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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- 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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- Jaala Hemingway is a former alum and current board member.
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- Building Bridges participant Olivia LaRocco discusses her personal outcome from Building Bridges.
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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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- Yesenia Garcia, Inocenta Izucar, Kiara Vega and Margo Ebersole pose for a picture together.
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- Muna Aghawani is honored for her passion for building peaceful post-conflict communities.
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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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- Sisters Amanda and Trinity Andrews create fashion with centerpieces.
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- Hameeda Abdul Kadir shares her experience at Building Bridges.
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- Inocente Izucar inspires to face adversity to achieve dreams.
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- Edie Taylor and Kathleen Meyers after the event.
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- (L to R) Jen Sarché, Muna Aghawani, Albus Brooks, Inocente Izucar, Nancy Reichman and Erin Breeze
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- Susan and Richard Crager talk with Lisa Freidman.
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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.
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- Cruz Torres, Jorge Zamudio and Will Dickerson socializing after the event.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze discuss the impacts of today’s programs worldwide.
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- Board Chair Nancy Reichman and Hameeda Abdul Kadir talk about what Building Bridges means to them.
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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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- Fashionista Trinity Andrews poses.
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- A few ideas of what guests wish for their community.
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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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- Welcome to the 9th Annual Circles of Change Luncheon!
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- Muna Aghawani is honored for her passion for building peaceful post-conflict communities.
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- Executive Co-Directors Jen Sarché and Erin Breeze leave the audience inspired.
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- Guests share the people who inspire them.
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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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- Ale Basquez writes her wish for her community.
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- Eleanor Dewey and Deme Yuan together after the event.
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- Executive Co-Director Erin Breeze talks about the importance of today’s event.
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- Shift Award winner Inocente Izucar talks about how art has inspired her.
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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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- Board Chair Nancy Reichman welcomes guests to the event.
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- Messages of inspiration, written by attendees.
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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.
