March 2026 Newsletter | Vol. 3

Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and honor women’s achievements and contributions to our country. This year’s theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, encompasses fostering systems that support people and our planet and includes environmental sustainability, financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Montbello is fortunate to have many women whose passion and dedication have helped to uplift our community. Get to know a few of these amazing women below.

Dianne Cooks

Born and raised in the Five Points area, Dianne moved to Montbello 45 years ago. She has always had a passion for helping others. As a young mother of four, she noticed many children in crisis due to family instability. She opened her doors to these young people, offering comfort, guidance and care. Over the years, 15 children found a home at “Momma D’s.” Dianne worked for Denver Public Schools for 30 years, retiring from her position as a family liaison for the Head Start program in 2018. After her own son was paralyzed in a random act of gun violence, Dianne founded Families Against Violent Acts (F.A.V.A.) in 2006 to make a positive change by empowering families and restoring hope in their lives. Recently, Dianne was nominated as one of KDVR’s five Remarkable Women of Denver for her work as F.A.V.A. CEO and executive director.

Khadija Haynes

Khadija has spent much of her life as a dedicated community leader working to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities. A board member for the Montbello Organizing Committee, Khadija was instrumental in raising more than $8 million to support the development of the FreshLo Hub in Montbello, a project that provides fresh food access, health services, job training, and community programs. Khadija is also the founder of the Colorado Black Arts Movement (CBAM), an organization that supports Black artists and celebrates Black culture. CBAM will be housed at the FreshLo Hub, helping ensure that arts and culture remain an important part of the community. Khadija’s public service career includes serving as Chief of Staff to the Colorado Senate President as well as a Policy Director. She was appointed by the governor to the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the Colorado Creative Industries Advisory Council and currently serves as the Assistant Secretary on the Ebert Metropolitan District Board.

Nicole Millan

As MOC’s Director of Community Partnerships, Nicole works closely with nonprofit partners and schools to address mental health, education, and food access in the Montbello community. Nicole was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She went on to earn a degree in Psychology and Socio-Legal studies with a minor in Spanish from the University of Denver, graduating with a 4.0 GPA in just three years. As a young woman in a leadership position, Nicole has worked hard to foster collaboration, earn the respect of her older peers, and pave the way for younger generations. She understands the importance of mental wellness and is committed to helping both young people and older generations learn how to acknowledge their feelings and foster self-esteem. Nicole’s future aspiration is to become an attorney working to benefit traditionally marginalized people.

Tip of the Month: RTD Transit Assistance Available Through MOC

Montbello Organizing Committee is pleased to offer RTD Transit Assistance Grant (TAG) booklets to community members who need short-term help getting where they need to go. These booklets can support access to medical appointments, work, school, food resources, and other essential services. TAG booklets are intended to provide short-term transit support for people facing urgent transportation needs, while also helping connect eligible riders to LiVE, RTD’s income-based discount fare program. This resource is especially helpful for low-income residents, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, parents, and job seekers. To learn more or request assistance, please contact Mersi Canales at mersi.canales@montbelloorganizing.org.  

FreshLo Update: Business Accelerator Provides a Collaborative Ecosystem for Success

The Montbello Organizing Committee is excited to announce the opening of the FreshLo Business Accelerator in the FreshLo Hub at 12444 Albrook Drive. The FreshLo Business Accelerator is a meticulously designed ecosystem built on the principles of collaboration and practical support. It offers a sophisticated and accessible environment for business development, featuring:


• Ariel's Cafe: A welcoming, Black- and woman-owned coffee shop, started by one of the entrepreneurs from MOC’s Entrepreneurs Foundation Program. This inviting space offers refreshments and small bites.
  
• Dedicated Workspace: Flexible and professional areas equipped for everything from solo deep work to large-scale training sessions and collaborative projects. The design prioritizes creating a dynamic hub where ideas can be freely exchanged and nurtured.
  
• Business Vendor Space: A select group of five entrepreneurs will host their dry-good retail businesses in the space.
  
• Event Space: The workspace will be flexible and adaptable to transform into a small event space for community gatherings, workshops and conferences.
  

Meeting and event space in the FreshLo Business Accelerator is also available to rent on an hourly basis. Visit the webpage to see rates and learn more.


Mark Your Calendars: A Community Celebration

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the FreshLo Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Café will be held on Wednesday, April 1^st from 10 am to noon. Space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please email kwon.atlas@montbelloorganizing.org.

Jobs of the Month

Night Shift Forklift Operator Gourmet Foods International

For more than 50 years, Gourmet Foods International has maintained an unwavering passion for connecting consumers with the perfect specialty products worldwide. The Denver distribution center is hiring a full-time Forklift Operator for the night shift. This position will be responsible for unloading incoming shipments, accurately receiving and sorting products, and preparing them for timely delivery.

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, this position requires the ability to lift up to 75 lbs., carry up to 50 lbs. and push/pull up to 30 lbs., as well as work in a refrigerated and freezer environment. This job also requires ascending/descending 10” steps, reaching, bending and standing for long periods of time, as well as excellent communication skills, the ability to follow directions, meet deadlines, and work under minimal supervision. Previous experience working in a warehouse and/or cold storage, utilizing an RF handheld device, and operating a pallet jack and forklift experience are preferred.

This is a full-time position Sunday-Thursday 4 p.m. until finished. The salary is $22-$24 per hour, plus a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more and apply visit the job posting page.

Urban Ranger Program Assistant Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK)

Urban Rangers began as an employment program created through a partnership between Environmental Learning Kids, the National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Denver Parks and Recreation. The Program Assistant will assist the Urban Rangers in gaining valuable experience in teaching science-based curriculum, conducting fishing clinics, preparation of educational programs, introducing careers in natural resources, exposing youth to partner organizations, and will participate fully in ELK’s summer programming. 

Position requirements include a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife/Aquatic Biology, or Nature Resource Management or equivalent science-based degree; or a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with 1-2 years of experience in environmental or science education; or two or more years’ related experience or training, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. This position also requires the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 lbs., a driver’s license, and clean driving record. Spanish speaking skills are preferred as is experience delivering informal education programs, working with diverse, multicultural youth and families, and/or instructing outdoor recreation in urban and/or wilderness settings.

This is a full-time seasonal position between May 18-August 14, 2026 that requires regular evening, overnight, and weekend work. The salary is $22-$25 per hour, plus a cell phone stipend and WFA/CPR Certification. To learn more and apply visit the job posting page.

Montbello Talent is dedicated to connecting local job seekers with living wage jobs where they can thrive. Whether you're seeking your first job, looking to shift careers, or aiming to climb higher in your current path, Montbello Talent offers personalized support and resources. Each month in THE BELLOS, we will highlight a job meant to help strengthen our community's economic fabric. If you are a job seeker, or employer, please reach out to Michael.Crossland@montbelloorganizing.org.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Maria Alcocer

As MOC’s Facilitator of Trainings and Development Specialist, Maria engages with residents, businesses, churches, schools, and other nonprofit agencies. She leads MOC’s Strengthening Families program and supports several other community programs including the Entrepreneurial Foundation program.

Maria has worked in community for more than 15 years. Her experience includes working as a family advocate at the Denver Children Advocacy Center, supervising visits for Fresh Start and DDHS, serving as a facilitator for Nurturing Parenting and as a coordinator for the Family Leadership Training Institute, and as a coordinator and facilitator training parents as part of the Strengthening Families Program 10-14. Most recently, Maria received certification as a health coach with a focus on nutrition, gut health, and mindful eating.



Originally from El Paso, TX, Maria is a chef and the owner of La Cocina De Nana, which provides catering and delivered meals with a focus on authentic Mexican and healthy dishes. She has been married for 40 years, has three children, and six grandchildren.

Event Recap: 2026 Denver Mayor’s Office Black History Month Celebration

The Love Center was packed on February 27^th for the Black History Month Celebration sponsored by the Denver Mayor’s office. Among those in attendance were Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. James H Harvey III, Anna Jo Haynes, Councilpersons Shontell Lewis and Darrell Watson, District Attorney John Walsh, and Denver Police Department Chief Ron Thomas. Mayor Mike Johnston shared, "We wrapped up Black History Month with Struggle of Love Foundation, a powerhouse in Montbello that shows the impact of service, mentorship and community. We’re deeply grateful for spaces like this that bring people together and strengthen Denver year-round."

Featured Event: FreshLo Hub Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Café Grand Opening

Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 10 am to Noon

FreshLo Residences Building, first floor, 12444 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of the FreshLo Hub Business Accelerator and be one of the first to experience Ariel’s Café. Space is limited for the grand opening celebration. Watch your email, check our Facebook page or email kwon.atlas@montbelloorganizing.org to reserve your spot.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Foods for Thoughts Wellness Workshop

Mondays, March 16^th-April 27^th, 6-7 PM

Virtual workshop series

This holistic psycho-educational mental health coaching workshop series integrates nutrition, physical movement, and spiritual wellness through understanding of evidenced-based nutrient dense food.

Attend online.

DSST Public Schools STEM & Creative Core Showcase

Saturday, March 21^st, 10 AM-1 PM

CSU Spur: 4817 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Celebrate achievements in STEM, innovation and community as DSST and other DPS students present their work to families, community members and industry partners.

Free parking available in Lot N at CSU Spur.

Spring Break at ELK

March 30-April 3, Monday-Friday, 9 AM-3PM

ELK Education Center: 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Students in grades K-8 can join ELK for fun activities every day during spring break! Enjoy snacks, lunch, outside time, and time to play – all while learning more about science and nature. 

Only 20 spots available. Sign up online today!

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, April 2^nd at 9 AM

Montbello Recreation Center: 15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here. 

NLC Grant Seminar: Data-driven Learning Organizations

Thursday, April 2^nd  from 12-4 PM and Friday, April 3^rd from 9 AM-3 PM

Nonprofit Leadership Center: 12000 E. 47th Ave., Suite 201., Denver, CO 80239

Learn how to use data and evaluation to make programs better and create an impact. Includes tracking simple measures, reading the numbers, and using that knowledge to improve services and show funders results. 

The cost for both days is $100. To register or learn more, email andres.carrera@montbelloorganizing.org or call 720-415-4887. 

Denver's Unlocking Housing Choices Public Meeting

Thursday, April 9^th from 5:30-7 PM

Montbello Recreation Center: 15555 East 53rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Denver's Unlocking Housing Choices initiative will present draft proposals to make middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, etc.) possible, plausible, and legal in our city.

Registration requested online.

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.