Maya Sol Dance

Founder & Director ACJ

She|Her|Ella|La

Maya Sol, a Mexica-Xicana activist, dancer, educator, therapist, & Licensed Clinical Social Worker, focuses on raising awareness, political consciousness, and empowering her community. As a first-generation mujer in the U.S., she enhances culturally grounded mental health access. Graduating from DU, she is deeply engaged in family community organizing at AMISTAD & as the founder of the Annual Cumbre de Jóvenes. Establishing Mayamotion Healing, she offers interactive culturally grounded approaches addressing mental health, social justice, and community issues. Grateful to her support network, she balances activism with self-care and community involvement, prioritizing her own healing journey alongside her love for family and community.

ISRAEL ALVARADO

He|Him|El

Israel Alvarado is a Chicano born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. He graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, concentrating in High‑Risk and Troubled Youth Studies.

Israel joined AMISTAD in 2021 as the Raíces Vivas Coordinator and later transitioned into his current role as the Social Media and I.T. Specialist. His work blends community engagement, cultural storytelling, and digital strategy to uplift AMISTAD’s mission.

Outside of work, Israel enjoys spending time with his children, playing fútbol, and relaxing with video games.

Amanda Chavarria

She|Her|Ella

Amanda was born and raised in Southern California in the Inland Empire. She has lived in big cities, San Francisco and New York City, with finally settling back in her home state. She is multicultural and identifies with all her cultures encompassing Mexicana, Tewa, and Filipina. She is a proud daughter, granddaughter, auntie, and sister.  She is proud to be a part of AMISTAD and it has ignited a passion to learn more and understand her own cultural identity. With her background in both graphic design and project management, she is an all around support to the AMISTAD team.

Young People

Everyone/Todes

La cumbre Juvenil fosters new generations of leaders who embody the spirit of their community, drawing from their rich cultural heritage to address the unique challenges faced by their peers. They provide a voice for marginalized groups, advocating for equity and inclusivity in all aspects of society. Through mentorship and community engagement, they empower others to overcome obstacles, pursue education, and achieve their dreams. By embracing their identity and leveraging their talents, they inspire unity and resilience, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within their community. We invite all jovenes to be a part of our team.

Charlie Angelo

He|Him|El

Charlie currently resides in Longmont, Colorado, where he was also born. He is of mixed European descent, and was lucky to have some contact with his Greek heritage as a child. He operates with care for the importance of culture and heritage, especially for oppressed populations. 

Charlie has a background in ecopsychology, yoga, meditation, gardening, writing, and music. He believes that the self healing journey can be profoundly fortified through connection to nature, healthy lifestyle choices, and artistic self expression. He is always learning more, and working toward tailoring a unique psychotherapeutic offering that is grounded in safety and trust.

Josie Valadez Fraire

She|Her|Ella|La

Was born in Boulder, territory of the native nations Tséstho’e (Cheyenne), hinono’eino' biito’owu' (Arapaho), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), Comanche, and many more. Her family is from Zacatecas, México. She studied Psychology, Education, and Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Currently, she works at Centro Amistad with the intention of supporting migrant and Spanish-speaking communities in fostering emotional and spiritual wellness. 

In her free time she loves to play with her child, cook ancestral food, sow seeds and work with medicinal plants, go on hikes, and enjoy her loved ones.