Spotlight El Paso County

What happens when the next generation steps into the rooms where decisions are made? In this episode of Spotlight El Paso County, host Teiona Dantzler sits down with District 4 City Councilwoman Kimberly Gold for a conversation about leadership, civic engagement, and the importance of presence in spaces that shape our communities.

Together, they explore how young people can prepare for leadership, why representation matters, and how civic engagement extends beyond casting a ballot. From community involvement and advocacy to serving in public office, this discussion highlights the value of entering rooms with confidence, purpose, and a commitment to creating positive change.

Whether you're interested in public service, community leadership, or making your voice heard, this episode offers insight into how today's emerging leaders can help shape tomorrow's decisions.

The conversation was recorded on stage at CO.A.T.I. Uprise on September 27 at Studio 809 Podcasts’ Our Voice, Our Future 2026: Get Out the Vote Podcast Marathon.

Spotlight El Paso County illuminates the people, stories, and ideas shaping our community. It’s produced by the Pikes Peak Diversity Council and the UCCS Black Student Union. Share this episode with someone who cares about building a stronger El Paso County.

Follow the Diversity Council’s facebook page to stay connected with future episodes and community stories.

Learn more about Pikes Peak Diversity Council

Learn more about the UCCS Black Student Union

And you can always reach us at [email protected]

Shonie Rowe, founder and owner of ALL N ONE Dance Company, discusses the transformative impact of dance in our community with host Teiona Dantzler. They explore the organization's journey, its commitment to youth development, and how dance creates opportunities for confidence, belonging, mentorship, and personal growth.

Shonie shares the inspiration behind ALL N ONE Dance Company, stories of lives impacted through the arts, and her vision for strengthening El Paso County through meaningful community engagement. The conversation highlights why investing in young people and creating spaces where everyone can thrive is essential to building a stronger future.

In this episode:

• The story behind ALL N ONE Dance Company
• Youth development through the arts
• Building confidence and leadership through dance
• Community impact and connection
• The importance of arts programs in El Paso County
• Future goals and opportunities for community support

ALL N ONE Dance Company

Spotlight El Paso County illuminates the people, stories, and ideas shaping our community. It’s produced by the Pikes Peak Diversity Council and the UCCS Black Student Union. Share this episode with someone who cares about building a stronger El Paso County.

Follow the Diversity Council’s facebook page to stay connected with future episodes and community stories.

Learn more about Pikes Peak Diversity Council

Learn more about the UCCS Black Student Union

And you can always reach us at [email protected]

Explore the spirit behind “Hey Neighbor,” a movement reshaping how our community connects, collaborates, and cares for one another. Learn the origins of the Hey Neighbor initiative, why it matters now more than ever, and how it is transforming neighborhoods across El Paso County into places of belonging and shared responsibility.

In this inaugural episode of Spotlight El Paso County, we discuss with Hey Neighbor Executive Director Kelly Bull the shift from traditional neighborhood associations to a more inclusive, people‑centered model that invites every resident—regardless of background, age, or experience—to participate in building stronger, safer, more connected communities. Through stories, lived experiences, and practical examples, we highlight how simple acts of neighborliness can spark meaningful change.

Kelly Bull is a community leader deeply involved in the Hey Neighbor transition, offering insight into the program’s goals, the challenges of modern community engagement, and the opportunities ahead as El Paso County continues to grow and diversify. Together, we reflect on what it means to show up for one another and how this initiative aligns with our broader mission: illuminating the voices that connect us.

This episode is hosted by Shirley Martinez of Pikes Peak Diversity Council and Teiona Dantzler of UCCS Black Student Union.

LINKS:

Hey Neighbor: https://cono.squarespace.com/

150 Tables Across Colorado Springs: https://cono.squarespace.com/planagathering

Spotlight El Paso County illuminates the people, stories, and ideas shaping our community. It’s produced by the Pikes Peak Diversity Council and the UCCS Black Student Union. Share this episode with someone who cares about building a stronger El Paso County.

Follow the Diversity Council’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pikespeakdiversitycouncilinc to stay connected with future episodes and community stories.

Learn more about Pikes Peak Diversity Council at https://www.ppdiversitycouncilinc.org/.

Learn more about the UCCS Black Student Union at https://mlc.uccs.edu/organization/black-student-union

And you can always reach us at [email protected]