Mateo Manuel Vela is a first generation Mexican educator, community organizer, and spoken word artist from Southwest Denver. Prior to being the CYC Program Manager, he worked for the DPS-Student Voice and Leadership team, advising youth across DPS on policy change projects and leading initiatives to advocate for restorative practices to address the school to prison pipeline. In his free time, Mateo enjoys attending open mics, lifting, and petting local dogs.