At the next DFM Community Engagement Program Monthly Meeting (DFM-CEP-MM) we are excited to learn more about YAASPA’s civically engaged youth programs from guest speakers, Jose Flores and Tashan Montgomery. Join us on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Noon to hear from YAASPA: Young Aspiring Americans for Political Activism.

YAASPA was established in 2010 by Dr. Mackey, a Colorado native and Black social scientist, who recognized the challenges BIPOC youth face in navigating academic pathways and career development in the social sciences and public administration. She founded YAASPA to address these barriers and to fulfill the need for cultivating and “Redefining the Standards to Pull Down the Barriers” for this demographic. YAASPA’s vision is to cultivate youth from middle school through young professionals to be civically engaged in both community and career. 

At this session, you will hear from YAASPA staff members Jose Flores (Behavioral Health and Intern Specialist) and Tashan Montgomery (Community Engagement and Policy Advisor). Jose will highlight YAASPA's work-based learning program called the Y INCUBATOR. This is their racial identity affirming work-based learning program in which they partner with industry partners to provide youth 16-24 paid fellowships in social sciences pathways. They offer fellowships in administration, education, policy, behavioral, and public health pathways. Tashan will then highlight upcoming public events happening in the YAASPA ecosystem which include:

• Aurora City Council Candidate Workshop
• Aurora Public Schools (APS), School Board Candidate Workshop
• Cherry Creek School District (CCSD), School Board Candidate Workshop
• Denver Public Schools (DPS), School Board Candidate Workshop (in partnership with DPS Student Voice & Leadership and Movimiento Poder)

Speaker Bios

Jose Flores, (He/Him/His), YAASPA Behavioral Health and Intern Specialist

Jose Flores is a community advocate born and raised in Aurora, CO. Jose received his Bachelors in Social Work from Colorado State University, where he worked with the unhoused community at a women and families shelter. Throughout his time at Colorado State University, Jose continued to work with YAASPA in various capacities. Starting as an Education Fellow and moved into Community Engagement and Public Health Resource fellow,  Jose worked on research and engagement strategies in college and has since become the Behavioral Health and Intern Specialist for YAASPA. In his new role he develops the Behavioral Health Fellowship and connects youth to work based opportunities in the field.

Tashan Montgomery, (He/Him/His), YAASPA Community Engagement and Policy Advisor

Tashan is a Black male born and raised in Denver. Tashan considers himself as always being involved in community related work, even as a child. Be it volunteering, participating in student board of education, running Black student alliances, or working in community focused non-profits. Tashan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from University of Denver, with minor in Political Science.  He got involved with YAASPA in 2019 after graduating and started his work by teaching in the classroom using hybrid models. He worked with high school students on concepts around identity, culture, and activism. His philosophy is that we have wisdom and power in our communities, so Tashan works very diligently to bring in people from similar backgrounds such as the students he works with. Despite transitioning out of the classroom, Tashan still brings this philosophy to the work that he does now as Community Engagement and Policy Advisor, seeking out community organizers and organizations that can synergize with not just YAASPA, but the needs of the community.

The DFM-CEP-MM features presenters from community organizations, partners, and colleagues in DFM and across the Campus who work in areas of community engagement, and activities that promote access and healthy outcomes. Everyone is welcome.

Do you have a question for our presenter?  Please email us at DFM.CommunityEngagement@CUanschutz.edu

Meeting ID: 917 7876 2741         Passcode: 8698842         

One tap mobile:  +17193594580,,91778762741# US  or 719 359 4580 US

Zoom Link: https://ucdenver.zoom.us/s/91778762741?pwd=hVr1SxjWcQiszkzjYNTEAGaOzkora7.1

CEP Team Contact info and Helpful Links:

• View our past catalog of meetings and the post meeting resources on our Community Presentations. Recent presentations include: Mutual Aid Monday; DAWN Health; Montview Elementary; Food Justice Northwest Aurora | Trailhead Institute | Climate Medicine at CU | CO Area Health Education Center (COAHEC)
• JOIN our DFM’s Community Engagement Program listserv! Email us at DFM.CommunityEngagement@CUanschutz.edu  Put “Join” in the subject line.

• Future presentations/presenter ideas?  Connect with this link to our Suggestion Box. 
• Looking for volunteering opportunities? Email us: DFM.CommunityEngagement@CUanschutz.edu

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Community Engagement Program Team

Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado

E: DFM.CommunityEngagement@CUanschutz.edu  | P: 303-724-2004 

Website: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/family-medicine/community