Our Team

Meet the changemakers

We're a diverse team of community organizers, researchers, storytellers, and advocates united by our commitment to health equity and community power.

Meet Our Leadership

Join Our Team

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Leadership

Our Leadership Team

Visionary leaders with deep community roots and expertise in health equity, policy, and community organizing.

Dr. Mariana Rodriguez

(she/her)

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Dr. Rodriguez brings 15+ years of experience in community health equity and health policy. She previously led the Denver Health Equity Initiative and holds a PhD in Public Health from Johns Hopkins.

"True change happens when communities have the power to design their own solutions."

Health PolicyCommunity OrganizingEquity Research

James Washington

(he/him)

Program Director

James leads our community-based programs with deep roots in Denver's health advocacy scene. Former community organizer with Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved.

"Every community has the wisdom to heal itself—our job is to help unlock that power."

Program DevelopmentCommunity EngagementHealth Advocacy

Dr. Aisha Patel

(she/her)

Research & Data Director

Dr. Patel oversees our research initiatives and data strategy. Previously at CDC's Office of Health Equity, she specializes in participatory research methodologies.

"Data tells a story, but communities give it meaning and power."

Participatory ResearchData AnalysisHealth Disparities

Governance

Board of Directors

Community leaders and experts who provide strategic guidance and ensure accountability to our mission.

Dr. Michael Chen

(he/him)

Board Chair

Emergency Medicine physician at Denver Health and national health equity advocate. Previously served on Obama Administration's Health Equity Task Force.

Emergency MedicineHealth SystemsPolicy Advocacy

Sofia Gutierrez

(she/her)

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Community finance expert and former Wells Fargo VP. Passionate about ensuring equitable access to capital in underinvested communities.

Community FinanceNonprofit ManagementStrategic Planning

Rev. David Johnson

(he/him)

Secretary

Community pastor and long-time health advocate. Leads the North Denver Health Coalition and has been organizing for health justice for over 20 years.

Community OrganizingFaith-Based AdvocacyCoalition Building

Carmen Reyes

(she/her)

Community Representative

Mother, advocate, and community health worker in Westwood. Brings lived experience and community wisdom to our governance and strategic direction.

Community HealthLived ExperienceAdvocacy

Team

Core Team

Passionate professionals and community members who bring our programs to life every day.

Alex Rivera

(they/them)

Youth Programs Coordinator

Former youth leader turned program coordinator. Alex designs and implements our youth leadership development initiatives across Denver metro.

Youth DevelopmentLeadership TrainingCommunity Building

Fatima Al-Hassan

(she/her)

Community Organizer

Experienced organizer focusing on immigrant and refugee communities. Leads our multilingual outreach and community engagement efforts.

Community OrganizingMultilingual OutreachCultural Competency

Taylor Kim

(she/her)

Communications & Storytelling Manager

Digital storyteller and communications strategist. Leads our CHANGE Studios initiative and manages our digital presence and narrative strategy.

Digital StorytellingCommunications StrategyMedia Production

Careers

Join our movement

We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to health equity and community empowerment. Check out our open positions or reach out to start a conversation.

View Open Positions

Read Our Stories

Community-Centered

We prioritize community wisdom and leadership in everything we do.

Equity-Focused

We actively work to dismantle systems that perpetuate health disparities.

Growth-Oriented

We invest in professional development and support career advancement.