Our Board
Lionel Mayben
Founder/ Senior Network Engineer of Kenyatta Computer Services
Lionel is a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer with 24 years of service in the US Air Force. Post-reitrement, he taught IT certification programs at the Alaska Military Youth Academy and served as the lead IT professor at the Charter University. He currently mentors veterans in the City of Tulsa Veterans Treatment Court, guiding them through rehabilitation phases. He also founded the Justice4Lenny movement, which led to his brother’s pardon and transformation into a productive citizen. Additionally, he volunteers with the Potter House of Denver Prison Ministry and the Second Chance Center of Colorado, aiming to reduce recidivism rates.
Favorite Self Care Strategy: Blocking out all the negativity by not engaging in the news and social media to keep internal peace.
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project? I serve on the board of The Storytellers Project because I am deeply committed to the transformative power of storytelling. My extensive experience in mentoring and community service has shown me how sharing personal stories can heal, inspire, and connect people. By serving on the board, I can help amplify diverse voices and support individuals in telling their unique stories, which can foster empathy and understanding within the community. Additionally, my background in leadership and rehabilitation aligns with the project’s mission to address and heal generational cycles of trauma and violence. Ultimately, I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for creating positive change and building a more compassionate society.
Favorite Quote: “The best way to find yourself is to loose yourself in service to others.” -Mahatma Ghandhi
Dr. Daisy Y. Morales-Campos, PhD
Associate Professor UTHealth Houston, School of Public Health, San Antonio Regional Campus
Dr. Morales’ research interests include public health education, cancer prevention, and maintenance of behavior change among Latinos/as. She is interested in health, culture and reproduction issues that immigrant women from Latin America and their children encounter in the U.S. She has extensive experience in the design and implementation of community-based participatory research, culturally appropriate research methods and protocols, cancer screening studies, and interventions for Latinos/as utilizing a promotora model.
Favorite Self Care Strategy: Working out, alone time by myself
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project?: I am inspired by the vision of the project and believe I am in a position to help spread the word about the project, get it evaluated, and be able to disseminate it.
Favorite Quote: "I am doing the best I can with what I have at this moment, and that's all I can expect from anyone, including me."
John Quincy Adams Jr.
Adams Family Ranch LLC -Owner AAA Safety and Firearm Instruction LLC -Owner
John is a Denver Native and a graduate of East High School and the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He has served in various roles within Denver Schools and ended his 34-year career as Union President representing school employees and the community during the last 10 years. He has also served as the Co-Lead negotiator with the Teachers Union Lead Negotiator in a successful negotiation. He has worked closely with and against DPS lead counsel on several arbitration and other employee matters. His experience consists of partnerships with affordable housing agencies, sober living housing, and as a long-time advocate for the people. He does volunteer work for Stable Strides Equestrian and The Denver Handgun Intervention Program (HIPP). He also helped create and served as the Director of Diversion for the Simms Fayola Foundation establishing some important partnerships with various agencies.
Favorite Self Care Strategy: Laughter, listening to the sound of silence, and my bee’s calm hums.
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project?
Favorite Quote: “God surrounds and protects me with favor like a shield.” Psalm 5:12
Marketer
Zulet Rouse
Zulet currently works as a marketer for a skilled nursing facility. She has experience in the Home Health industry and Early Childhood Education. She has a BA in Social Science and Early Education, she also has a Masters in Psychology of Business. She grew up in the foster care system and was fortunate to have a supportive network to guide her throughout her childhood. She has personal and professional experience in this field that gives her a unique appreciation for the mission of The Storytellers Project.
Favorite Self Care Strategy: Mindful walking
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project: My goal in serving as a board member is to contribute to the well-being and future of children and youth by ensuring they have access to essential resources, education, and opportunities. Helping to break cycles of poverty, improve mental health, and support undeserved communities is my passion. Serving on the board will allow me to grow as a leader and contribute my ideas while learning from others with diverse perspectives.
Favorite Quote: "Small things done with great love will change the world.” -Mother Teresa
Henry Price
TNTP Consulting Partner
Vanessa Valencia
Henry will share his story soon.
Favorite Self Care Strategy:
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project?
Favorite Quote:
Vanessa has a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science with a minor in elementary education and a Master's degree in Reading from Regis University. She was an elementary and middle school teacher, a reading interventionist, a teacher coach and served as an assistant principal and principal for 10 years in Aurora Public Schools. Vanessa now serves as a consulting partner for a national nonprofit that believes all students should have access to a strong academic foundation and social and economic mobility. Vanessa had to break the cycle of violence she grew up in and learn and unlearn a number of things to find her purpose and work towards self-actualization and support others in doing the same.
Favorite Self Care Strategy: Meditation, exercise and journaling.
Why do you serve on the board of The Storytellers Project? I serve on the Storyteller's Project Board to support a non-profit that strives to strengthen families and members of our community
Favorite Quote: "The commitment to do well and to be well is a lifetime of choices that you make daily."