as very different from most ECE programs. I think it takes your program to the next level, as we know that child development is of course always at the center of everything you do!
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Donate Stock and Appreciated Securities |
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Are you looking to make a difference in our community by donating to YWCA Boulder County? You can make a bigger impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to our organization. In comparison to donating cash - or selling your appreciated securities and contributing the after-tax proceeds - you may be able to increase your gift and your tax deduction with a gift of stock or appreciated securities!
To learn more or alert us of your gift of stock, please contact Heather Thorwald, Development Administrator, at hthorwald@ywcaboulder.org.
Note: Gifts of stock are considered in-kind gifts by the Colorado Department of Revenue and are not eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit.
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Persimmon Early Learning - Enrolling Now! |
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NEW Preschool Classroom opening Fall 2021. Enroll today!
- Small class sizes and low teacher-student ratios of 1:5
- Experiential, play-based program with Storybook Journey curriculum that supports child-led interests and child development
- Colorado Shines Level 4 rating
- Highly qualified teaching team works to strengthen all areas of child growth and pre-academic skills including: social-emotional, gross and fine motor, early literacy, STEM, and social studies
- Twice-yearly parent/teacher conferences and daily communication
- Daily Active Play, Movement, and Nutrition Lessons with our Wellness Coordinator
- Healthy snacks and meals prepared daily on-site by our Nutrition Coordinator
- Certified HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) and Breastfeeding Friendly Program
To schedule a virtual Parent Tour for Persimmon Early Learning, or to begin the enrollment process for your child, please visit our website to fill out an Interest Form. We will follow up with you with tour dates and times.
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Sign up for Persimmon Grove - Our Parent eNews |
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Once a quarter we bring our Persimmon Early Learning classrooms to you with Persimmon Grove, our eNews for parents. Hear what each classroom has been focused on, and learn nutrition and wellness tips, too! |
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Welcome our New Intern Hima Kilaru |
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We are thrilled to have Hima Kilaru join us as an Intern! Hima is working with our Racial Justice Equity & Education program and shared this greeting:
Hello!
My name is Hima Kilaru and I am a student at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I am very excited to be working as an intern for the Racial Justice and Equity Education Department at YWCA Boulder County. I hope to help fight for change in our community while bringing a new perspective to the conversation. I look forward to hearing from you all!
Best, Hima Kilaru
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Staff Highlight: Carter Angel |
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What’s your title?
My title is Nutrition Coordinator.
When did you join the team at YWCA Boulder County?
I joined the team at YWCA Boulder County in February of 2015.
What do you do at the YWCA?
I cook all the meals for the children in our care at Persimmon Early Learning - three meals a day, five days a week.
What’s your favorite thing about YWCA Boulder County?
My favorite thing about YWCA Boulder County is being able to work alongside strong and supportive women, as well as providing healthy meals to the children of the families that we serve.
What’s something people may not know about you?
I graduated with a degree in art and in my spare time I can be found in the pottery studio throwing on the wheel making cups and bowls.
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Latina Achievement Support (LAS) Advocates
The Latina Achievement Support (LAS) Advocate works directly with ninth- to twelfth-grade Latina high school students in Boulder County, helping to close the achievement gap and provide specialized support. LAS advocates provide a space where students can build upon the strengths and resources of the Latinx community and understand the challenges they may face in reaching their goals. LAS provides positive youth development through programming and exposure to other organizations in Colorado. This is a position requiring a commitment to the work and mission of YWCA Boulder County and supervision of youth. May be a virtual position or partially virtual, subject to COVID-19, and will start in September 2021. Average of 6-12 hours per week.
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Persimmon Early Learning Early Education Teachers
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Early Childhood Education Teachers - Persimmon Early Learning of the YWCA needs ECT-qualified teachers for our new toddler and preschool classrooms. $1,000 signing bonus, small class sizes, and great benefits!
Persimmon Early Learning of the YWCA offers high-quality, affordable child care, and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. It provides a nurturing, creative space for children to learn and grow in redesigned and expanded indoor and outdoor learning areas. The program emphasizes parent engagement and education, health equity through scheduled activities and active play time, and good nutrition modeling and activities including diverse and healthy meal plan.
For additional info, email Kate Hise at: khise@ywcaboulder.org, or call Persimmon Early Learning: (303) 449-1951. |
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Have you, your child or someone you know benefited from a YWCA program or service?
We love sharing personal stories and testimonials with grant funders, donors and in our communications with the community. Please contact Robyn Hazlitt at rhazlitt@ywcaboulder.org to share your story or testimonial. |
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YWCA Boulder County Events
Community Events
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The House Has Passed A Bill To Restore The Voting Rights Act
Last month, house lawmakers approved new legislation aimed at protecting the right to vote. The bill is named for John Lewis, renowned Georgia congressman and civil rights leader, who died last year. Known as H.R. 4, the bill would strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which in recent years had been weakened by Supreme Court rulings. Supporters of the bill say it would make it more difficult for states to restrict future voting access, while its opponents say the bill is a federal overreach into the state's role in election processes.
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Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services |
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Thank you City of Boulder Housing and Human Services Department for your grant funding for Persimmon Early Learning (formerly Children's Alley)! |
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Thank YOU for your support! |
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Our work would not be possible without the support of passionate individuals and businesses like you, who support our programs and services.
Contact us to learn more about donating stock or other assets, donating through your employers giving program or becoming an event sponsor.
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Non-cash Ways to Support the YWCA
- Give from your Donor Advised Fund
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Shop at smile.amazon.com and select YWCA Boulder County
- Sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards and select YWCA Boulder County
- Donate your vehicle to YWCA Boulder County through Vehicles for Charity
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Buy items from our Amazon Wishlist and ship them directly to our office
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