I am a student at Metropolitan State University, majoring in Human Services and Counseling, with a concentration in High Risk Youth.  I’m passionate about change, justice, and dismantling systems to make them more just and inclusive.

Bio coming soon…

As both a student alumni and former facilitator of Building Bridges’ MEUS program, Jaala is excited to support Building Bridges in a leadership capacity as the board chair. Jaala holds a Master’s Degree in International Studies, with a focus in Conflict Resolution from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, which provides key insight and expertise critical to the support of creating powerful and effective programming at Building Bridges. Currently, Jaala is Director of Infrastructure and Administration at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and lends their extensive IT and administration experience to Building Bridges in support of organizational development and efficiency. Jaala has volunteered with a wide variety of community-based efforts in the Denver area and is passionate about organizations that strive to increase justice, equity, and inclusion.

Rachel is an attorney at Snell and Wilmer LLP, in Denver, Colorado. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Rachel graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in accounting and political science. Rachel graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School in May, 2016.

In the community, Rachel has participated in Impact Denver, a program that links young professionals with a nonprofit for a 6 month project improving the nonprofit’s business processes. Rachel also coaches a Girls on the Run of the Rockies team, which gives 8-10 year old girls the opportunity to participate in physical activity after school and teaches lessons on empowerment and self-image. Above all, Rachel is interested in the perpetuation of diversity in the Denver community and serves as her law firm’s contact for the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, the Women’s Bar Association, and the firm-wide Diversity Committee.

Melissa helps nonprofits and retailers address their real estate needs as a Vice President at Broad Street Realty, LLC. Prior to joining Broad Street, Melissa worked for Share our Strength, a national anti-hunger organization where she served as Director of Development focused on strategic partnerships, organizational advancement, special event/project management and volunteer recruitment and retention. Melissa holds a Master of Public Administration from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ball State University. She also earned a Certificate in Strategic Marketing for Non-profit Organizations from Northwestern University.
Melissa lives in the greater Denver area with her husband and daughter. In her free time, you will find her dining at the latest restaurant concept, snowboarding, hiking or working on her vegetable garden.

Jalisa would consider herself a mindfulness maverick. Currently the Violence Prevention Coordinator and Advocate at Regis University, Jalisa facilitates conversation about interpersonal violence to college aged students and counsels students that experience violence. So the necessity of mindfulness in her everyday life is pertinent to keeping her with a huge smile on her face. When not at Regis University, Jalisa is a certified yoga instructor and teaches trauma informed yoga and meditation classes for the Denver community. She also likes going to music festivals, watching new movies, and traveling. She has her eyes set on India for the Holi Festival as her next destination.