January is Mental Wellness Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to improve the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the existing mental health crisis among America’s youth, with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. On top of that, Mental Health tops the list of Parental, and teen concerns. EmpowerGen began addressing this with one of our past issues: Empowering Youth Mental Health: The Healing Power of Nature and Purpose. To combat this urgent challenge this January, a group... Read More

  For this issue of EmpowerGen, we asked Athena Sapourn, a 17-year-old Senior in Boulder, who is aspiring to study child psychology, to write about something she felt was important to discuss when it comes to her generation.  She settled on Social Media, its impact on teen girls, and what we can do to understand and help.  Summer was also particularly interested in this topic and helped edit the article. Below is Athena’s article: The Facade of Perfection: Unmasking Social Media’s Influence on Self-Esteem By Athena Sapourn Social media, often a platform for connection and... Read More

For the next issue of the EmpowerGen Column, I invited Rachel DeStigter to write an article about something she’s passionate about. Rachel is a young leader and dedicated international studies graduate who is seeking to earn a Ph.D. in sociology and perform innovative research on the sociology of neurodiversity. Rachel worked closely with me at Dream Tank as a NextGen Innovation Fellow in our Development department in 2021.   I am delighted to publish Rachel’s article this week.  Enjoy! With great hope and love for water, Heidi ************* “Why You Should Be Thinking More About... Read More

As a parent of a first-year student at CU, I have experienced both the joy and the pain of sending my child into the world. (Please refer to the last article, Sending Your 18 Year Old Into The World). My daughter, Summer, has always been my sunshine, and I was proud of her for choosing to pursue her education at such a prestigious institution. But I was also sad to see her leave our home and our daily lives. I wondered how we would stay connected and how she would cope with the challenges of college life. I admit that I was not a big fan of football before. I had my doubts about the sport and... Read More

I found it hard to write the EmpowerGen article these past couple weeks (Last article here). As I stand on the precipice of one of the most significant rites of passage as a parent, the emotions swirl within me like a tempestuous sea. The moment has arrived to bid farewell to my 18-year-old daughter, Summer, as she spreads her wings and steps into the world. The cliché “they grow up so fast” reverberates through my thoughts with an intensity I could never have fathomed. In this chapter of EmpowerGen, I invite you to join me on this emotional journey, as we explore the profound transition... Read More

I grew up surrounded by art.  My father was born in Italy and was inspired by nature to become an artist. Growing up in New Jersey surrounded by a large Italian family and guided by a strong German mother, I would sit and paint with him as he meditated on the inspiration coming to him. Through all of the up and down times we went through, we could always come back to art and immerse ourselves in imagination and creativity.  It is one of the things that kept me grounded as a child. Art can be an expression of the beauty of life. Young people today are challenged to feel connected to this as the... Read More

Introduction: Welcome back to the eighth week of our EmpowerGen column! As we continue our journey, we shift our focus to a pressing issue affecting youth in both Boulder and Baja: mental health. The rise in suicide rates, school shootings, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the urgency to address mental health challenges among young individuals. In this article, we will explore the transformative potential of connecting youth to nature and purpose, backed by studies and articles that showcase the healing power of these experiences.  Read last week’s EmpowerGen Article... Read More

In our exploration of the transformative realm that is Playa Puertecito and our ‘Boulder to Baja’ adventures, we have encountered remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of youth empowerment. This week, we shine a spotlight on Jillian Runkle, a beacon of inspiration who has been igniting change via PeaceJam and other projects since the tender age of nine. Her unique perspective on the diverse spaces and worlds that intertwine within and beyond Playa Puertecito unveils profound insights and a passion for creating a world where many worlds fit. If you are interested in reading last... Read More

Last week, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Playa Puertecito, a place where the magnificence of turquoise waters merges with the enchantment of nature. Read last week’s article written on the land here.  As we continue to explore the profound connections and transformative experiences that unfold in this remarkable sanctuary, we are reminded of the immense power of youth empowerment and the remarkable stories that emerge from young changemakers. Ulysses Diaz, a volunteer and local community builder, in his contemplation of our purpose in this beautiful place, prompted us to... Read More

A Journey of Co-Creation: Playa Puertecito Immersed in the mesmerizing turquoise waters, a sense of awe washed over me as a blissful puffer fish found solace in my hands. The gentle strokes from 28-year-old Victor Vargas Junior, one of the stewards of Playa Puertecito, created a connection that words cannot fully capture. If only tears could mix with the surrounding water, I would have wept with overwhelming joy. Victor, the son of my esteemed business partner, is not just a steward but also a part-owner, embodying the intergenerational vision we strive to cultivate at Playa Puertecito. Alongside... Read More