Brenna Gomez ‘09
Women's Resource Agency
Summer Fellow

Why did you want to become a PIFP Fellow?

I thought the idea of putting young people in nonprofits to make systemic change was an incredible thing to do. The organizations that are involved were also a large driving force for me. There are so many nonprofits involved in the PIFP program that are doing amazing things. I was excited to get involved.

Please give a brief description of your job/role in your host organization

I coordinate events such as our Status of Women and Girls in the Pikes Peak Region afternoon TEA (Teach, Empower, Advocate) on October 7 th and our monthly Advocacy Circles to discuss the barriers to self-sufficiency. I also implement a media relations plan. I work on the weekly newsletter, create press releases, and update online calendars with our events. I attend meetings for a variety of groups: the Status of Women and Girls in the Pikes Peak Region, the Colorado Coalition for Girls, and a conference for a grant we received called the Colorado Compassion Initiative. I do special projects for these groups (excluding the Compassion Initiative) as well. I do a lot of research on statistics around women and girls. Soon I will begin several story collection processes for several other groups. The project that I am most excited about is writing a letter to Michelle Obama asking her to speak at one of our events next year.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned about your host organization so far?

I am just so impressed with the extent of services we provide. Last year we served 1,200 women and 300 girls. There are so many different things we can do for women during their employment search. What we do for girls is also impressive. The Intercept programs are amazing. We work with court-ordered and pregnant/parenting young women. The curriculum is built to help them advocate for themselves. I have sat in on this program the last few weeks, and the progress they are making is amazing.

What activities do you enjoy?

I love to write fiction, mostly short stories. I also love reading, listening to music, going to concerts, babysitting my eight-year-old brother, spending time with the people I love, and watching House.

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

Most people are surprised that I have a much younger brother. I am often mistaken for his mother. I think that people would be really surprised to know that I am not as quiet as they think I am. I am actually quite loud, bubbly, and ridiculous once you get to know me. It usually takes a long time for people to see that side of me, though.