Our Team
sheila van de graaph
Executive Director
Sheila is a passionate nonprofit leader with over 20 years of executive and global experience advancing youth empowerment, social justice, and community-led development. Originally from Kenya, she has worked in 12 countries, building inclusive, youth-centered programs that amplify young voices and drive systemic change.
She holds advanced degrees in International Development, Gender Studies, and Anthropology. With a leadership style grounded in equity, collaboration, and a deep belief in youth as today’s changemakers, Sheila is guiding YouthRoots to reimagine what it means to share power with young people and build a more just, connected future.
Outside of work, she’s a proud mom who finds joy in dancing, music, travel, and exploring new cultures—always grounded in love for humanity and collective impact.
angel mollel
Communications and Marketing Manager
Angel Mollel is a passionate media professional who uses storytelling as a tool for empowerment and change. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, she holds a degree in Media Production with a minor in Creative Technology and Design. Her experience includes work with FOX 31 KDVR & Channel 2 KWGN, as well as her own business, Mollel Productions, where she creates powerful visual content through photography and video.
Angel is also the founder of 1 Love, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting education, women’s empowerment, and basic needs in Maasai communities in Tanzania. Her work is rooted in equity, impact, and cultural preservation.
At YouthRoots, Angel uses her expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and visual storytelling to help amplify youth voices and spark meaningful social change.
emily collyns
Program Manager -The YouthScan Project
Emily Collyns is a dedicated program manager with over ten years of experience in youth and adult education, leadership development, and social change. She has worked with K-12 and college students, immigrants, and families through equity-driven, community-led, and trauma-informed programs.
Her background includes program design, facilitation, and strategic partnerships focused on civic engagement, leadership, financial empowerment, and educational access. Emily has led youth initiatives on topics from food justice to housing policy and believes in the power of young people to shape their communities.
As the YouthScan Project Program Manager, she supports youth-led data collection, storytelling, and advocacy—helping turn insights into action and advancing a more just, youth-centered future.
Grace Honce
Consultant
Grace Honce is the founder and lead evaluator at Hartway Evaluation Group and has six years of experience in research and evaluation. She holds an MPH in Community and Behavioral Health from the Colorado School of Public Health and a BS in Community Health from Winona State University.
Grace has collaborated with diverse groups—community organizers, healthcare providers, older adults, government agencies, and researchers—using tools like needs assessments, focus groups, and interviews to uplift client and community voices. She brings care and clarity to sensitive conversations and specializes in evaluation strategy, qualitative analysis, and creating engaging audience-tailored reports.
Alyssa Chavez
Program Manager
Alyssa Chavez is the Administrative Coordinator for YouthRoots while earning a Master’s in Social Work at Colorado State University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Colorado Denver. A YouthRoots alum, Alyssa has always had a passion for youth empowerment. At home, she enjoys spending time with her friends and her dog. She also loves traveling, reading, and movies.
Cassie Leyva
Consultant
Cassie Leyva is a seasoned nonprofit leader and consultant with over 15 years of experience in fundraising, organizational development, and mission-driven communications. As VP of Development and Operations at EPIC, she helps build sustainable, high-impact organizations and brings policy expertise at both the state and federal levels.
Cassie began her career in banking before founding and leading a microfinance and education nonprofit in Tanzania. Since moving to Denver, she’s worked with organizations like The Center on Colfax and CU Anschutz, advancing community engagement and philanthropic partnerships. She continues to support global child well-being through board service in Tanzania and consults with nonprofits on strategic growth, leadership, and aligning vision with impact.
Facilitators
ann kolbrek
Facilitator
SONny apodaca
Facilitator
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
Facilitator
I’m Elaine Jackson (she/her), a facilitator and coach passionate about personal growth and connection. With a background in education, coaching, and leadership facilitation, I’ve supported individuals and teams, especially in nonprofits and education.
I hold a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington and a coaching certification from iPEC. In 2022, I founded Best Self Facilitation, where I create reflection tools, lead workshops, and foster meaningful conversations. I’ve worked with organizations on leadership, storytelling, and team-building.
Outside work, I volunteer with Reading Partners and enjoy time with my dog Murphy or tackling a puzzle.
Board of Directors
Lisa Rucker
Board Chair
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 Vendhan
Vice Chair
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 Vivek
Secretary
Nandhana, a Colorado native, Boettcher Scholar, and student at 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
Board Treasurer
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 non-profits. When Brent is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and traveling.
Rose Green
Board Member
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
Board Member
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 Account & 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 non-profit boards.
Ori Kouahi
Board Member
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, Oriphel empowers individuals, especially in underserved communities—to build lasting financial stability.A dedicated community advocate, Oriphel 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.
Katie Peterson
Board Member
Katie Peterson is a Senior Principal in Accenture’s Communications and High-tech Strategy practice. Her experience includes consulting to software and telecommunications companies where she has helped clients in the areas of growth strategy, go-to-market strategy and merger integration.
Teah Selkin
Board Member
Teah is a rising junior at Columbia University studying Financial Economics with a concentration in Educational Studies. After serving on the South Denver YouthRoots Board from 2017 to 2019, she became passionate about leveraging education and philanthropy to drive positive social change. Teah is a strong advocate for youth empowerment and dedicates her time as a mentor to younger students in both Denver and New York.
Aimee Yan
Board Member
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.
ANTHONY Yan
Board Member
Anthony Yan is a freshman at the University of Texas at Dallas through the Eugene McDermott Scholars Program studying Computer Science. His time on the North Denver YouthBoard and as a YouthRoots intern inspired a passion in Tech Policy, particularly the role of technology in advancing equity. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, programming, reading and spending time with others.
Sophia Zhang
Youth Representative Member
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.