In the heart of Colorado Springs, El Pomar Foundation has nurtured countless leaders who have gone on to make significant impacts in their communities. One such leader is Matthew Telles, Fellowship Class of 2022. Matthew’s story highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the drive to make a difference. Since the Fellowship, Matthew has reconnected with his roots and discovered his passion for education and community organizing.
Matthew was born in Denver and raised in the Montbello neighborhood near the airport. His initial draw to the Fellowship was the opportunity to reconnect with his home state of Colorado. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Matthew was involved in the nonprofit sector, working as a community engagement coordinator for Mayor Ted Wheeler’s reelection campaign. Despite his involvement, Matthew felt disconnected as he was working for a community he did not feel a part of and wanted to change that.
“I always knew I wanted to come back to Colorado after receiving my bachelor’s degree and I just didn’t know exactly how.”
The Fellowship offered him a chance to immerse himself in mission-centered work, aligning perfectly with his passion for nonprofit organizations and community service.
One of Matthew’s most impactful experiences during the Fellowship was his involvement with the Metro Regional Council, where he played a crucial role in helping the Council develop a new focus area geared towards middle schools.
“In that moment, I felt that our work was beyond impactful. It was going back towards the community that I grew up in and care for so deeply.”
Matthew’s dedication to education was evident even before his Fellowship. Inspired by a personal story from his high school days, he knew he wanted to make higher education more accessible, especially for disadvantaged communities. He recounted a pivotal moment when a close family friend, a sixth grader named Gabriel, saw him announce his college plans at a school event and was inspired to pursue higher education himself. Gabriel’s inspiration strengthened Matthew’s commitment, and his collaboration with Adams 12 Five Star Schools during his time in the Fellowship emphasized the importance of planting seeds early to help students create a post-graduation plan.
As a Latino and queer man, Matthew embraces his influence as a role-model and advocate for underrepresented communities.
“I do see myself as being a role-model in that way because I am a Latino man and also queer.”
He believes in showing up authentically and representing his identities proudly. His experiences at El Pomar and his current role as a community organizer with Denver Families for Public Schools have equipped him with the skills to navigate complex conversations and advocate effectively for his community. In his current role, Matthew has been instrumental in facilitating focus groups across Denver to address key issues such as mental health, school safety, and academic improvement, ensuring that community voices are heard and prioritized in policy recommendations.
Matthew’s approach to his work is deeply influenced by his personal brand, built on authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. Matthew understands the importance of maintaining a professional image, both in person and online, and strives to be a positive representation of his community.
Matthew’s journey has been profoundly shaped by the support of his family and husband, Eri, along with the guidance of several mentors. He credits his family as his “cheat code in life,” providing him with the sanctuary and support he needs to thrive in his roles. His grandmother, a deeply religious and community-oriented woman, instilled in him the values of honesty and kindness.
“She always tells me, ‘If you are honest, people may deceive you. Be honest anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness. Be kind anyway.'”
Another significant mentor is his high school teacher, who encouraged him to reflect on his purpose and aspirations from a young age.
“He planted those questions of my ‘why’ so early on in my life.”
Additionally, his father has been a constant source of wisdom and support, always reminding him to show up as his best self.
Matthew Telles’ journey is a powerful reminder that returning to one’s roots can be both grounding and transformative. His dedication to education and community organizing serves as an inspiration for others looking to make a meaningful impact. His long-term vision includes making a lasting impact on the community that raised him and leveraging his experiences and dedication to drive positive change. By embracing authenticity and leveraging personal experiences, Matthew continues to pave the way for future diverse leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities.
