Milagros Barsallo Rubio is an organizer and entrepreneur committed to sharing the power of community organizing as a driving force for systemic change and has dedicated her career to public service. From starting her career in the classroom as a bilingual elementary school teacher, to most recently teaching students at the University of Panama as a US Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor, she believes education and information play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society.
As co-founder and co-CEO of RISE Colorado she continued to organize with families, teachers, students, and other stakeholders seeking to close the opportunity gap in Aurora, Colorado using RISE’s unique model. She also jumped into the fast-paced and at times unpredictable nonprofit start-up world rapidly learning about and growing skills in organizational development, governance structures, finance and fundraising, sustainability, and continued program growth while implementing RISE’s mission.
Milagros is grateful she could use her strengths in nonprofit leadership and management to create a space of collaboration and leadership development as a coach for other entrepreneurs and organizational leaders in her consulting and at Pa’lante Ventures, focusing primarily on leaders of color.
Most recently, as a US Fulbright Scholar to Panama in addition to teaching students about community organizing and supporting their individual projects across the country, Milagros employed her skills in qualitative and action-based research to work on data collection for her research study, Guerreras Panameñas del Cambio Social, (Panamanian Women Warriors of Social Change). Milagros is currently working on the analysis of the data for publication in Spring of 2023 while seeking her next opportunity to support community-led change.
Tran Nguyen-Wills is the daughter of working-class refugees from Vietnam, has had a remarkable journey that has influenced her views on the significance of community. Transitioning from being a homeless teenager to a struggling young parent, she has forged her own path as a small business owner and community advocate. Through her life experiences, she has emerged as a strong advocate for diversity, engagement, and creating safe spaces, striving for a more just world for everyone.
With a background spanning over two decades, she has been involved in managing and owning various small businesses in Denver, including retail and restaurant ventures, art galleries, home goods stores, and the non-toxic nail salon brand, BASE COAT. Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Director of Outreach, appointed by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Throughout her professional journey, she has remained dedicated to driving meaningful change in the community, advocating for important causes, and giving back.
Tran has spearheaded community initiatives such as organizing community fridges, vaccine clinics, and fundraisers. She has been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights, safer working conditions, and fair wages for workers in the beauty industry. Additionally, she has overseen community projects, brand development, and product creation. Collaborating with non-profits, small businesses, activists, and artists has been a common theme throughout her various endeavors.
Alex Gutierrez serves as the Senior Outreach Manager for the community outreach office, leading outreach efforts in council districts 1,3, 7 and 10.
Born in Los Angeles, Alex Gutierrez is the son of immigrants from Aguascalientes, México. The eldest of five boys, Gutierrez began participating in politics at a young age due to two major events: the attacks on September 11th and the fight for LGBT+ Rights and Equality.
Wanting to give back and help the many activists who came before him, Gutierrez has spent a decade working in the political landscape by helping elect effective leadership and to inspire community involvement and engagement.
During Mayor Mike Johnston's Mayoral campaign, Gutierrez showcased his exceptional organizational and mobilization skills all over Denver from the start of the campaign. Immediately after the election he got to work as one of the Assistant Deputy Directors of then Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston’s Transitional Team and is now serving in the Mayor’s Office of Community Outreach as a Senior Outreach Manager. Beyond politics, Gutierrez is the proud father of a soon to be 18-year-old son, is an uncle, and an advocate for sober living and plant-based eating for 10 years. He enjoys reading non-fiction, is a former server/bartender, and enjoys watching musicals, historical documentaries, comedy and horror movies.
Sterling Simms serves as the Operations Coordinator for the community outreach office, leading outreach efforts in council districts 2,4,5, and 6.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Sterling moved to Denver in 2021 after service in the U.S. Marine Corps. With a background in community organizing, Sterling has served on a number of political campaigns both in Denver, and across the country. He previously served on Mayor Johnston’s campaign for mayor as well as his transition team.