Turning pain into purpose and voice into power.

Quincy Wedgeworth

Co-Founder, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Raised in East Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, Quincy Wedgeworth understands firsthand how quickly young people can be pulled toward the streets when they are searching for direction. After losing his father at 15, Quincy joined the 34st Gangster Crips, looking for belonging and guidance during a painful chapter of his life. After two prison terms and too many lives lost, Quincy realized the streets were a dead end. He made the decision to change his path, rebuild his life, and become the kind of leader he once needed.

Today, Quincy dedicates his life to supporting youth, protecting their mental health, and helping stop cycles of violence before they begin. As a violence interrupter for the City of Denver, he worked directly with young people to address trauma, anger, grief, and the pain that often goes unseen until it becomes dangerous. Quincy co-founded RiskTakers Youth Initiative with Quincy Smith to create safe spaces where young people can be heard, supported, challenged, and shown that a better future is possible. He believes unaddressed pain costs lives, and he is committed to helping youth face that pain before it controls their future.

In the 10 years since his release, Quincy has started two businesses, owned three homes, and served as an operations manager where he hired more than 30 returning citizens, giving them a fair opportunity to rebuild their lives. Quincy Wedgeworth is living proof that change is possible. Through his work, he reminds young people that they are not statistics, their mental health matters, and another path is always within reach.

Dae-Shaud Wedgeworth

COO, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Born and raised in East Denver Five Points neighborhood Dae-Shaud Wedgeworth understands how quickly a young person can be shaped by their environment when guidance is missing. At just 10 years old, he lost his father (Quincy Wedgeworth) to a 16-year sentence, leaving his mother to raise four children on her own. Forced to grow up early, he moved through life searching for identity, structure, and belonging.

By 14, Dae-Shaud was already in the streets, and by 16 became affiliated with the EastSide 34 Gangsta Crips alongside his father's influence and environment. Not out of image, but survival. What many see as individual choices were actually the continuation of generational patterns shaped by circumstance, absence, and limited direction.

Around 16, Dae-Shaud reconnected with his father, who returned with purpose. That relationship gave him something he had been missing, guidance, belief, and a vision for change. Determined to break the cycle, he graduated high school a year early, proving to himself and his family that a different path was possible. He went on to build experience in entrepreneurship, business, and e-commerce, and now serves as the personal manager to a renowned comedian and influencer Gaitlin Roberson aka FunnyManGaitlin, developing skills in branding, marketing, and business development.

Today, his mission is rooted in transformation and accountability. He stands on redefining the true essence of "CRIP" as Community Revolution In Progress, focused on rebuilding and uplifting the community in a positive direction. Dae-Shaud represents a shift from inherited cycles to intentional change, committed to becoming the point where the pattern stops and a new standard begins. A generational curse breaker.

Alexia Wedgeworth

Community Advocate, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Alexia Wedgeworth is Denver-raised, with a passion for youth and giving back that started early in Montbello. Growing up involved with the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, she spent her time in sports, gardening, and educational programs that shaped her mindset around growth, discipline, and showing up for others.

Coming from a smaller family, Alexia learned the importance of building her own sense of community and creating strong, supportive environments wherever she goes. That foundation continues to guide how she connects with people and why she is intentional about being someone others can rely on.

She also stands as an advocate through the lived experiences of those close to her, recognizing the importance of supporting and uplifting communities beyond her own background. Over time, she's come to understand that Denver, no matter how big it once felt, is deeply connected, and that real strength comes from unity.

Now, through RiskTakers Youth, Alexia is committed to pouring into the next generation while also expanding her reach into different background communities, learning from one another, sharing experiences, and growing together for the better. Having grown up closely with her nieces and nephews, she takes pride in being a role model and ensuring the youth around her feel seen, supported, and capable of more.

At her core, Alexia leads with care, consistency, and action, always willing to do whatever she can, big or small, to make sure people know they're not alone, whether that's in work or daily life.

Natasha BarShalom

VP/Director of Community Programs, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Natasha BarShalom is a community advocate, entrepreneur, storyteller, and changemaker dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Her passion for service comes from a deep belief that every person carries purpose, and that meaningful change begins when communities come together with compassion, accountability, and action.

Through her work with KOSM Triggered Futures and community initiatives such as Winning Wednesday, Natasha has helped create platforms focused on connection, restoration, and opportunity. Her projects have brought together community leaders, local businesses, artists, service providers, and volunteers to provide resources including meals, clothing support, wellness services, mentorship, and a safe space for individuals from all walks of life to share their stories.

Natasha’s perspective is shaped by resilience, transformation, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. She believes that true leadership is not about having all the answers it is about listening, building relationships, and creating opportunities for others to rise. Her approach centers around collaboration, vulnerability, and the understanding that communities are strongest when everyone has a voice.

As a board member of Risk Takers Youth Initiative, Natasha brings her experience in nonprofit development, community engagement, fundraising, marketing, and event coordination. She is passionate about empowering youth to recognize their potential, embrace their stories, and become leaders who create positive change in their communities.

Natasha continues to dedicate her work to building bridges, inspiring hope, and proving that when people choose to show up for one another, transformation is possible.

Darren King

Deputy COO, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Darren King is a Denver native, CDL driver, and independent business owner known for his resilience, drive, and commitment to growth. His journey hasn’t been easy,after facing and overcoming time in prison, Darren made a conscious decision to change the direction of his life and build something meaningful, not just for himself, but for those around him.

As a hardworking professional behind the wheel and in business, Darren represents discipline and determination. But beyond his work, he is most proud of being a devoted father to his twin boys, striving every day to set an example of strength, accountability, and perseverance.

Deeply connected to his roots, Darren is passionate about giving back to the same community that shaped him. His vision is bigger than personal success,he aims to invest in his neighborhood by creating a safe, positive space for youth to grow, learn, and escape negative influences. Through his story and his actions, Darren King stands as proof that your past does not define your future,it’s what you build next that truly matters.

David Ochoumare

CTO, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

David Ochoumare is a Denver-based technology leader and Endpoint Engineer with a passion for using tech as a tool for empowerment. As CTO of RiskTakers Youth Initiative, David brings enterprise-level expertise to a grassroots mission helping build the digital infrastructure that allows the organization to scale its impact across the community.

A Colorado School of Mines graduate holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Computer Science, David currently leads endpoint engineering at Frontier Airlines, managing 8,000+ devices and developing automation systems that keep operations running efficiently. His technical background spans Microsoft Intune, Jamf Pro, PowerShell scripting, Azure AD, and full-stack development skills he now channels into serving young people who need the same kind of structure and opportunity he’s worked hard to build.

David believes technology should be accessible, purposeful, and community-driven. At RiskTakers, he’s committed to making sure the mission never outpaces its infrastructure and that the next generation has every tool they need to succeed.

Gaitlin Roberson

Board Member, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

The reason Gaitlin Roberson aka FunnyManGaitlin does this goes deeper than baseball. He loves the game, but what he cares about most is the kids. He is not here to replace anyone’s father. He sees himself more like an uncle who truly cares. Someone who shows up, pays attention, and pushes them in the right direction. A lot of kids do not have someone consistently pouring into them,not just caring about what they do, but who they can become. Gaitlin strives to be that person. He sees the good in every kid, especially the ones others may label as "bad." In most cases, they simply need guidance, structure, and someone who believes in them. Every child is different. Some come with more training than others, some learn faster, and some need more patience. But at the end of the day, they are all kids, and every one of them deserves the chance to grow.

Through RiskTakers, he is not just coaching baseball or chasing wins. He is developing players, building confidence, and helping each kid become the best version of themselves on and off the field. Winning is important, but growth is the goal. If a player wants to be great, he pushes them to be great. If they just need someone to believe in them, he becomes that support. Because sometimes, all it takes is one person who truly cares.

Angela Davis

Board Member, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Angela is a Senior Manager with over 17 years of experience in financial risk management, specializing in fraud prevention, operational risk, and governance. She has led enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen accountability, ensure compliance, and protect vulnerable populations.

Angela is deeply committed to community impact, with a focus on youth empowerment and advancing opportunities for women. She has supported and partnered with women’s nonprofit initiatives centered on mentorship, leadership development, and economic empowerment. Angela brings a mission-driven, strategic perspective to nonprofit boards, grounded in strong governance, ethical leadership, and sustainable impact.

Alvindra Williams

Board Member, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Alvindra Williams is a dedicated leader, educator, and community builder who leads by action. Through her work, she teaches our youth the real-life value of homeownership, financial responsibility, and pursuing what truly matters. Beyond the classroom, she consistently shows up for her own children and for the broader community,encouraging growth, accountability, and ambition.

Alvindra doesn’t just talk about change,she lives it. Her commitment reflects the core of what RiskTakers stands for: courage, ownership, and action. Around here, we call that a hustler,someone who moves with purpose, uplifts others, and makes things happen.

Queen Moses

Board Member, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

Queen Moses is a pillar of the Denver community, a visionary entrepreneur, and a true example of leadership through action. As the owner of Queen’s Care In-Home since 2004, she has served thousands of elderly and disabled individuals across Colorado while creating jobs and opportunities in Black and Brown communities for over 20 years.

Her impact extends far beyond business. Queen Moses has consistently poured back into her community,supporting families in times of need, contributing to weddings, giving to her church, and investing in community events and giveaways. She stands as living proof that Black growth, ownership, and generational wealth are not only possible, but necessary.

Leading by example, she has taken real risks on herself to build something meaningful and lasting. Queen Moses embodies the spirit of a true RiskTaker,someone who uplifts others while building legacy. Her name will be remembered in Denver’s history as a central force and pioneer in strengthening and empowering her community.

Asé

Videographer, RiskTakers Youth Initiative

I am a one woman band videographer creating everything from music videos and short films to commercials, reels, and event films. I do what I do because I believe every person, brand, and moment has a story worth preserving. My passion is transforming ideas into cinematic visuals that become lasting memories. My approach is collaborative, creative, and client-focused. I work closely with every client, blending their vision with my artistic perspective. I'm not just here to capture footage, I'm here to bring your vision to life in a way that reflects who you are and what you want the world to feel. When you work with me, you're partnering with someone who genuinely loves the creative process. It's never just about producing a video. It's about creating something timeless, something you'll be proud to watch for years to come. Something that lingers in your chest long after the screen goes dark.