Bridging the Gap: GENMIX

This signature event will celebrate youth leadership, honor community impact and spark meaningful cross-generational connections.

Wednesday, November 19,

5 – 7:30 PM
at the University of Denver

(Community Commons- the Forum 2055 E. Evans Avenue Denver, CO 80210)

Bridging the Gap: GENMIX Event

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Youth Emcees

Mila Korah - High School Senior

Mila is a current senior at Peak to Peak Charter School with plans to major in Economics next fall, with a possible minor in Public Policy.

Over the last two years she has co-facilitated the 15-Forever youth board, helping to raise over $80,000 for mental health and substance abuse resources for youth in Boulder.

Mila also runs a for-profit business selling fresh floral arrangements in her community, earning $10,000 over 3 years. She is an officer of her school’s National Honor Society, President and Newsletter editor of the Colorado Student Leadership Institute, and dedicates her time to education equity through tutoring.

Miralisa Trivedi - High School Senior

Miralisa is a current Senior at Peak to Peak Charter School and plans on majoring in Biomedical Engineering upon graduation, with a minor in AI or Public Policy.

Through YouthRoot’s 15 Forever Philanthropy program, Miralisa has helped to raise over $80,000 in the past two years for mental health and substance abuse resources.

She’s the host of the podcast “Let’s Talk About Sustainability”, focusing on democratizing advanced STEM conversations and creating mentorship opportunities through STEM professionals.

She is the President of her school’s Science National Honor Society, a national-level Speech & Debate competitor, and is passionate about long-distance running.

Chief Speakers

Matthew J. Van Sistine - Entrepreneur, Community Leader & Philanthropist

Matt began a lifelong entrepreneurial journey at age 20 by starting a limousine company in Wisconsin. After a business setback and the impact of 9/11, he joined a national TSA initiative to train airport security officers. That role evolved into MTR, a company he founded to support federal contracts.

He spent years as a digital nomad traveling the U.S. with the TSA project before settling in Denver’s Ballpark District. There, he found a passion for revitalizing underused properties – renovating a 1893 former brothel and even transforming a model loft that his business hub. He’s now restoring a derelict 1908 hotel and saloon at 2100 Larimer.

He formed the neighborhood group Ballpark Collective to produce community events and create an improvement district. Once the district formalized, the collective became a 501c3 charity focused on arts, entertainment and education.

An avid global traveler who summited Mount Fuji and Kilimanjaro, Matt trekked to Everest Base Camp to support a charity fighting cancer and travels to Kenya regularly to develop economic and educational initiatives for vulnerable women and children.

Matt often combines adventure with philanthropy; a goal in all his pursuits is to unite people for collective good.

Bianka Emerson - President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action

Bianka Emerson is a respected advocate and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and uplifting Black communities in Colorado.

As President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action and an appointed member of multiple statewide commissions, she leads transformative work in civic engagement, legislation, and community empowerment.