Ten Colorado Latino leaders have been selected to participate in Voces Unidas’ one-week leadership and advocacy program in Mexico City, scheduled for April 7-12, 2025.
Now in its third year, the Civic Leader Education & Advocacy Program (CLEAP) is a one-week leadership and advocacy program that takes place outside the United States. During the program, CLEAP participants engage in meaningful conversations with local leaders, field experts, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and federal policymakers on pressing binational policy issues like trade agreements, climate change and immigration.
CLEAP utilizes adult learning theory, as adults learn most effectively through hands-on experience and by observing the practical application of new skills or knowledge. Additionally, the program employs the Socratic method, which encourages questioning and critical thinking to promote the exploration of ideas and underlying assumptions. Lastly, CLEAP incorporates participatory action research, a qualitative research approach that involves collaboration between researchers and participants to gain insight into social issues and develop strategies for promoting social change.
Priority was given to rural participants and leaders who self-identify as immigrants and have a passion and interest in immigration policy.
The 2025 cohort includes:
Consuelo Gaytan (New Castle)
Brenda Ruiz Garcia (Denver)
Vanessa Toribio Lopez (Glenwood Springs)
Daniela Cerda Davila (Boulder)
Maria Rios Ramos (Avon)
Daysi Anchondo Chaparro (Glenwood Springs)
Karina Toscano (Eagle)
Nubia Sánchez (Silverthorne)
Raquel Carrillo (Denver)
Daniela Gonzalez (Glenwood Springs)
Learn more at www.vocesunidascolorado.org/cleap.