A New Chapter for Movimiento Poder: A Word from Our Executive Director

Dear Partners and Friends,

As I approach my 22nd year with Padres Unidos and now Movimiento Poder, I write with a full and grateful heart to share that I will be transitioning out of my role as Executive Director at the end of December 2025.

This was not an easy decision. Movimiento Poder is more than an organization to me; it has been my political home — where I found my voice, my purpose, and a deep sense of belonging. It has shaped who I am, and for that I will always be grateful.

My transition reflects Movimiento Poder’s core vision: to continuously develop leaders from within our community, beginning with youth and extending across generations. I am proud to be a living example of that vision — passing leadership to the next generation while staying rooted in our shared purpose.

This process has been intentional and deeply planned, grounded in years of leadership development and preparation. Together, we have built strong systems, cultivated emerging leaders, and created a foundation of shared leadership that ensures MP’s long-term success.

Although this transition comes during a time of great uncertainty, I remain hopeful. In our collective strength and together, we will continue to build the people power needed to fight for the liberation, dignity, and self-determination of our communities.

Reflecting on my journey with MP, I realize that it was always a place I was meant to be. I grew up, and still live, in Southwest Denver. I attended Denver Public Schools, often relying on school meals, and navigated the bilingual program, gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges families like mine faced. When Padres Unidos began in 1991 at Valverde Elementary, I was just a little girl living caddy-corner to the school. Years later, while working in North Denver with a group of Promotoras on prevention efforts, I crossed paths with Padres Unidos again as they were leading the North High School Education Campaign in 2002.

Those connections ultimately led me to join the organization as a youth organizer in 2003, a moment that changed the trajectory of my life. Over the years, I have assumed various roles that have contributed to the growth and development of our organization. In 2016, I became Co-Director alongside our founding members, and in 2020, I assumed the role of the first solo Executive Director following their transition.

Under my leadership, we have cultivated a strong and intentional foundation:

• Rebranded the organization to reflect the conditions and demographics of our community.
• Established intergenerational leadership pathways through Seeds of Power, Roots of Power, and Maíz Rising, centering our members in building a place of hope and belonging.
• Built systems and structures that ensure sustainability, growth, and alignment with our values.
• Fostered a culture that centers healing, identity, and advocacy, cultivating leadership across generations.

Movimiento Poder will forever be in my heart. Alongside exceptional leaders, we have created an organization that enables us to grow and thrive, ultimately benefiting our community and the broader movement. Though this decision is not easy, I remain deeply committed to developing young leaders who will continue the fight. It’s now their turn to lead the way.

In the coming weeks, we’ll share updates on the transition. This is a collective journey, and we want our community to feel connected, informed, and part of shaping Movimiento Poder’s next chapter.

With deep gratitude and solidarity,

Elsa Bañuelos-Lindsay