The people behind YouthRoots

Ann Kolbrek serves as a CEI YouthCouncil Facilitator, drawing on her high school youth council experience and the inspiration it provided to a close friend who later founded YouthRoots. Now, Ann guides youth to realize their potential for community impact while balancing her role as a full-time university administrator and faculty member with family life, including her husband, two young daughters, and their energetic black lab, Zuri.

With 35 years of experience working with youth and 30 years coaching football, Sonny Apodaca has dedicated his life to shaping young people's lives. He spent 12 years at Pueblo East Football, leading the team to 3 state championships.

Sonny enjoys golfing, fishing, and collecting coins and unique glasses. His favorite quote, "Pressure can either burst pipes, or make diamonds," reflects his philosophy of resilience, which he shares with his mentees.

Sonny aims to be the supportive figure he needed growing up, a role he has embraced throughout his career.

Elaine Jackson (she/her) is a facilitator and coach passionate about personal growth and connection. With a background in education, coaching, and leadership facilitation, she has supported individuals and teams, especially in nonprofits and education.

She holds a Master's in Teaching from the University of Washington and a coaching certification from iPEC. In 2022, she founded Best Self Facilitation, where she creates reflection tools, leads workshops, and fosters meaningful conversations. She has worked with organizations on leadership, storytelling, and team-building.

Outside work, she volunteers with Reading Partners and enjoys time with her dog Murphy or tackling a puzzle.

Lisa Rucker joined the Gates Family Foundation in April of 2014. She is the primary Foundation staff for the capital grants program, and oversees the Foundation's grant management system. Lisa is a graduate of Towson University in Maryland. In her free time, Lisa enjoys playing outside with her family and perfecting her Pho recipe.

Nina is a native of Colorado. She attended Kent Denver, graduating summa cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in economics and mathematics. She was the editor of two best-selling economics textbooks and is passionate about providing quality education to children worldwide. In addition to volunteering and fundraising in her local community, Nina has conducted award-winning economic research on how to improve India's school system. She is also an advisory council member of the inaugural Women and Girls of Color Fund. Nina enjoys skiing and hiking in her free time.

Nandhana, a Colorado native, Boettcher Scholar, and student at the University of Colorado Boulder, is passionate about the medical field and public service. Her experience includes working in hospital settings, medical research, and participating in community volunteer efforts. For four years, she has been a part of YouthRoots, contributing to initiatives that empower youth in societal change. Outside of her professional interests, Nandhana enjoys running, cooking, and exploring new places through travel.

Brent Hubbell grew up in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where he earned a BS in Finance. Brent works as a Senior Vice President at FirstBank. He has spent his time volunteering for various nonprofits. When Brent is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and traveling.

Dr. Marie Berry is Associate Professor at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs at the University of Denver and an expert on gender, violence, and social movements. She is the former director of the Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy and current Director of the Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative (IGLI), an effort to elevate the work women activists are doing at the grassroots to advance peace, democracy, and human rights across the world.

Her award-winning book, War, Women, and Power: From Violence to Mobilization in Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina (Cambridge University Press 2018), examined the impact of mass violence on women's political mobilization. Together with Dr. Milli Lake (LSE), she runs the Women's Rights After War Project. She is a 2021 recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a 2025 recipient of a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).

Rose is a Senior Program Officer with the Colorado Health Foundation, where she leads their Thriving Young People priority. Rose attended Pomona College for Nonprofit Organizational and Economic Development, and received her Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She is fueled by a lifelong passion for equity, justice, and change work.

Dan Kiel has been in commercial lending for over 13 years. His focus is on the purchase and refinance of investment and owner-occupied commercial real estate. He also has experience in commercial construction lending, business lending, and SBA loans. He has an MBA in Accounting & Finance from Regis University and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, creating smart home automations, volunteering as a member of the Denver Lions Club, and serving on several nonprofit boards.

Ori is a seasoned banking and mortgage professional, currently serving as a Senior Mortgage Advisor at Colorado Community Bank. With a focus on homeownership, financial literacy, and equitable lending, Ori empowers individuals—especially in underserved communities—to build lasting financial stability. A dedicated community advocate, Ori partners with nonprofits and grassroots initiatives to promote financial inclusion and mentor the next generation of finance professionals. Their commitment to equity and economic empowerment brings a vital perspective to the YouthRoots Board.

Aimee Yan is a first year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing degrees in Public Policy and Social and Economic Justice. Her time as a Jefferson County YouthBoard member and YouthRoots intern inspired her passion for social justice, equitable education access, and youth empowerment. She is involved in the community as a Development Officer for the Institute of Politics, volunteer for the Asian American Center, and research assistant studying the impacts of COVID-19 on first-generation college students. She spends her free time cooking, reading, and hammocking in the Rocky Mountains.

At just 15 years old, Sophia is a high school junior and a bold advocate for climate justice, leading a statewide campaign for sustainable schools alongside legislators, educators, and fellow youth. Her scientific talent, recognized by the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair and the American Chemical Society, pairs with deep empathy and a belief that all young people deserve a seat at the table. Sophia brings passion, purpose, and the power of youth voice to every board conversation. Sophia likes to dance, play the piano, and sit in the sun.