Generation Collaboration

Front Range Community College (FRCC) offers numerous education and employment pathways to Colorado's young people, with campuses in Westminster, Longmont, and Fort Collins. In this final episode of this season of Generation Collaboration, FRCC President Colleen Simpson and nursing student Katie Rodriguez share details about the possibilities presented by FRCC, and they explore the college's journe...

Litzy and Emanuel sit down with Jesse Holtsnider, Lahja Wise and Chelsea Tossing from The Cottonwood Institute, to learn about their Award Winning CAP program. Jesse and Lahja share how CAP fosters a "third space" in which they feel a sense of belonging and empowers them to make a change on the issues that they find most important. Find more about the Cottonwood Institute at www.cottonwoodinstitut...

This is part 2 of a 2-part conversation with Attorney General Phil Weiser. Hosts Litzy Vasquez & Emanuel Morales join the Attorney General in conversation about TikTok, First Amendment rights, mental health, and immigration, and how those issues impact the next generation of Coloradans. Find more about the AG's office here: www.coag.gov . Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership wit...

This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation with Attorney General Phil Weiser, the people's lawyer for the state of Colorado. Hosts Litzy Vasquez & Emanuel Morales invite the Attorney General to address concerns including media literacy, artificial intelligence, regulatory agencies, privacy laws, and how those issues impact the next generation of Coloradans. They also ask the question, "What exact...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel chat with Kevin Lwango and Andrew Rodriguez, of Denver Human Services' Youth Empowerment Program . This program touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic and racial protests in 2020 have exacerbated challenges for youth and their families in Denver, and meeting youth where they are. This episode discusses how to provide preventative services and programs for youth. YE...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel discuss workforce development, the cost of a 4-year university education, and the skills gap with Anderson, Jesse, and Danika with SkillsUSA . SkillsUSA empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.  Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young Leaders and Youth on Record . Fo...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel provide the space to discuss youth suicide - Colorado's leading cause of death for youth and young adults - with Voz y Corazon , a suicide prevention program of WellPower Denver . This episode welcomes Michelle Tijerina, Community Coordinator who leads Voz y Corazon, and Sonia Casillas, a youth participant in the program. Voz y Corazón focuses on empowering youth...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel sit down with Generation Collaboration producers, Lauren Steavpack of Colorado Young Leaders and David Ladon of Youth on Record . This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the people power behind the podcast, and how the ethos of the podcast is rooted in...well, generational collaboration. Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel are joined by Aaron Smith from Make a Chess Move , to explore how the game of chess is more than a board game. This episode touches on the school-to-prison pipeline, whole person development, and how the game of chess provides a safe place for youth to understand their role in a just society. Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel are joined by Ananas and Jayara from Colorado Youth Congress , to unpack how youth are leading the charge in changing systems across Colorado. This episode touches on the unique systems we are part of, the priority of mental wellness, and the importance of self-reflection in leadership.  Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young Lead...

In this episode, Litzy and Emanuel are joined by Karen and Elisabeth from Convivir Colorado , to showcase their work around youth empowerment and changing the narrative about the immigrant experience in Denver. This episode touches on the importance of authentic mentorship, the power of storytelling, and empowering youth to be true to who they are.  Generation Collaboration is produced in partners...

Litzy and Emanuel introduce themselves and season 2 of Generation Collaboration, a youth initiative podcast focusing on a range of social and cultural themes through an intergenerational lens to enhance the power of youth leadership. Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young Leaders and Youth on Record , with support from CiviCo . This Trailer was engineered by Xavier...

In the final episode of Season 1, Brayden and Sonakshi sit down with Andrew Trader-Bankston and Isabel Long from Project PAVE to talk about generating authentic youth/adult partnerships to promote healthy relationships and break down historic patterns of violence. Engineered by Laura Brennan Edited by David Ladon Produced by Lauren Steavpack and David Ladon Generation Collaboration is produced in...

Brayden and Sonakshi sit down with youth leaders and staff from Rise Above Colorado , a statewide prevention organization that measurably impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance misuse to help youth make empowered, healthy choices. Engineered by Xavier Gauthier and Emerson Olson Edited by David Ladon Produced by Lauren Steavpack and David Ladon Generation Collaboration...

In this episode of Generation Collaboration, Brayden and Sonakshi visited Inside Out Youth Services , an organization building access, equity, and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people, through leadership, advocacy, community-building, education, and peer support. They spoke with Jessie Pocock (she/her), the executive director and CEO of Inside Out Youth Services, and Casper (he/they), a high school s...

Brayden and Sonakshi speak with two Journalists who got their start at a young age. Shana Saint-Phard is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, and the media director for the TJ Journal News. Bree Davies is a local arts advocate, organizer, producer, and the host of City Cast Denver . In this episode, Shana and Bree reflect on reporting locally, diversity in the newsroom, and how to tell a stor...

What was your first job? Eleven-year-old Nicholas, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the story behind his small business, Slime Kings . Starting at just 7 years old, Nicholas began ideating with developing his own slime products for kids and adults. Fast forward four years and slime aficionados can purchase his products from his online store and at Denver's legendary The Wizard's Chest. In th...

Brayden unpacks the power and potential of restorative justice programs with community advocates Ames Stenson and Leah Rohlfs. Leah is a community, peer, and victim representative in the Fort Collins restorative justice program. Ames Stenson is the program manager for the Englewood Municipal Court’s restorative justice program and the Vice President of the Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justic...

In this month's episode Brayden and Sonakshi sit down with former state senator, Ellen Stuart Roberts, and two members of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, Bhavya Surapaneni and Sidd Nareddy, to discuss the important role of youth voice in crafting legislation. COYAC members not only advise legislators on issues that directly affect youth, but they also craft policy. Sidd and Bhavya share about...

This live episode features Nicole Mahobian, Founder of Colorado Young Leaders, Ryan Heckman, Chairman of CiviCO, and Kerrie Joy, local artist & revolutionary, who joined Brayden & Sonakshi to discuss generational change and the importance of supporting youth voice.  Engineered by Drake & CO and Devonte Parker Edited by David Ladon Produced by Lauren Steavpack and David Ladon Generation...

Sonakshi and Brayden dive deep into the issue diversity and inclusion on college campuses with University of Denver undergraduate students, Mia Payne and Xavier Ada, as well as Dr. Janiece Mackey, the founder and director of Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA). They are joined by guest host, Hailey Meraz, marketing intern for Generation Collaboration. Engineered by...

In this episode, Brayden and Sonakshi have a hope-filled conversation about criminal justice reform. Guests, Vanessa Gates and Ellen Clark share their perspectives on the American legal system, identifying flaws and discussing new ways forward. Vanessa Gates is the teen court coordinator and the youth service coordinator for the City of Lone Tree, CO. Ellen Clark is a former member of the Denver M...

In this episode, Sonakshi and Brayden dive into classroom culture and the power of representation in schools. They chat with Devonte Parker, a senior at Northeast Early College, and Mary Kaye Bjork, a Grandview High School English teacher, about the importance of open conversations and how youth can have more power in the classroom. Engineered by Akello Stallings and Devonte Parker Edited by David...

In this episode, Sonakshi and Brayden talk with Bre, from Joy as Resistance , and Clarise, a member of Colorado Youth Congress , to discuss change, leadership, identity, and self expression in the queer community.  Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young Leaders and Youth on Record , with support from CiviCo , Colorado’s community leadership development organization...

Brayden and Sonakshi sit down with Colorado Young Leaders alumnus Riley Ruff and Vanessa Roberts, the Executive Director of Project VOYCE for a discussion about the importance of youth participation and leadership in community organizing and social movements.  Generation Collaboration is produced in partnership with Colorado Young Leaders and Youth on Record , with support from CiviCo , Colorado’s...