Kerby Meyers, Board Chair
Communications Consultant
“Among communities rife with challenges, DAVA stands out a bastion of creativity, encouragement and hope for school-age children.” -Kerby

Rochelle Rabeler, Vice Chair
Attorney at Law, Holland & Hart Law Firm
“Children are often subject to negative circumstances far beyond their control.  DAVA provides these youth with a safe, free, inclusive environment that inspires and promotes responsibility, leadership and creativity.  It’s been said that today’s youth are our future leaders and DAVA provides them with opportunities and creative tools that empower them to succeed.  As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future” and I am confident that DAVA does just that.” -Rochelle

María Halloran, Secretary
Professor– ESL, Community College of Aurora
“A few years ago, when a group of kids came to visit our science labs at the college, it really hit me that this was no ordinary program with ordinary kids.  It is amazing how much the kids pick up from the very professional and dedicated staff – from art and computer skills to respect and caring for others. To me, this is a true display of the pairing on education and community service.” -María

Keith Peterson, Treasurer
Director of Guest Services, University of Colorado Hospital
“I believe constructive activity is one of the most effective ways to positively influence young people. DAVA offers a variety of constructive activities and consequently brings direction, creative outlet and fun to their lives.” -Keith

Natalia Ballinger
Attorney at Law, Greenberg Taurig
“DAVA gives local youth a voice through art, and is a vibrant bridge between the community and families it serves.” -Natalia

Randy Berner
Project Executive, Adolfson &  Peterson Construction
“DAVA just makes you want to be a part of the community.  When kids show excitement over having discovered a special talent, you know they have found something they will cherish forever in their lives- and that counts for everything.”   – Randy 

George Denlinger
Regional Vice President, Robert Half International

Laurie Foster
Assistant Principal, Aurora Public Schools

Yusuf Hassan
Banking Officer, FirstBank

Shubhra Raje
Architect, LEED AP, Shubhra Raje_Built Environments
“I love being on the DAVA board because of the organization’s commitment to youth leadership and empowerment through a sustainable, inclusive, actively engaged and critical model of arts education. I am in awe of the talented and committed staff who develop programs and create an environment that ensures that the youth who walk into DAVA are given the opportunity to discover and express their own voice; engaging with communities through the art they create.” – Shubhra 

Mitzi Schindler
Director of Marketing, Aurora Chamber of Commerce 
“I fell in love with the concept of DAVA, and with the idea that these kids were doing something creative – as well as learning responsibility, teamwork, and respect. In addition, studies are showing that the arts and creativity have intrinsic value to math, reading and science, and also that the learning tool of creativity greatly benefits human learning and development. But, maybe the best part is that the kids really seem to enjoy their time at DAVA!” – Mitzi

Kim Stuart
Communications Director, City of Aurora
“Kids are the future and DAVA is a great way to help guide their process toward creativity.” -Kim