Date August 29, 2024
Media Contact: Tracy Williams | twilliams@tradewindspr.com | 303.489.4763
(Denver, CO) – Community organizer/entrepreneur Milagros Barsallo, and workforce development expert Jason Waldrip, have been appointed to serve on the Prosperity Denver Fund’s (PDF) Board of Directors.
PDF is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit that offers financial reimbursement to qualifying nonprofits that provide college scholarships to Denver students.
Barsallo is an organizer and entrepreneur committed to sharing the power of community organizing as a driving force for systemic change and has dedicated her career to public service. From starting her career in the classroom as a bilingual elementary school teacher, to most recently teaching students at the University of Panama as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor, she believes education and information play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society.
As co-founder and co-CEO of RISE Colorado, she organized with families, teachers, students, and other stakeholders seeking to close the opportunity gap in Aurora using RISE’s unique model. She also jumped into the fast-paced and at times unpredictable nonprofit start-up world rapidly learning about and growing skills in organizational development, governance structures, finance and fundraising, sustainability, and continued program growth while implementing RISE’s mission.
Barsallo is also founder of Pa’lante Ventures, Inc., which provides coaching, training, and technical assistance to founders of emerging companies in different phases of the start-up and development of their companies as well as training and support for leaders of existing organizations in need of organizational development or in the midst of transitions.
Wardrip’s passion for post-secondary workforce development is evident in his extensive background and leadership roles. He is currently Business Manager for the Colorado Building & Construction Trades Council (where he also served as Vice President), a board member for the FRESC/UNE and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! He has also served as President of the Colorado AFL-CIO and as an executive board member for the Denver Area Labor Federation.
His areas of expertise span settling labor disputes, enforcing and negotiating collective bargaining agreements with various contractors, as well as production and construction throughout Colorado. Waldrip has also been a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local #9.
“Both new members to our leadership board serve as a crucial thought partners to Prosperity Denver Fund and will help make this organization a national model in post-secondary accessibility and affordability,” says PDF interim CEO Lauren Sisneros. “Between them, they represent more than fifty years of expertise, advocacy and connectivity with the students and community we serve.”
Both new board members will serve through May of 2027.
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About the Denver Prosperity Fund
In 2018, Denver voters passed a ballot initiative known as Prosperity Denver. The ordinance called for a 0.08% sales tax (less than one cent on $10) which would be distributed in the form of reimbursements to nonprofits providing scholarships to Denver students. Prosperity Denver Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, manages and distributes this funding, contributing millions each year to eligible organizations.
