Meet the
2020 Cohort
Karen Bailey
Originally from Los Angeles, Karen is an environmental social scientist and an educator. She completed her PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology in 2018 and currently works at the University of Colorado as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. She is a self-described nerd who loves all things science fiction, fantasy, and anime and she is excited to enter the world of podcasting. Follow on Twitter @karnebe.
Nikki Kujawski
Nikki is the Senior Brand Manager for Ripple, an expanding line of dissolvable cannabinoid products. Previously, Nikki managed a video production company in New York City that developed content for media outlets and national brands including The Food Network, Unilever, Tabasco, and Bon Appetit. Follow on Instagram @nikkikuja11.
Rutha Bahlibi
Rutha is founder and editor of Harambee Today, a nonprofit focused on economic inequality in Africa, and has contributed news stories to The Denver Post, Denver Urban Spectrum, and KGNU independent community radio. In addition, she earned a B.A. in journalism with a minor in Africa and Middle East studies and is currently working towards a master’s degree in economics and finance. Follow on Twitter @HARAMBEETODAY.
Javonne Archibeque
Javonne lives in Denver with her daughter-cat Ripley. She is thirty two years old, Hispanic, queer, sex positive, activist minded and hearted, and a lover of literature, and justice. She received an education in the individualized degree program at MSU Denver, and has a B.A. in Social Justice & Identity in Literature & Media, as well as a minor in Genders and Sexualities. She currently works as the Department Coordinator at the Gender Institute for Teaching and Advocacy. Follow on Instagram @sister_illuminata.
Dr. Beau Houston
Dr. Beau Houston is the founder and Executive Director of the Bridges Lane Center for Student and Athlete Development. For over 14 years, Beau has worked in diverse higher education settings in the areas of academic support, sports marketing, and coaching at the NCAA Division I level to build on her 20 years of competitive athletic experience. Follow on Instagram @drbeauhouston.
Maileen Hamto
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Maileen identifies as Pinay: a Filipina-American settler in Turtle Island, currently in the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Utes. Since 2007, She has curated and created content “Colors of Influence,” an online magazine and blog highlighting stories and issues relevant to diverse communities of color. She’s currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity from the University of Colorado Denver. Follow on Instagram @colorsofinfluence.
Natasha Pepperl
Natasha is a licensed foster parent and the founder of Pulse Perfect Consulting, a digital marketing firm serving nonprofits, startups, and small businesses. Pulse Perfect’s clientele includes Denver Public Schools, Rocky Mountain PBS, and Colorado Succeeds. Natasha’s mother is a political refugee from Iran, which inspired her to launch her marketing career in the nonprofit world where she has worked with immigrant business owners. Follow on Facebook @pulseperfectconsulting.
Mars Calderon
Damaris Calderon, otherwise known as Mars, is a young black woman who cherishes creativity and positive vibes. The parts of herself that she holds true are her identity, culture, and history. You can follow her on Instagram @rad_sista and my medium blog @goodflavasmedia.
program auditor &
aRTIST IN RESIDENCE:
suMMER NETTLES
Emmy-award-winning videographer, certified conflict resolution facilitator and adjunct professor of communications Summer Nettles decided to leave television news after defeating Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2014. Mrs. Nettles serves as the CEO of her own company, Greater Purpose Media, LLC. Look for her new podcast "Say That Sis" a podcast focusing politics from the woman of color's perspective in July 2020.
