Angel Martínez
Hunter Kirby
Please tell me about yourself and your position here at Confluence.
Angel Martínez
My name is Angel Martínez, the Community Development Intern here at Confluence Ministries. I’m in my senior year at MSU Denver, and I was recently named an outstanding student at the university, an honor that is only given to five students. I am receiving my bachelor’s in communications and event management and using my time here at Confluence to look for a position in community outreach for non-profits. I am graduating with a 4.0 GPA, top 15% of my class, and as a single mom of two daughters—15 and 8 years old.
Hunter
Tell me more about being a single mother and succeeding in college.
Angel
Being a non-traditional, first-generation student and single mother has motivated me to give my children the best that I can provide. I was imprisoned, facing six years, when I found out I was pregnant. I would never have met my 8-year-old daughter if I had still been in there and when I got out. So I was looking for a way to best help my family. And so I went to college, and I have had to fight to keep every job I’ve had because others label me for my past; I wanted to prove them wrong.
I know God was why I was given a second chance to make a positive impact and help serve those on the streets. And the main reason I wanted to join Confluence Ministries is to help rebuild the communities, and advocate for those who cannot stand up for themselves—showing people it’s not impossible to reach your dreams and graduate. I graduated with zero debt and earned scholarships through my tenure at MSU. I consider being locked up a blessing in disguise and see my time in jail as a positive way to get my priorities straight and focus on being a good mother.
God uses our story for his glory. At the time, we might not be able to see it, but he gives us the buckets to help put out the fires in other people’s lives. And my goal is to make a positive impact in the communities around me to help generations to come.
Hunter
What impact have you made here at Confluence?
Angel
Through my event planning experience, I have been able to secure and recruit volunteers for our Cinco de Mayo celebration, compile a master resource list to create a community resource guide for members of the Colfax community, give members of the community resources to help them, and gather donations for our teacher appreciation event to help give back to the teachers at Colfax Elementary. Also, I have been reaching out to local businesses about their emergency readiness plans, which helps them get involved with confluence ministers and help promote local events through social media.
Hunter
What would you like to say to those who don’t know about Confluence?
Angel
Confluence has been an impactful resource for our community, helping so many people in so many ways. They offer so many resources like education, music lab, and community events throughout the year. They really care about the community and those who live here. Their goal is to make the west Colfax neighborhood a thriving community. It is a place to go if you are in need of valuable resources. Confluence definitely makes a difference in this community through their support.
The team at Confluence Ministries truly cares about the Denver neighborhoods. They have the community’s best interest at heart. They are kind, caring people who are always willing to do what they can to help anyone in need.
Profile
Confluence Ministries is a non-profit organization based out of the West Colfax community of Denver, Colorado. The ministry exists to bring change through meaningful connections; uniting diverse people and faith communities for positive impact in its community, city, and world.
Hunter Kirby serves as the Marketing and Social Media Professional at Confluence Ministries, and Angel Martinez is the Community Development Intern at the time of the interview.