Introducing new team members, Eunice & Dafne!
We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest team members. It’s a joy to see our team keep growing, empowering us to do go further together. To help you get to know them, we invited them both to answer a few questions. Welcome, Eunice and Dafne! We’re so happy you’re here.
Introducing…
Eunice Reyes (she/her) is Moonshot’s new Program and Operations Manager. As a Filipino American woman, she has a personal, academic, and professional mission to dismantle systems of oppression. Formerly, Eunice served as the Equity and Career Success Coordinator for MSU Denver’s Classroom to Career Hub (C2 Hub). There, she supported students with marginalized identities in all stages of their career journeys through mentorship, job shadowing and identity-affirming programs. Read Eunice’s full bio here.
Dafne Lucio-Sanchez (she/her) is Moonshot’s new Development Manager. Before joining Moonshot, her professional path included being a legislative aide at the state capitol, where she was instrumental in policy research, constituent outreach, and supporting legislative initiatives. Dafne has also worked with organizations dedicated to closing the education gap and advocating for education policy across Colorado and the United States. Read Dafne’s full bio here.
What is a project that you are especially excited to work on during your first year at Moonshot? Why?
Eunice: I’m excited to join the team and support the redesigned fellowship program, Moonshot Innovation Space. I’m looking forward to getting to know Cohort 7 since I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their passions, hopes and dreams. I’m humbled that we’ll have so many amazing individuals who are dedicated to strengthening their communities and that I’ll play a small part in their journey.
Dafne: I am particularly excited to build upon the exceptional work the Moonshot team has done in developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising campaign to enhance our educational equity initiatives. This opportunity excites me because it integrates all facets of my role—fundraising, grant management, strategic planning, and partnerships. By identifying and securing new funding sources and strengthening our existing relationships, we can ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of our programs and support for leaders.
What is a local and/or small business that you love?
Eunice: I came across ReCreative Denver some time last year when I was searching for secondhand arts and crafts stores. I make jewelry and other small items (think magnets or trinket dishes) and wanted to be more intentional about where I got my materials.
Dafne: One of my favorite local businesses is Convivio Cafe. I was introduced to this small business by some of my closest friends. Convivio Cafe is in the Berkeley neighborhood near my old high school. I enjoy supporting Latin American businesses, and when I discovered that Convivio is Denver’s first women-owned, Guatemalan-inspired bilingual café, I felt compelled to show my support. This café also collaborates with family-owned sustainable roasters, tea growers, and other partners from Guatemala and Colombia, which I deeply value.
What is one book that you’d recommend to the Moonshot community?
Eunice: Chameleon Aura by Billy Chapata. From the publisher, “Zimbabwean poet Billy Chapata provides a thought-provoking take on the universal experiences of love, pain, and what comes next through messages of empowerment. This collection of poetry and prose will justify heartache and inspire the fortitude to survive and prosper.”
Dafne: Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. I had the opportunity to delve into this book during my senior year of college while facilitating an intergroup relations dialogue, engaging my peers in challenging discussions that often had emotional ties to real-world issues. Freire’s work touches upon the transformative power of education, highlighting the significance of dialogue, critical thinking, and mutual respect in the learning process. His insights into the interplay of power and education are particularly relevant for those dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression in education, as they inspire educators and community leaders to foster inclusive and transformative educational settings. I believe this book offers valuable perspectives and inspiration for our shared goal of liberation through education.
Share photos and memories of some of your favorite people and places?
