As part of ELD’s core pillar of convening, ELD advisory councils gather leaders of color in Pueblo and Colorado Springs to learn about civic engagement initiatives and El Pomar grant opportunities. ELD members become part of a robust network of individuals committed to supporting each other through their leadership journeys. Both Colorado Springs and Pueblo Advisory Council meeting schedules are below.Â
Becoming an ELD member is easy, simply by attending meetings and supporting the ELD network. There is no cost to participate. To be eligible, you must have a desire for personal growth, a passion for community stewardship, and a commitment to be an active participant in the program.
How can I stay updated on meetings and events?
New to ELD? Want to receive updates about upcoming Advisory Council meetings and civic engagement opportunities? Fill out the ELD Contact Sheet. You can use this form to update your contact information as well.
And sign up for our newsletter for monthly updates.Â
There are currently no scheduled Joint Council Meetings. Please check back for further information at a later date.
Pueblo Advisory Councils Meeting
Tue, May 13, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Center for American Values
There are currently no scheduled Pueblo Advisory Council Meetings. Please check back for further information at a later date.
Native American Advisory Council Meeting
Thu, May 1, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Milton E. Proby Room
Asian Pacific Islander Advisory Council Meeting
Tue, May 20, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Carriage House
Hispanic Advisory Council Meeting
Thu, May 15, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Carriage House
Black Advisory Council Meeting
Tue, May 6, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Carriage House
There are currently no scheduled Colorado Springs Advisory Council Meetings. Please check back for further information at a later date.
There are currently no scheduled Board Governance Peer Circles. Please check back for further information at a later date.
Meet Advisory Council Leadership
Colorado Springs
Shirley Martinez – Co-Chair
Danielle Summerville – Co-Chair
Pueblo
Florence Hunt – Co-Chair
Ray Brown – Co-Chair
Colorado Springs
Dr. Sandy Ho – Co-Chair
Pueblo
MaryGail Mello – Co-Chair
Dr. Nicole Ferguson – Co-Chair
Colorado Springs
Juan Moreno – Co-Chair
Martin Trujillo – Co-Chair
Pueblo
Caroline Trani – Co-Chair
Reid Weber – Co-Chair
Colorado Springs
Kateri Kerwin – Co-Chair
Debbie Howell – Co-Chair
Pueblo
Brandi Adakai – Co-Chair
Samuel Gallegos – Co-Chair
Training Opportunities and Scholarships
We believe access and opportunity help people build better lives, and well-equipped leaders are empowered to create a strong ecosystem of organizational vibrancy and sustainability. As part of ELD’s pillar of “empowerment,” scholarships provide access for leaders of color to a variety of leadership development programs. Since 2001, we’ve awarded more than $400,000 through more than 200 scholarships to ELD members. Scholarships are available for the following community leadership development programs:
- Action Colorado’s Academy of Leadership, Policy, and Governance
- Adelante Leadership Institute powered by Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber
- Center for Creative Leadership Community Leadership Program
- CiviCO’s Colorado Governors Fellowship
- Colorado Springs Leadership Institute
- ELD Board Governance
- Leadership Pikes Peak Signature Program powered by UCCS
- Leadership Plenty
- Leadership Pueblo
Civic Engagement Opportunities
Once ELD members complete at least one training, they can connect to civic engagement opportunities by creating an online civic engagement profile.
Multicultural Youth Leadership Initiative for Excellence (MYLIFE)
 An eight-month program for 8th grade students in both Pueblo City Schools and Pueblo District 70. The project’s mission is to create a leadership experience for Pueblo youth of all ethnic heritages that enhances civic engagement, fosters leadership, encourages education, and promotes career and professional development.Â
To get involved, contact autobeegarcia@gmail.com.
UCCS Pre-Collegiate Development Program (The College Experience)
Formerly El Pomar Foundation’s College Readiness and Success Program, high school students participate in workshops held at various higher education institutions in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, including UCCS, USAFA, Pikes Peak State College, Colorado College, CSU-Pueblo, and Pueblo Community College. Elevating Leadership Development members continue to serve as Ambassadors for the program.
For more information on programming and how to volunteer as an Ambassador, contact:
Colorado Springs: Victoria Caruso, Pre-Collegiate Program Coordinator, vcaruso@uccs.edu.
Pueblo: Dr. Lisa Fetman, Pueblo Program Manager, lfetman@uccs.edu.