Mayor's Office of Community Outreach

Mayor's Office of Community Outreach graphic banner

Welcome to the Denver Mayor's Office of Community Outreach, where every voice is valued, and our impact is limitless.

At the heart of our vibrant city lies a commitment to fostering connections, supporting one another, and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Our mission is simple yet profound: to engage with residents from all walks of life, listen to their concerns, and collaborate on innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of our city. Whether it's advocating for equitable policies, promoting sustainable initiatives, or enhancing access to essential services, we're here to ensure that every voice is heard and every individual is empowered to thrive.

Through meaningful dialogue, grassroots initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, we strive to create a platform where ideas flourish, relationships deepen, and positive change takes root. Together, we can build a Denver that is not only resilient in the face of challenges but also a beacon of opportunity for all who call it home.

Upcoming Community Events

Give5 Mile High

GIVE 5 Mile High logo

5 Hours, Every Month, Every Denverite

During the 2024 State of the City address, Mayor Mike Johnston proudly announced the launch of Give5 Mile High, a new citywide volunteer initiative led by First Lady of Denver Courtney Johnston. This program empowers Denverites to come together and strengthen our community through collective service. 

One High Five and One Volunteer Hour at a Time

Our Vision 

Denver is a city where we all come together to uplift and support one another through life’s peaks and valleys. 

Our Mission 

Igniting a movement of Denverites committed to monthly service, rolling up our sleeves together to address the pressing challenges facing our community. 

Why Join Give5 Mile High?

In Denver, community is the fabric that binds us together, enabling us to support each other in addressing the challenges we face. When we come together to GIVE5 hours a month, we’re not just volunteering. We’re building a stronger, more resilient community. By fostering connections, we enhance our collective well-being and ensure that every Denverite has the opportunity to thrive. Our actions, no matter how small, contribute to a culture of caring and responsibility that lifts up everyone in our city.

Get Involved

Give5 Mile High is about making service a regular part of our lives. Here’s how you can get involved: 

  • Commit to monthly service: Pledge to volunteer at least five hours each month. Choose causes and organizations that resonate with you.
  • Join our events: Serve five hours by participating in community service activations organized by Give5 Mile High the third Saturday of every month. These events are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and make a tangible impact.
  • Celebrate your contribution: Visit and support Denver businesses to take advantage of incentives for Give5 Mile High volunteers who complete their 5 hours each month.
  • Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join the movement. Share your experiences on social media using #GIVE5MileHigh. 

Join Us Today!

Commit to Give5 Mile High today and be part of the movement!

 Sign up here to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities. 

If you are a local business or non-profit that would like to be a community partner, please email us at Give5MileHigh@denvergov.org.

Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Denver. 

Follow Give5 Mile High on Instagram 

GIVE 5 Mile High logo banner: 5 hours, every month, every Denverite

Meet The Team

 Milagros Barsallo Rubio headshot

Milagros Barsallo Rubio is an organizer and entrepreneur committed to sharing the power of community organizing as a driving force for systemic change and has dedicated her career to public service. From starting her career in the classroom as a bilingual elementary school teacher, to most recently teaching students at the University of Panama as a US Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor, she believes education and information play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society.

As co-founder and co-CEO of RISE Colorado she continued to organize with families, teachers, students, and other stakeholders seeking to close the opportunity gap in Aurora, Colorado using RISE’s unique model. She also jumped into the fast-paced and at times unpredictable nonprofit start-up world rapidly learning about and growing skills in organizational development, governance structures, finance and fundraising, sustainability, and continued program growth while implementing RISE’s mission.

Milagros is grateful she could use her strengths in nonprofit leadership and management to create a space of collaboration and leadership development as a coach for other entrepreneurs and organizational leaders in her consulting and at Pa’lante Ventures, focusing primarily on leaders of color.

Most recently, as a US Fulbright Scholar to Panama in addition to teaching students about community organizing and supporting their individual projects across the country, Milagros employed her skills in qualitative and action-based research to work on data collection for her research study, Guerreras Panameñas del Cambio Social, (Panamanian Women Warriors of Social Change). Milagros is currently working on the analysis of the data for publication in Spring of 2023 while seeking her next opportunity to support community-led change.


 Tran Nguyen-Wills Headshot

Tran Nguyen-Wills is the daughter of working-class refugees from Vietnam, has had a remarkable journey that has influenced her views on the significance of community. Transitioning from being a homeless teenager to a struggling young parent, she has forged her own path as a small business owner and community advocate. Through her life experiences, she has emerged as a strong advocate for diversity, engagement, and creating safe spaces, striving for a more just world for everyone.

With a background spanning over two decades, she has been involved in managing and owning various small businesses in Denver, including retail and restaurant ventures, art galleries, home goods stores, and the non-toxic nail salon brand, BASE COAT. Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Director of Outreach, appointed by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Throughout her professional journey, she has remained dedicated to driving meaningful change in the community, advocating for important causes, and giving back.

Tran has spearheaded community initiatives such as organizing community fridges, vaccine clinics, and fundraisers. She has been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights, safer working conditions, and fair wages for workers in the beauty industry. Additionally, she has overseen community projects, brand development, and product creation. Collaborating with non-profits, small businesses, activists, and artists has been a common theme throughout her various endeavors.


 Alex Gutierrez headshot  

Alex Gutierrez serves as the Senior Outreach Manager for the community outreach office, leading outreach efforts in council districts 1, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 11. 

Born in Los Angeles, Alex Gutierrez is the son of immigrants from Aguascalientes, México. The eldest of five boys, Gutierrez began participating in politics at a young age due to two major events: the attacks on September 11th and the fight for LGBT+ Rights and Equality.

Wanting to give back and help the many activists who came before him, Gutierrez has spent a decade working in the political landscape by helping elect effective leadership and to inspire community involvement and engagement.

During Mayor Mike Johnston's Mayoral campaign, Gutierrez showcased his exceptional organizational and mobilization skills all over Denver from the start of the campaign. Immediately after the election he got to work as one of the Assistant Deputy Directors of then Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston’s Transitional Team and is now serving in the Mayor’s Office of Community Outreach as a Senior Outreach Manager. Beyond politics, Gutierrez is the proud father of a soon to be 18-year-old son, is an uncle, and an advocate for sober living and plant-based eating for 10 years. He enjoys reading non-fiction, is a former server/bartender, and enjoys watching musicals, historical documentaries, comedy and horror movies. 


 

Sterling Simms headshot   

Sterling Simms serves as the Senior Outreach Manager and Operations Coordinator for the community outreach office, leading outreach efforts in council districts 2,4,5, 6 and 10.  

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Sterling moved to Denver in 2021 after service in the U.S. Marine Corps. With a background in community organizing, Sterling has served on a number of political campaigns both in Denver, and across the country. He previously served on Mayor Johnston’s campaign for mayor as well as his transition team.

Accessibility and Language Statement

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact MoCommunity@denvergov.org with three business days’ notice. 

Es su derecho adquirir interpretación y traducción de información en su lenguaje natal, interpretación de lenguaje de señas, subtítulos en tiempo real a través de CART, o acomodaciones relacionadas a alguna discapacidad. Para solicitar cualquier de estos servicios sin costo alguno para usted, contacte a mocommunity@denvergov.org con tres (3) días de anticipación. 

Bạn có quyền tiếp cận hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ bằng lời nói hoặc bằng văn bản, phiên dịch ngôn ngữ ký hiệu, phụ đề theo thời gian thực thông qua CART hoặc các hỗ trợ liên quan đến khuyết tật. Để yêu cầu bất kỳ dịch vụ nào trong số này miễn phí, vui lòng liên hệ với mocommunity@denvergov.org kèm theo thông báo trước ba ngày làm việc.