Meet The Team

My name is Aariyah Johnson, a class of  2021 graduate from Eaglecrest high school . I am passionate about social change and equality.I believe firmly that if you yourself are not willing to put in the work towards change how can you expect anyone else to . I find joy in doing work in my community and getting involved in community outreach. I have sat on many panels/ committees that revolve around my interest. As a Colorado native I enjoy spending a lot of time outside in nature and with my family . I am excited to be a public health intern because I realize the importance of building contacts and involving myself with people who have the same goals as me . 

I am a first-generation student and American, Chicana feminist, and advocate/activist. I am a first-year student at Regis University. I intend on majoring in politics with a minor in pre-law and peace and justice. I am an alumnus of Gateway high school in Aurora Colorado.

My name is Chanelle Jones Ahmed.

I am 17 years old and I am mixed being half Somali and African American.

I am a junior at CSU Pueblo with a double major in Sociology and Criminology. I have spent the past year researching racial injustice within police departments all over the country. I have a heavy interest in both social sciences and racial inequality. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, spending time with my family, and serving as a volunteer coach for girl's high school basketball. I am excited to be working with YAASPA and supporting its endeavors to increase civic and community engagement, self-awareness, and social equity.

Jose Flores is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work at Colorado State University. His connection with YAASPA started in 2018 and has developed and evolved to the work being done today. Jose was born and raised in Aurora Colorado and hopes to bring up the community that shaped him. He is also a co-author on a recent journal publication entitled Counter-storytelling Across Varying Youth Contexts and Intergenerational Work in YPAR Settings

Onyx is an alumni of Hinkely high school and has been named YAASPA’s Aurora Gives scholar to receive a scholarship for Community College of Aurora. Onyx enjoys playing basketball and the violin. She has been a member of the Aurora NAACP, and desires to pursue a career in public health.