Theresa Gatewood (she/her) is a longtime Denver resident and community activist. She grew up in the Five Points neighborhood and is thrilled to return to her roots in this area as the Executive Director of Creative Strategies for Change. Theresa’s life’s work centers on ensuring people who experience oppression are able to thrive; she has relentlessly pursued removing barriers and ensuring racial justice in the education system and our communities.
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She has always been motivated to support and elevate those voices who were not being heard. Her inspiration came from her family, especially her grandparents. They gave her the strength to pass on the power of her leadership and legacy forward to the next generation. She started her career working for a national college access program serving first-generation students and has held a number of roles in higher education that emphasize access and equity.
Theresa has been an advocate in non-profit and education for 15 years. She has earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, Performance and Change from Colorado State University. Theresa is a proud graduate of Denver Public Schools (Manual High School) and a member of the inaugural class of Daniels Fund Scholars. Theresa has served on many state-wide committees and nonprofit boards, most recently as a Project Manager for a multi-year equity initiative for The Denver Foundation. When not collaborating in the community, she enjoys sports, nature and her K9 partner in crime, Charlie.
Theresa discusses with Tish Beauford on Public Affair the on-going struggle and visibility challenge for racial, social and economic equity and equality for the BIOPIC and LGTBQA+ communities and how Creative Strategies For Change are providing their platform for them to be heard.