Our Team
sheila van de graaph
Executive Director
Sheila is a dedicated non-profit leader with over 12 years of experience in executive and strategic leadership. Her journey has taken her to 10 countries around the world where she’s had the privilege of impacting communities and individuals. Sheila holds a Master of Arts in International Development and Development Economics from the University of Denver, a Master of Arts in Gender and Development Studies, and a BA in Anthropology from University of Nairobi.
Susie roman
YouthScan Director
Susie Roman has been leading collaborative teams for 15+ years to advance the impact of nonprofit organizations in mental health, gender-based violence prevention, LGBTQ+ advocacy, positive youth development, and social justice. Susie holds a master’s degree in Gender Studies from the University of British Columbia. When she is not working, Susie loves roller skating, dancing, aerial, lounging in hot tubs, and spending time with her friends and family.
Jenn ragain
YouthScan Implementation Manager
Jenn received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver in 2017 after completing her practicum with YouthRoots. Her expertise is in operations and program development with a passion for youth voice. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside with her partner and dog or snuggling with her cats.
Aariyah Johnson
Youth Voice Specialist
Aariyah is an Activist and Youth philanthropist. She is a Colorado Native and alum of Eaglecrest High school. She is passionate about amplifying the voices of the youth and those in her communities. Since graduating she has engaged herself in many events around Public health and equity. In addition to her role with YouthRoots, Aariyah is a Youth leader with EYE For Prevention and a speaker. She enjoys working in spaces centered around healing, expression, and equal opportunities in the workplace.
ANGEL MOLLEL
Social Media & Content Creator Manager
Angel Mollel is driven by a passion for using her media skills to support others. Graduating from The University of Colorado Boulder with a background in media production and creative technology, and gaining practical experience at FOX 31 KDVR & Channel 2 KWGN and Fiscus Sports Images, Angel excels in communicating and amplifying voices effectively. Her nonprofit, 1 Love, demonstrates her commitment to using media to empower communities. With expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and proficiency in audiovisual production and photography, Angel is dedicated to helping YouthRoots amplify youth voices and foster positive change.
Alyssa Chavez
Program & Administrative Coordinator
Alyssa Chavez is the Administrative Coordinator for YouthRoots while earning a Master’s in Social Work at Colorado State University. She 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. Alyssa also has a love for traveling, reading, and movies.
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.
COMING SOON
Facilitator
COMING SOON
Facilitator
Board of Directors
Javon Brame
Board Member
Javon was born and raised in Colorado and grew up in Northeast Denver (Park Hill). He is ardent about advocating on behalf of others and being a conduit for the voices of constituencies, as well as seeking to disrupt traditional notions of philanthropy by giving his time, talent, treasure and testimony. He is the past board chair and grant chairman for Denver African American Philanthropists and served on the non-profit internship committee at the Denver Foundation. Most recently, Javon was appointed to serve as a founding advisory committee member for the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund (BRiC) at the Denver Foundation.
Brent Hubbell
Board Member
Brent Hubbell grew up in Colorado and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder wh ere 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.
Miguel In Suk Lovato
Board Chair
Miguel has a bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado-Denver. He has worked directly with low-income and at-risk youth in various capacities. Miguel currently works for the Donnell-Kay Foundation. At home, he enjoys watching Star Wars movies with his daughter.
Laura Mangels
Board Member
Laura lives in Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her PhD in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley in 2018. Her research interests include structural inequality, racism, care-centered models for public safety, and mental health. She is currently a research fellow at the Colorado Children’s Campaign.
Katie Peterson
Vice Chair
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.
Lisa Rucker
Secretary
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.
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.
Steve Szymanski
Treasurer
Steven grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and attended the University of Denver for business. After serving in Vietnam, he completed a 40 year career as a Commercial Real Estate Developer. Steven is married and has a daughter who is currently a CSU student.
Nina Vendhan
Board Member
Nina is a native of Colorado. She attended Kent Denver and later graduated 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.
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.
NADHANA VIVEK
Board Member
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.