
She is dealing with the most vulnerable in our community who can do nothing for her. This is where greatness in our country starts.
— Denver Mayor Michael Hancock referring to Mi Casa’s CEO/Executive Director Christine Marquez-Hudson
Starting your day by attending the 5th annual Mi Casa Path to Prosperity Breakfast is like a drinking a Venti cup of inspiration. The morning was about life-changing achievements by the agency’s participants, new and innovative projects in response to economic challenges, and good work in carving out a clear direction by its board. Yet, one thread ran through all the news of the day. Mi Casa is being led by a woman who is as grounded as she is visionary. Earlier this year, 9News named Mi Casa’s CEO/Executive Director Christine Marquez-Hudson the 2013 Leader of the Year. Rightfully so, as under her guidance, Mi Casa nearly tripled its outreach moving from 800 served in 2008 to 2,300 served in 2012.
When Denver’s Mayor Michael Hancock spoke he educated the audience on what it is like to be at the helm of a non-profit. He humbly and light-heartedly reflected on his time in leading the Urban League. He shared what his mentor taught him: success rests on building a reputation as being someone people know is going to do what they say they will do. And, along with that, the person is someone they like. Then his message turned to present day. With glowing and authentic words, he emphasized that Christine Marquez-Hudson is that person.
“You have a superstar in Christine Marquez-Hudson and I hope you recognize that,” said Mayor Hancock.
When Mi Casa’s leader took the stage she more than personified the mayor’s words. She is as compassionate as she is focused in what people need to succeed.
“At Mi Casa we go beyond the tech skills. It’s about helping people believe in themselves again. And my staff tells me that’s what they need most.”
And Mi Casa is delivering on both fronts. Part of the excitement of the event was the announcement of the opening of the Mi Casa Innovation Lab in Northeast Park Hill. The Lab offers a menu of services from career planning to entrepreneurial counseling to courses on financial literacy and technology.
She also introduced another Mi Casa project: TalentSource, a full-service Denver staffing agency providing diverse talent. With an endearing combination of giddiness and pride, she beamed as TalentSource’s freshly launched website was illuminated on the big screen. It’s a project to be proud of. TalentSource will connect Denver area employers with a skilled, bilingual and diverse workforce and as a division of Mi Casa, TalentSource is the only full-service staffing agency in Colorado whose profits support a social mission.
Christine Marquez-Hudson also praised her board, and the many board members before them. She shared how the current group came together to outline the organization’s direction for the next five years. The plan includes a focus on integrating services, moving the agency toward financial freedom by initiating revenue generating projects, and providing impeccable community leadership. All efforts support Mi Casa’s mission to advance the economic success of Latino and working families.
Perhaps, though, the most moving words came from a young man named Alan. He’s known as a “super participant” at Mi Casa’s neighborhood center since he has logged more than three-digits in days attending the center. He summed up the meaning of all Mi Casa is doing when he said, “I think the world would be a better place with more Mi Casas.”
- Jennifer Johnson, left, and Katherine Brenton get ready for a quality event
- Gorgeous tables for guests
- Katrina Trujillo, left, and Yvette De La Cruz help prepare brochures for guests
- All smiles: Sonya Rodriguez, left, Cintya Ventimiglia and Amanda Steinken
- Karen Stran, left, takes a moment for a photo with Natasha Pepperl
- Mi Casa CEO/Executive Director Christine Marquez-Hudson, left, with Jennifer Johnson
- Smiling because everything is in place are Christine Marquez-Hudson, left, and Jennifer Johnson
- Jennifer Johnson, left, and Yvette De La Cruz take a quick break for a picture
- Jennifer Johnson, left, and Yvette De La Cruz
- Ken Lyon, left, with Joe Rael
- Luis Moreno, left, catches up with Elena Vasconez
- Karen Fox Elwell, left, with Katie Koivisto
- The people making Mi Casa happen
- Team Mi Casa
- Stephanie Noll, left, with Katie Koivisto before the event begins
- Informing guests about the great work of Mi Casa
- Sonya Rodriguez, left, takes a break for a photo with Julia Alvarez
- Christine Marquez-Hudson, left, with Romaine Pachero
- Gloria Padilla, left, with Karen Stran before breakfast begins
- A happy trio: Romain Pachero, left, with Rich and Pat Baca
- Stephanie Noll, left, with Gloria Padilla and Katie Kovisito
- Joe Rael, left, stands with John Reyes and Ken Lyon as the event gets underway
- Gracious greeters: Julia Alvarez, left, and Rachele Vierthaler
- Lauren Brown, left, and Karen Stran confirm last minute details
- Ready for the more than 300 attendees
- Centerpieces hand-painted by participants in Mi Casa neighborhood centers
- Colorful table decorations hand-painted by kids from Mi Casa neighborhood centers
- Greg Lopez, left, meets with Christiano Sosa
- Greg Lopez with Christine Marquez-Hudson
- Old friends happy to see each other at the Mi Casa event: Greg Lopez and Denice Edwards
- Big smiles from Yvette De La Cruz, left, and Andrea Herrera Moreno
- Katherine Brenton, left, with Bertha Velasquez
- Valentina Carrington, left, with Amanda Steinken before the breakfast
- A happy reunion: Mike Perez, left, Jenee and Marlon Centno
- Estevan Flores, Ph.D catches up with Romaine Pacheco
- Proud to be a part of the event: Karen Silverman, left, and Katie Boysen
- Catching up at the Mi Casa event
- Teri Chavez, left, with Gina Chilton and Dorothy Spears before the event
- R. Eric Gonzales and Joe Rael take time for a photograph
- Lovely smiles from Denice Edwards, left, and Olga Salazar
- Lydia Vanderburg, left, and Christine Marquez-Hudson take time for a photo
- Nicole Trujillo, left, with friend Michelle Atencio
- Ashley Luque, left, with Mi Casa supporters Dru Steinly and Phyllis Berti
- Frank Coyne and Anne Jacobs catch up at the Mi Casa breakfast
- Anne Volker, left, smiles with Valentina Carrington and Karen Stran
- RuiZavier Gaytan shares his story of how Mi Casa made an impact on his life
- Impressive statistics on the agency’s impact
- Mi Casa CEO/Executive Director Christine Marquez-Hudson shares Mi Casa’s vision
- Mi Casa CEO/Executive Director Christine Marquez-Hudson
- Mayor Michael Hancock speaks from the heart
- Denver’s Mayor Michael Hancock was proud to talk about the good work Mi Casa is doing for the city
- Andrew Hudson with Cherry and Lorenzo Marquez
- Judi Wolf takes time for a quick pic with Univision’s Juan Carlos Gutierrez
- Denver Mayor Michael Hancock with Romaine Pacheco
- Christine Marquez-Hudson spends time with supporters
- A well-attended event with more than 300 supporters
- Mayor Michael Hancock shares a moment with another Mi Casa supporter
- Mutual supporters: Christine Marquez-Hudson and Andrew Hudson
- Big smiles from Christine Marquez-Hudson and Andrew Hudson
- Christine Marquez-Hudson is pleased to share the event with her parents Cherry and Lorenzo Marquez
- Christine Marquez-Hudson with a proud set of parents: Cherry and Lorenzo Marquez
- Mi Casa Board President Benita Duran sends many thanks to those who support Mi Casa
- Univision’s Juan Carlos Gutierrez takes the stage
- Catching up before sitting down: Kathryn Harris, left, and Baraba Rivera
- Team RTD supports Mi Casa: Julia Yugel, left, Beverly Lindsay and Lisa Trujillo
- Rowena Alegria, left, with Cheryl Lucero
- A toast to an event well done.
- Team Moneytree supports Mi Casa: Ericka Herrera, left, and Gena Delarosa
- Kimberly Beckman, left, joins in a photo with Debbie Trujillo, Deborah and Diego Sedillo
- A great way to start the day: Audra Stockman, left, Jennifer Erwing, Kim Beckman and Linda Masley
- Terri Chavez, left, connects with Barbara and Mario Rivera
- Lovely smiles from Paige Tocco, left, and Katie Latham
- Enjoying an inspirational event: Chuck and Jean Townsend
- A lovely morning together: Rachel and Dan Mondragon