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 […]

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, […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Embarking on a Journey of Co-Creation: Join the Playa Puertecito Adventure! Get ready for an exhilarating storytelling journey as we unveil a multi-part series within the EmpowerGen column, showcasing the extraordinary “Boulder to Baja” adventure of cultural exchange, innovation, and sustainable living. Building upon the inspiring stories of youth changemakers featured in our previous articles, […]

While Summer was putting the finishing touches on last week’s EmpowerGen article, Gen Z: Rising Up for Climate Action and a Sustainable Future, the doorbell unexpectedly rang. On my doorstep was a smiling teenager named Dakota Hess-Tolene, who was going door to door in my neighborhood with a great deal to help Boulder residents go […]

Hey everyone, it’s Summer here, and I’m super excited to dive into this week’s EmpowerGen column! Today, let’s talk about something close to my heart: the incredible role that my generation, Gen Z, is playing in climate action. We’re not just sitting back and watching; we’re rolling up our sleeves and making a real difference. […]