I had the honor of working with Denver Human Resources to create some portraits that celebrated their Unsung Heroes of 2021. These nine people are the embodiment of leadership, community impact, innovation and empowerment.
Their work spans a wide spectrum of services: providing resources to survivors of domestic violence; building safe outdoor spaces for folks experiencing homelessness; helping families overcome barriers that keep them from attending school regularly; creating job opportunities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities; running food co-ops and maintaining urban gardens for community members living in food deserts; creating safe zones and leadership programs for at-risk youth; empowering fathers to step into their greatness; providing aid and services to immigrant and refugee families; translating state-required materials for populations that are over-represented in the criminal justice system; and motivating others to become leaders.
Respect to these community heroes (posted in the order they were photographed): Cuica Montoya (Colorado Village Collaborative).
Dwayne Meeks (Urban Colors Arts & Mentoring)
Doug Wooley (Villa Park Neighborhood Association)
Rosa Vergil (Una Mano, Una Esperanza)
Leah Wing (Jewish Family Services)
Abril Fuentes Guevara (United Way)
Doretta Tootle (Thelma’s Dream)
Danny Johnson (The Co-Op at 1st)
Marcela Paiz (IDEA Forum Inc.).