A graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Richard is responsible for all programs, including the annual leadership development cohort, research and storytelling initiatives, and policy ideation and implementation. Prior to joining Ednium, Richard served as IB Program Manager at George Washington High School, where he led school-wide professional development around equity and authentic student engagement and helped eliminate barriers to increase BIPOC student access and engagement in advanced courses. Additionally, he served as the coach for the Student Board of Education team, a policy-focused student organization, as well as the GW Powerlifting team. He is passionate about community engagement, volunteering with organizations such as Minds Matter Colorado and the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Program. Richard holds a bachelor's degree in History and Spanish and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, and a certificate in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University Global. Richard resides in southwest Denver with his partner and two rambunctious puppies.

David Martinez is a proud Chicano organizer who grew up in the westside of Denver where he lived in the Villa Park, Barnum, and Westwood neighborhoods. He is a proud DPS alumni as he graduated from Denver South in 2016 and a first-generation college graduate of CSU where he majored in Political Science. David has participated in, and has been critical of, our legal and political institutions in meeting the material and spiritual needs of communities. He is interested in continuing to fight alongside the most vulnerable folks in our journey for liberation. He has come to understand that the best way to tackle our catastrophes is through mobilized and organized efforts. La unión hace la fuerza!

Elijah Huff was born and raised in the Five Points community in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Manual High School before earning his bachelor’s degree at Fort Lewis College. Elijah was led to community work after the passing of a close friend due to gang violence during his freshman year of college. His desire to be a mentor who could help youth avoid the same fate led him to the education sector. Elijah serves as a College Advisor for the Scholar Prep Program at Bruce Randolph High School. Everyday he looks forward to helping youth use education to help them discover their inner brilliance and life purpose. In his free time he enjoys watching sports and coaching boys high school basketball.

Xochitl (SO-CHEE-L) was raised in Denver, CO, and is a graduate of Denver Public Schools. After graduating from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, Xochitl attended Colorado State University, where she studied Social Work and Communication Studies. Xochitl is a proud first-generation student; as the daughter of two Mexican Immigrants, Xochitl learned from her parents at a young age the power of education, people, and community. Xochitl loves Colorado and her Denver community. After completing her degree, Xochitl moved back home to Denver and began her career with nonprofits, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Xochitl also participated in Edniums Leadership Launchpad Cohort 2. Xochitl believes that education is power, and is excited to continue learning and growing alongside her community.