Welcome to the Board of Directors: Angie Cesena. We’re excited to have you and learn more about you.
Angie is a poderosa promoting transformative justice, mental health awareness, ni una menos, and safe and equitable spaces for all. She is a proud aunt to Justice and Love, one of five incredible siblings, a daughter of immigrant parents, and a first-generation college graduate (Go Card!). She has been in the nonprofit world for over ten years and has served in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and AmeriCorps in New York. Angie is currently serving as the Executive Director of Latina SafeHouse, a local Denver nonprofit that provides bilingual and culturally responsive services to Latiné survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and is completing her Master's in Nonprofit Management.
When she is not working or volunteering, you can find Angie getting lost in the outdoors with her two pups- Apollo (Pollo) and Luna, carbo-loading before and after a run, enjoying live music, or spending time with friends and family.
Q: Place of work, title, location.
A: A: Latina SafeHouse | Executive Director | Denver, Colorado
Q: Why did you join SheJumps as a board member?
A: I believe in the mission of SheJumps and in the power to transform the outdoors, reclaim these spaces, and uplift our girls and women.
Q: What goal of the SheJumps Strategic Plan is the most important to you?
A: Goal 2: Expand accessibility and inclusivity of SJ programs, offerings, and community for girls and women of all backgrounds.
Q: What do you hope to contribute to the SheJumps Board of Directors?
A: Nonprofit management skills and a community-centered perspective.
Q: What is your vision for SheJumps?
A: To provide safe, equitable, and inclusive spaces for girls and women to thrive and to deepen their skills and love for the outdoors.
Now, it’s time for the lightning round:
Q: Outdoor activity of choice (pick one, two if you must)?
A: Snowboarding and Hiking
Q: Who inspires you to go outside and why?
A: My niece and nephew because representation matters and I want them to know that the outdoors are theirs.
Q: Where is your favorite place to go outside or on an adventure?
A: Anywhere there’s a trail. This year I’m trying to explore as many Colorado State Parks as possible.
Q: How has the outdoors benefited your health and overall physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing?
A: The outdoors have been (and continue to be) a fundamental part of my healing journey! Being able to connect with organizations and people that help foster a sense of belonging, safety, and community has been pretty instrumental for me. It has also helped to be able to enjoy authentic Latin@/BIPOC made meals outdoors like posole from Oso Adventure Meals and chilaquiles from Itacate Foods.
I want to acknowledge the privilege that I have had in having access to the outdoors and to resources needed to go hiking, snowboarding, and camping. The outdoors have therapeutic and healing powers and I hope we can continue to reduce barriers (financial, language, accessibility, etc) so that more of our loved ones can benefit holistically from experiences in the outdoors.