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YouthBiz Staff Bios and Contact Information

Sonya Garcia-Ulibarri, Executive Director

Sonya Garcia-Ulibarri joined the YouthBiz staff in February 2007 as the Development Director, and moved into the Executive Director position in October 2007. With a passion for community-based work and a love of fundraising, Sonya has been working in development for over eight years. After receiving degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver, she spent six years with the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training (GIFT) starting as an intern and eventually serving as the Executive Director from 2003 - 2006. Sonya is an experienced fundraiser, trainer, and consultant and currently serves as Board member for the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. She has a life-long commitment to working toward social justice.

720-974-5111 | sonya@youthbiz.org

Jason Torrez, Program Director

Jason Torres joined the YouthBiz team in the fall of 2009 as the Director of Programs. Jason was raised by a single-mom in Denver ’s Westwood Housing Projects and has spent his entire adult-life working with youth and families in Denver ’s inner-city neighborhoods. Most recently, he served as the principal of a community-based school, La Academia, operated at the Denver Inner City Parish. In addition to the work he has done to prepare youth for a bright future, Jason is also an illustrative artist.

720-974-5106 | jason@youthbiz.org

Emelie R.Nelson, Development Director

Emelie R. Nelson is a Colorado native and has worked in the non-profit fundraising arena since 2001 on behalf of causes serving individuals in need of specialized services in the Rocky Mountain Region. She earned degrees in Political Science and Administration of Justice from the University of Wyoming and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. Emelie enjoys matching donors and volunteers with important causes and seeing the impact of gifts on projects that serve youth. Emelie lives in Littleton with her husband, a sixth grade teacher, and their 18 month-old daughter. They enjoy bike riding, entertaining, and reading together.

720.974.5102 | emelie@youthbiz.org

Cate Anderson, Director of Marketing & Corporate Relations

Cate Anderson is the Director of Marketing & Corporate Relations. Cate originally hails from a small town in Michigan, but has found Denver to be her true love. At the ripe age of fifteen, Cate started her own business, Katydids, a jewelry and book-making venture that eventually helped to pay her way through college. While studying literature at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, she began working as a volunteer on Skid Row where she started an art program for homeless children. After receiving a degree in English Literature, Cate was accepted into the Teach for America program and was placed at Locke High School in South-Central L.A, teaching summer school. She joined the YouthBiz team in October 2007. Cate is fueled by seeing kids from underserved communities have the opportunity to become leaders in driving positive change in their communities.

720-974-5103 | cate@youthbiz.org

Alejandro Casillas, IT/Systems Manager

Alex Casillas has worked as YouthBiz’s IT/Systems Manager since 2003. Born and raised in Denver, CO, his interest in computers began as a teenager. As a teen Alex became involved with YouthBiz through the Youth Opportunities program. A self-taught technology professional, Alex’s long-term goal is to own a business that makes technology affordable to all people. Alex is currently pursuing his certification as a Microsoft Systems Certified Engineer, which he will complete in 2008. Outside of YouthBiz, Alex produces music for local artists through his brother’s record label Mad Beat Productions. He even composed the music for the 2007- 2008 YouthBiz promotional video!

720-974-5117 | alex@youthbiz.org

Joe Ballweg, Controller

Joe Ballweg currently serves as YouthBiz’s Controller. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joe graduated from St. Francis College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed at Fort Carson, CO. With a new love for Colorado, Joe made the front-range his permanent home. Joe became a Certified Public Accountant and had spent the last 30+ years working in nonprofit finance. He came to YouthBiz in March 2006. Joe believes that financial education is vital for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

720-974-5104 | joe@youthbiz.org

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