Meet Solicia E Lopez, M.N.M

Today we’d like to introduce you to Solicia E Lopez M.N.M.,

Solicia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Community Leader & Activist: Indigenous/Xicana ~ Otomi, Apache, Mexican ~ Spiritually Raised Rosebud Lakota Sioux. Student Voice and Leadership. Denver Public Schools, Career and College Success: Student Engagement.

I born and raised in Denver, Colorado to my beautiful parents Alberta Lorriane Urioste and Thomas Duane Lopez in South West Denver, Colorado. My grandparents are Leo and Angelina Urioste, and Anthony and Mary Louise Lopez. My journey as an indigenous young girl living in a complex world shaped my activist heart, spirit and voice. I became a mother in high school and I am now a proud mother of a powerful daughter. My life’s experiences have driven me to dedicate my leadership and advocacy to organize the voices of Denver’s youth to lead the change they want to see in the world.

I earned a bachelor’s degree of science in Urban Studies with an emphasis in Business Management and Urbanization from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. I have designed my career in education, in addition to working in local grassroots nonprofit organizations emphasizing civic education, advocacy, pipeline programs, and leadership development.

Over the last eight years, I have brought my vision and passion to life by creating the Student Voice and Leadership (SVL) department for Denver Public Schools. SVL develops and prepares students to lead policy research and become experts in their own learning, and exercise their voices and genius to develop policy change through action civics. SVL approaches this work through three programs serving 20-25 high schools across the district: Student Board of Education (SBOE), Young African American Latinx Leaders (YAALL), and the Critical Civic Inquiry (CCI) Educators track. SVL is rooted in education justice, organizing and activism.

In 2013 I took a position with Denver Public Schools that provided a true opportunity for me to lead and develop my vision and passion of elevating student voice and leadership. In the last eight years, I have created a one of kind model for student activism and advocacy through the lens of social justice that is positioned inside the education system. The foundation of the work that I have grown in the district is a grassroots organizing model that centers student partnership, voice and leadership development. I took what was a basic concept of a student voice program and transformed it into a department centrally located in the school district that serves over twenty high schools across the district.

The program develops students in a way that allows them to see the leader in themselves and apply their leadership to civic engagement and social justice to ultimately address systemic racism specifically in education. My goal is to develop leaders to be the change they want to see in their communities. My purpose in life is to pave the way for others to follow, and my work in DPS allows me to open doors for young people they never knew existed. I truly am blessed to touch the lives of so many and watch them grow on to change the world.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This is an interesting question to answer as a Brown woman who has grown out of society’s stereotypes that plague people of color. Some would say that I am successful because I made it out of the hood. Some would say that I am a sell-out because I chose education as a way of success. Some would say that I am a radical. Some would say that I am aggressive and demanding. Some would say that I am powerful and speak my truth. Some would say that I think that I am better than them. Some would say that I am beautiful and they admire me. Some would say that I should not question white men in the workplace. Some would say that I am intimidating.

Some would say that they are afraid of me. Some would say that I am beautiful. Some would say that I am fierce. Some would say that I intimidate men. Some would say that I am too fat. Some would say that I am loving. Some would say that I am a healer. Some would say that they strive to be like me. Some would say that choosing motherhood was a mistake. Some would say that choosing to become a young mother was a mistake. Some would say that I am an amazing mother. Some say that I love my daughter too much. Some would say that I am controlling. Some would say that I am not good enough. Some would say that I should know my place and be quiet. The list continues with isms that as a woman of color, I will never escape because I was born beautiful and brown.

Living in a world that marginalizes people of color means being born to struggle. I have only known struggle and I am continuously met with challenges. However, I determine how I will walk through each struggle and define my success. I use my struggles and moments of truth to reflect and determine how to move forward. Knowing and understanding the history and struggles of my people is the foundation and power of my success.

In relation to creating and growing my work in DPS, it is always a struggle. Most adults to do not like to be challenged or questioned by young people in education. So when students are questioning decisions and policies, tensions rise. It is my role to challenge adults to embrace the process and build bridges through communication. My work is people work and building relationships in a world where human contact is fading as a practice.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in developing civic leaders. Leadership development through the lens of identity, agency and ownership. I am invested in developing leaders that give back and open doors for those who follow in their footsteps. I believe in social justice for the common good. I am known for speaking truth to power and challenging systems to do what is right. I am known for being a leader that lifts others to step into their power and voice. I most proud of the fact that my work comes from my heart and the love I have for my people and community. It is what distinctly sets me apart from others and what I pride myself on.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my family and friends. My parents, my daughter and my siblings. They are my biggest fans and supporters and I would not be here with their love. There are always there when I need them no matter what I need, they are my volunteers, my workers, my organizers, my cheerleaders, my opposition and my faith. They challenge me to grow and do better every step of the way.

My Students! They are my hope and dreams. They truly give me hope for the future and fill my heart with inspiration. They are my teachers, they show me the way. It is their voices and stories that shape my work and inspire me every day to be a better person.

My team and colleagues play a huge role in my success. They believe in me and always support my big ideas even when they might be a tad ambitious. They are my support system and the backbone of my work. They are the collective voices that shape my work and success.

My Community. So many people touched my life, coached me, guided me, open doors for me, lifted me when I was down, shined light on me so I could shine brighter. I have been raised by a village and every person has gifted me with something different.

Shout outs to a couple of hero’s in my life that I truly admire! Juana Bordas – she showed me that my culture, community and spirituality are the foundation of leadership. The late Dr. Robert Wright – he taught me how to critically think and analyze the world and education. He was the first educator who held up my reflection and always encouraged me to decolonize my mindset.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Rigoberta Menchu – captured my radical heart through her fierce passion for social justice change and respect for the rights of indigenous people.

My Daughter! She came to me and showed me the importance of life and using my voice for change. She is my teacher of life choices and reason, and most importantly love. Being her mother showed me things I would have never experienced on my own. Her life inspires me to be better and do better in every situation.

Contact Info:

• Address: Denver Public Schools
  1860 Lincoln St
  Denver, CO 80203
• Website: www.svldps.org
• Phone: 303.396.2972
• Email: solicia_lopez@dpsk12.org
• Instagram: @SVLDPS
• Facebook: @SVLDPS
• Twitter: @SVLDPS

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