Angell Pérez, M.A.
Executive Director
Read Angell's Story
Angell Pérez has been with Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC) since January 2012 and brings extensive experience in youth development, community organizing, and intentional anti-racist approaches to nonprofit work. She previously served as Director of Teen and Outreach Programs at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver for five years and, prior to that, as Program Manager for Denver’s Youth Opportunity Girls Empowerment Program under Mayor Wellington Webb. Angell has also worked with local organizations including Mi Casa Resource Center and Denver Area Youth Services.
Throughout her career, Angell has led organizational growth efforts and advanced equity and inclusiveness initiatives to better serve youth and families across Denver. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Equity and Social Justice with a certification in Nonprofit Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies with a certificate in Women’s Studies from Colorado State University. Angell is also an alumna of several leadership programs, including the Community Resource Center’s Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program, Spirit in Action: Standing in Our Power, the Denver Foundation’s Executive Directors of Color Institute, and she is a Transformational Leadership for Change Fellow.
Angell has a deeply personal connection to CCFC’s mission. Growing up, both of her parents were incarcerated, and she witnessed her brother’s early involvement in the school-to-jail pipeline. As a teenager in Denver during the city’s “summer of violence,” Angell experienced firsthand the impact of community violence and criminalization. These experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to healing, intergenerational community-building, and creating pathways for youth to thrive. She remains dedicated to supporting young people in reaching their full potential and strengthening the resilience of her community.
Margarita Garcia
Liberation Program Manager
Read Margarita's Story
Margarita Garcia is the Liberation Program Manager at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she advances the organization’s mission to support youth, families, and communities through culturally rooted programming and leadership development. In her role, Margarita oversees initiatives that center dignity, empowerment, and collective well-being, creating spaces where young people can grow, lead, and thrive.
Margarita brings a strong commitment to community engagement and youth development, working closely with participants, families, and partner organizations to design programs that reflect the lived experiences, strengths, and cultural identities of the communities CCFC serves. She supports youth internships, mentorship opportunities, and leadership pathways that foster confidence, connection, and self-expression.
Through her leadership, Margarita helps strengthen community relationships and contributes to a more connected, compassionate, and empowered Denver.
Izabella Williams
Youth Justice Apprenticeship Program Assistant
Read Izabella's Story
Izabella William is a Youth Justice Apprenticeship Program Assistant at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC). She has been connected to the organization for over a decade, first joining CCFC programs as a youth in middle school and later returning as a volunteer and staff member.
Having participated in many of CCFC’s programs over the years, Izabella brings deep institutional knowledge and lived experience to her role. She now supports youth who are navigating challenges similar to those she once faced, helping create spaces for connection, learning, and mutual support.
Izabella values the relationships built through CCFC’s programming — not only among youth, but also with families and the broader community. Her journey reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to growth, continuity, and supporting young people at every stage of their development.
Kathy Maestas
Contract Financial Manager
Read Kathy's Story
Kathy Maestas is an independent consultant working with a wide range of local nonprofits and small businesses, bringing more than 25 years of professional experience supporting organizational growth, sustainability, and mission-driven work. Her background combines strong financial expertise with a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and community-centered leadership.
Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Denver and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Colorado Denver Graduate School of Public Affairs. Her academic and professional training allow her to support organizations with strategic planning, financial systems, and operational guidance that strengthen long-term impact.
Throughout her career, Kathy has been especially committed to working alongside youth, the Latino community, women of color, and the disability community. She often approaches this work through relationship-based and informal methods, including one-on-one support, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes problem solving. Kathy believes meaningful change is built through trust, consistency, and authentic connection.
Kathy finds great fulfillment in empowering individuals and organizations to grow into their own version of success. She takes pride in supporting others quietly and effectively, offering encouragement, guidance, and steady support as they navigate challenges and opportunities. Her passion for helping people and building strong, lasting relationships is evident in both her professional work and her personal life. Above all, Kathy is most proud of her three children, Sierra, Sage, and Sofia, who continue to inspire her commitment to community and care.
Paloma Soto
Healthy Hood Initiative Program Manager
Read Paloma's Story
Paloma Soto is the Healthy Hood Initiative Program Manager at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC). She began her journey with CCFC as a youth participant in high school and has grown through multiple roles within the organization, including intern, volunteer, Program Assistant, and Coordinator, before stepping into her current leadership position.
Born and raised in Denver, Paloma brings lived experience from the Globeville community, where she witnessed firsthand the impacts of food apartheid and limited access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food. Today, she leads the Healthy Hood Initiative, overseeing onsite meals and food box distribution for youth and their families while centering the belief that food is medicine.
Paloma is deeply committed to building relationships with families and ensuring that nourishment is provided with dignity, care, and cultural respect. Through her leadership, she continues to pour back into the community that raised her, supporting the health and well-being of youth and families across Denver.
Ximena Almaguier
Healthy Hood Program Assistant
Read Ximena's Story
Ximena Almaguer is a Healthy Hood Program Assistant at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she supports community wellness and food access initiatives through the Healthy Hood program. In her role, she assists with food preparation, helps organize food bank efforts, and serves as a positive role model for younger participants.
A young leader who grew into her role through CCFC programming, Ximena brings lived experience, care, and dedication to her work. Through opportunities such as visiting the Colorado State Capitol, she has gained a deeper understanding of the power of youth voice and civic engagement.
What began as an intimidating new experience has become a space for growth, confidence, and belonging. Ximena continues to grow as a leader while supporting the well-being of her community and inspiring others through her commitment and resilience.
Rita Leyba
Healthy Hood Initiative Program Coordinator
Read Rita's Story
Rita Leyba is the Healthy Hood Initiative Program Coordinator at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she plays a vital role in supporting youth and families through community-based food and wellness programming. As a lead cook for the Healthy Hood initiative, Rita works closely with young people, teaching, preparing meals, and fostering care, responsibility, and connection through food.
Rita brings a deep commitment to serving her community, guided by lived experience and a strong sense of purpose. She takes pride in being part of an organization that provides support to children, youth, women, and families who need it most. Through her work, she helps ensure that community members know they are not alone and that resources, care, and opportunity are available.
Her dedication reflects a belief in visibility, dignity, and mutual support — and in the importance of letting people know that help exists, that they are seen, and that they do not have to navigate challenges in the shadows.
Staff
Angell Pérez M.A.
Executive Director
Learn About Angell
Angell Pérez has been with Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC) since January 2012 and brings extensive experience in youth development, community organizing, and intentional anti-racist approaches to nonprofit work. She previously served as Director of Teen and Outreach Programs at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver for five years and, prior to that, as Program Manager for Denver’s Youth Opportunity Girls Empowerment Program under Mayor Wellington Webb. Angell has also worked with local organizations including Mi Casa Resource Center and Denver Area Youth Services.
Throughout her career, Angell has led organizational growth efforts and advanced equity and inclusiveness initiatives to better serve youth and families across Denver. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Equity and Social Justice with a certification in Nonprofit Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a Master of Arts in Ethnic Studies with a certificate in Women’s Studies from Colorado State University. Angell is also an alumna of several leadership programs, including the Community Resource Center’s Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program, Spirit in Action: Standing in Our Power, the Denver Foundation’s Executive Directors of Color Institute, and she is a Transformational Leadership for Change Fellow.
Angell has a deeply personal connection to CCFC’s mission. Growing up, both of her parents were incarcerated, and she witnessed her brother’s early involvement in the school-to-jail pipeline. As a teenager in Denver during the city’s “summer of violence,” Angell experienced firsthand the impact of community violence and criminalization. These experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to healing, intergenerational community-building, and creating pathways for youth to thrive. She remains dedicated to supporting young people in reaching their full potential and strengthening the resilience of her community.
Kathy Maestas
Contract Financial Manager
Read About Kathy
Kathy Maestas is an independent consultant working with a wide range of local nonprofits and small businesses, bringing more than 25 years of professional experience supporting organizational growth, sustainability, and mission-driven work. Her background combines strong financial expertise with a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and community-centered leadership.
Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Denver and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizations from the University of Colorado Denver Graduate School of Public Affairs. Her academic and professional training allow her to support organizations with strategic planning, financial systems, and operational guidance that strengthen long-term impact.
Throughout her career, Kathy has been especially committed to working alongside youth, the Latino community, women of color, and the disability community. She often approaches this work through relationship-based and informal methods, including one-on-one support, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes problem solving. Kathy believes meaningful change is built through trust, consistency, and authentic connection.
Kathy finds great fulfillment in empowering individuals and organizations to grow into their own version of success. She takes pride in supporting others quietly and effectively, offering encouragement, guidance, and steady support as they navigate challenges and opportunities. Her passion for helping people and building strong, lasting relationships is evident in both her professional work and her personal life. Above all, Kathy is most proud of her three children, Sierra, Sage, and Sofia, who continue to inspire her commitment to community and care.
Paloma Soto
Healthy Hoods Initiative Program Manager
Learn About Paloma
Paloma Soto Leyva started off with CCFC as a youth when she was in high school, participating in Xinatchli and Hueliti. She started volunteering and interning and got hired as a Program Assistant for the Healthy Hood Initiative. Paloma now coordinates the program which is responsible for feeding the community.vLiving around the Globeville/North Washington area her whole life, Paloma experienced the impacts of food apartheid. It was a challenge for her community to have access to nutritious, affordable food. The impact she wants to have on her community is to lift that financial burden for families and give them access to nutritious and culturally relevant food, with the dignity families deserve. To be and show up as your best self, you must eat- eat good food.
Margarita Garcia
Liberation Program Manager
Learn About Margarita
Margarita Garcia is the Liberation Program Manager at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she advances the organization’s mission to support youth, families, and communities through culturally rooted programming and leadership development. In her role, Margarita oversees initiatives that center dignity, empowerment, and collective well-being, creating spaces where young people can grow, lead, and thrive.
Margarita brings a strong commitment to community engagement and youth development, working closely with participants, families, and partner organizations to design programs that reflect the lived experiences, strengths, and cultural identities of the communities CCFC serves. She supports youth internships, mentorship opportunities, and leadership pathways that foster confidence, connection, and self-expression.
Through her leadership, Margarita helps strengthen community relationships and contributes to a more connected, compassionate, and empowered Denver.
Izabella Williams
Youth Justice Apprenticeship Program Assistant
Learn About Izabella
Izabella William is a Youth Justice Apprenticeship Program Assistant at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC). She has been connected to the organization for over a decade, first joining CCFC programs as a youth in middle school and later returning as a volunteer and staff member.
Having participated in many of CCFC’s programs over the years, Izabella brings deep institutional knowledge and lived experience to her role. She now supports youth who are navigating challenges similar to those she once faced, helping create spaces for connection, learning, and mutual support.
Izabella values the relationships built through CCFC’s programming — not only among youth, but also with families and the broader community. Her journey reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to growth, continuity, and supporting young people at every stage of their development.
Ximena Almaguier
Healthy Hood Program Assistant
Learn About Ximena
Ximena Almaguer is a Healthy Hood Program Assistant at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she supports community wellness and food access initiatives through the Healthy Hood program. In her role, she assists with food preparation, helps organize food bank efforts, and serves as a positive role model for younger participants.
A young leader who grew into her role through CCFC programming, Ximena brings lived experience, care, and dedication to her work. Through opportunities such as visiting the Colorado State Capitol, she has gained a deeper understanding of the power of youth voice and civic engagement.
What began as an intimidating new experience has become a space for growth, confidence, and belonging. Ximena continues to grow as a leader while supporting the well-being of her community and inspiring others through her commitment and resilience.
Rita Leyba
Healthy Hood Initiative Program Coordinator
Learn About Rita
Rita Leyba is the Healthy Hood Initiative Program Coordinator at Colorado Circles for Change (CCFC), where she plays a vital role in supporting youth and families through community-based food and wellness programming. As a lead cook for the Healthy Hood initiative, Rita works closely with young people, teaching, preparing meals, and fostering care, responsibility, and connection through food.
Rita brings a deep commitment to serving her community, guided by lived experience and a strong sense of purpose. She takes pride in being part of an organization that provides support to children, youth, women, and families who need it most. Through her work, she helps ensure that community members know they are not alone and that resources, care, and opportunity are available.
Her dedication reflects a belief in visibility, dignity, and mutual support — and in the importance of letting people know that help exists, that they are seen, and that they do not have to navigate challenges in the shadows.
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