Building Bridges’ 9th Annual Circles of Change luncheon was held April 11th at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted by Building Bridges participants, girls ages 15 to 17, the event attracted over 500 guests to honor individuals working to create a more just, inclusive world. Muna Aghawani, social scientist and Building Bridges alum, spoke about how her Building Bridges experience informs her work building peaceful post-conflict communities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Inocente Izucar, star of the Academy Award winning short documentary “Inocente,” was presented with the Shift Award and captivated the audience with her story of overcoming homelessness and her undocumented status to realize her dream of becoming an artist and inspiring other youth like herself. Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks shared his commitment to building partnership within cities, and looking to youth for leadership.
Together, guests at the event raised over $35,000 to support Building Bridges, whose mission is equipping young people with the communication and leadership skills necessary to address the root cause of hatred, discrimination, and violent conflict. The menu included a custom couscous and roasted mushroom salad, topped with beets, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and crisped sweet potato. Guests also enjoyed a variety of gourmet brownies, strawberry lemonade, and a variety of teas and coffees. A list event sponsors is available on the Building Bridges website. Learn more about Building Bridges and the honorees at BuildingBridgesShift.org or calling 303-691-2393.
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- Executive Co-Director Erin Breeze talks about the importance of today’s event.
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- Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks talks about how his mother and childhood shapes the way he looks at life.
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- Inocente Izucar inspires to face adversity to achieve dreams.
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- Muna Aghawani is honored for her passion for building peaceful post-conflict communities.
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- Current participants Aili Miyake, Emma Austin and alum Jaala Hemingway tell how Building Bridges has changed their life.
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- Inocente Izucar is recognized for having the courage and determination as an undocumented and homeless teen to realize her dream of becoming an artist.
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- Board Chair Nancy Reichman and Hameeda Abdul Kadir talk about what Building Bridges means to them.
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- Welcome to the 9th Annual Circles of Change Luncheon!
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- Yesenia Garcia, Inocenta Izucar, Kiara Vega and Margo Ebersole pose for a picture together.
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- Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks asks the crowd to continue making positive impact in their community.
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- Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks tells guests that kids shouldn’t be serving on youth advisory boards but boards, as their opinions are just as important.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze joke about the creation of certain beverages as a word-of-mouth campaign.
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- Edie Taylor and Kathleen Meyers after the event.
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- Cruz Torres, Jorge Zamudio and Will Dickerson socializing after the event.
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- Building Bridges participant Olivia LaRocco discusses her personal outcome from Building Bridges.
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- Shift Award winner Inocente Izucar talks about how art has inspired her.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze leave the audience inspired.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze discuss the impacts of today’s programs worldwide.
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- A few ideas of what guests wish for their community.
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- Denver City Councilman Albus Brooks is recognized for his commitment to food justice and strengthening neighborhood unity.
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- Cecilia Klauding, Taylor Karge and Mimi Madrid pose.
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- Susan and Richard Crager talk with Lisa Freidman.
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- Messages of inspiration, written by attendees.
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- Eleanor Dewey and Deme Yuan together after the event.
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- Ale Basquez writes her wish for her community.
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- Hameeda Abdul Kadir shares her experience at Building Bridges.
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- Sisters Amanda and Trinity Andrews create fashion with centerpieces.
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- Fashionista Trinity Andrews poses.
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- Guests share the people who inspire them.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze talk about the need for social change and acceptance worldwide.
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- Board Chair Nancy Reichman welcomes guests to the event.
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- Jaala Hemingway is a former alum and current board member.
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- (L to R) Jen Sarché, Muna Aghawani, Albus Brooks, Inocente Izucar, Nancy Reichman and Erin Breeze
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- Muna Aghawani is honored for her passion for building peaceful post-conflict communities.
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- Diana Amaya, Cristina Aguilar, Jackie Schleben, Ivonne Ramirez, Liz Hamel and Gina Millan enjoying each others company.
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- Current participants Aili Miyake, Emma Austin and alum Jaala Hemingway talk about the impact Building Bridges has had on their character.
