Yazmin Castillo currently works on the development team at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, where she has had the privilege of contributing to impactful projects aimed at inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Her journey with Girls Inc. began nearly 8 years ago as a work-study student through CU Denver, and since then, Yazmin has worn many hats within the organization.

Before joining Girls Inc., Yazmin managed a weekly volunteer base of nearly 300 individuals at Metro Caring. Currently, she serves on the Associate board for the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce supporting the advancement of women in business, and the SPA GOLD board where she plays a role in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. This committee’s focus is on advancing educational interests, promoting social diversity, and providing professional development support to students, alumni, and other communities served.

Yazmin’s commitment to personal and professional growth led her to complete the Impact program with the Denver Metro Leadership Foundation, a leadership program for emerging leaders in Colorado. This experience has further equipped her with the skills needed to make a lasting impact in her community, and she will be returning as a coach to support others going through the program.

Beyond her professional life, Yazmin is an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and fur mom to a needy Boxer. If she’s not reading a book, at the gym, or cuddling with her dog, you’ll find her traveling to a new destination!

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

I was inspired to pursue a career in public service by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in my community. As a first-generation student, the path to discovering suitable career options initially seemed challenging. It was at CU Denver that I began my academic journey with the aspiration to help people, especially youth in my community. During my undergraduate years, I started on the pre-med track, drawn to the idea of contributing to the well-being of others through healthcare. While aspects of the medical field intrigued me, I came to the realization that it wasn’t the perfect fit for my long-term goals. This moment prompted me to reevaluate my path, leading me to switch to psychology. My interest in public service was sparked earlier, during my high school years, when a couple of my classmates and I took the initiative to start a Model UN group. Through dedicated fundraising efforts, our group successfully secured the opportunity to visit the United Nations building in New York. The experience inside that building was amazing and from that moment I developed a profound appreciation for public service. The exposure to global issues and the impact that collective efforts could have on addressing them left an impactful mark on me. This, coupled with my passion for people and community, fueled my career in public service. I realized that understanding human behavior could be a powerful tool in creating positive change at both a local and global level.

What has been most meaningful to you about your career?  

What has been the most meaningful to me about my career is the joy I find in working alongside our youth. Recently, someone asked me how we maintain hope when faced with the overwhelming challenges in our world, and after reflecting, it became clear that inspiration is the potential of our youth. At Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and throughout my career in the nonprofit sector, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing young individuals boldly advocate for the issues they are passionate about. Seeing their resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in positive change in truly inspiring. These moments of interaction and mentorship serve as a constant reminder that the next generation holds the power to drive meaningful change. Moreover, what makes my career particularly meaningful is the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most caring, thoughtful, and change-driven individuals in our community. The collective efforts of dedicated professionals, working towards a common goal of creating a better future, amplify the impact we can have. This sense of community and shared purpose reinforces my belief in the capacity for positive change, even in the face of daunting challenges.

What part of your education at the School of Public Affairs has had the greatest impact on your work? 

The most impactful aspect of my education at CU Denver was how connected and practical the experience was. The campus had a sense of community that made learning go beyond the readings and theories. What stood out the most were the professors, like Rene Galindo, Sandy Zook and many more. They weren’t just experts in their fields but also genuinely cared about the learning of their students. One thing I really appreciated was how my professors connected what we learned in class to what was happening in the real world. It wasn’t just about theories; it was about how we could apply those ideas to actual issues our communities were facing. This was especially helpful for me since I was working full-time during my program. The direct connection between what I was learning and what I was doing at work made a huge difference in my learning.

What is your favorite memory of the School of Public Affairs? 

My favorite memory from my time at the School of Public Affairs was my MPA Capstone project. I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Women’s Bean Project, delving into an evaluation of their programs through the lenses of efficiency and equity. It was a hands-on experience that allowed me to connect theory with real-world impact. Throughout this process, I had the privilege of conducting interviews with several women actively participating in the programs. Listening to their stories, understanding their lived experiences, and witnessing their accomplishments and aspirations was truly inspiring. These women shared not just challenges but resilience, not just obstacles but triumphs. Their narrative resonated deeply with me and reinforced my passion for working with women and breaking down barriers. It became a reminder of the importance of fostering equity so that all women can thrive. This experience with the Women’s Bean Project and my academic journey shaped my commitment to building a more equitable world for all women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges that your field faces? 

The nonprofit sector, while well-intentioned, was built on navigating historical and current inequities within our communities. While nonprofits were built to address these inequities, we are seeing a positive shift away from a charity mindset. Many organizations are now embracing a collaborative approach, welcoming individuals who seek to work in solidarity with them and the communities they serve. After the pandemic we saw a big shift regarding organizations jumping on DEI initiatives, without considering and creating sustainable change. We must continue to be bold in the way we advocate for our communities and hold those in power accountable. We must not lose the momentum in fighting and dismantling oppressive systems so that we can build a more equitable world for everyone.

In my work with women and youth at Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, the challenges are hitting closer to home. A recent CDC report showed a big increase in mental health problems among teen girls—sadness, and a higher risk of suicide. The numbers have almost doubled, going from 36% to 57%, which is alarming. This makes what we do at Girls Inc. more important than ever. Our girls face an array of challenges and barriers. However, they also hold intersecting identities that each have unique and connecting strengths. We know our girls, and girls and women everywhere, have everything in them to be the best version of themselves. We are here to work with them to remove gender, economic, and social barriers so that they grow up to be healthy, educated, independent leaders in our community for the next generation.

We’re not just trying to fix immediate problems; we’re also looking at what’s causing these issues in the first place. We focus on giving girls the support, mentorship, and resources they need to navigate the challenges they face as they grow up. The goal is to make a real impact, even in the face of these tough challenges.

What advice would you give to current students and professional development program participants at the School of Public Affairs?

My advice would be to make the most out of the connections available at CU Denver. Being in the city offers a lot of opportunities, so attend events, join clubs, and connect with professionals in your field. Some of the best experiences come from the relationships that you build during your time here. Take advantage of the city setting for practical learning through internships or community projects. Use this time for exploration! Take courses outside of your major, try activities that challenge you, and use this time to figure out what you enjoy. These experiences will not only make your time at CU more enjoyable but will also shape your path after graduation.