Inspire The Angel Flores Podcast
By Angel Flores
Inspire The Angel Flores PodcastApr 18, 2023
I had an abortion – Karen Griffin
Karen Griffin is the Director of Operations for the Resource Center in Greeley, Colorado. The Resource Center is a community-funded medical center specializing in pregnancy and STD resources and support. In this episode she shares the powerful story of her own teenage abortion and her journey of healing, forgiveness, and restoration.
She lives in Eaton, Colorado with her husband and their children, and grandchildren.
Show Notes:
The Resource Center: https://tests4greeley.com/
Tilly Book: https://a.co/d/f8P9nD7
Russel Griffin Podcast Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8RGLhOk3uQ&t=64s
I’m a Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach – Rene' Aafedt
Rene’ Aafedt was inducted into the 2022 class of the Colorado High School Athletic Association Coaching Hall of Fame. She coached the girls’ volleyball program at Valley High School for 20 years and has a career record of 393-96. Her teams appeared in nine CHSAA Class 3A state championship games, including 13 straight state tournament appearances, winning it all in 2010 and 2012. As a competitive Valley High School volleyball player herself, Aafedt brought that same energy and drive as a coach. As one of her former players put it, “To play under Rene Aafedt, I think was the greatest honor I could have as an athlete. I admire her and wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.”
She lives in Platteville, Colorado with her husband Dan.
Show Notes:
Hall of Fame Acceptance Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fzp-2Ymnw
The Art of Living Book: https://a.co/d/dsvdtrG
I went from first gen high school grad to Ph.D candidate – Elias Quiñonez
Elias Quiñonez is the Manager of Student Life and Diversity for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. His focus is helping students stay connected and promoting inclusive environment within the College of Agricultural Sciences. He recently received a 5year grant he designed called “The Semilla Project” that works with 1,000 first-gen students in Colorado and encourages agricultural sciences. In this episode, Elias shares his story of losing his mom at 8 years old, growing up in a low income family of nine, being a first generation high school graduate and now becoming a Ph.D. candidate.
Elias earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and his master’s in Educational Leadership from University of Northern Colorado and is currently completing the doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership at CSU.
Elias enjoys fishing, painting, and spending time with his wife and son. He lives in Fort Collins, CO.
Contact Info:
Email: elias.Quinonez@colostate.edu
Show Notes:
La Semilla Project: https://agsci.source.colostate.edu/new-spur-offerings/
A tale of 3 kings: https://www.amazon.com/Tale-three-Kings-Study-Brokenness/dp/0842369082/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
I took over my family business and grew it 25 times larger – Jerry Naranjo
Jerry Naranjo is the president and owner of Naranjo Civil Constructors. Joining the company in 1999, Jerry has seen Naranjo Civil grow from $ 1,000,000 in annual revenue to over $25,000,000. In this episode, Jerry tells the story of that growth and shares nugget after nugget of business and life wisdom.
He is a passionate, engaging, innovative, and heart-centered business leader with over 30 years of experience. He has been a pioneer in the civil construction industry in Colorado, leading his firm to build some of the state’s most iconic and innovative river restoration projects. Jerry is a trusted advisor to employees, and clients alike, guiding them with insights on business matters, scaling, operations, organizational management, visionary leadership, and relentless execution. His unique roadmap to success is based in positivity, authentic relationships, and replacing goals with actions.
Jerry earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Colorado School of Mines in Golden Colorado. He also serves others as an executive business coach and is the owner and operator of Three Spikes, a philanthropic farm. He lives in Loveland, Colorado.
Contact Info:
Email: jerry@naranjocivil.com
Show Notes:
Naranjo Civil Constructors: www.naranjocivil.com/
Photo Gallery: www.naranjocivil.com/project-showcase/
I had postpartum psychosis and I made it – Mariela Orona
Mariela Orona is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a wholesale tortilla factory and bakery. In this episode she shares the story of being diagnosed with and overcoming post-partum psychosis and thoughts of harming her baby. Hers is a story of hope for every mom dealing with post-partum depression and exhaustion.
She lives in Greeley, Colorado with her son.
You can contact her at Tortilleria Las 9 Americas: las9americas@gmail.com
I lost my wife to cancer and then I got it myself – Tony Bernal
Tony Bernal is partner in Northstar Concrete, a concrete contractor that specializes in curb and gutter work. In this episode he shares the story of finding out his wife had terminal cancer when their son was only 7 years old. Six year later, he was also diagnosed with cancer and told to “get his affairs in order.” That was years ago and his cancer is now under control.
He lives in Greeley, Colorado.
I went from drug addict to business owner – Russel Griffin
Russ Griffin is the President and owner of Affordable Heating and Air Conditioning in Greeley, Colorado. He also owns Scooters Coffee in Eaton, Colorado. In this episode he shares his story of finding himself in jail and addicted to Methamphetamine before having a “wake up call” in jail and committing himself to a relationship with Christ.
Russel earned his degree in welding from Aims Community College in Greeley. He lives in Eaton with his wife Zoey and their eight kids.
Contact Info:
Website: www.affordablehvac.com
I’m the host of this podcast – Angel Flores
On this episode, Angel is a guest on the Sancho and Sancha Podcast. You will hear him unpack his story of starting a church, his views on achievement and contentment and you’re sure to be inspired.
Contact Info:
Email: angel@angelinspires.com
Website: www.theangelflorespodcast.com
I left my dream job to take a leap of faith – Jon Cooney
Dr. Jonathan Cooney is an Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Department at the University of Northern Colorado. Before that, he served as Principal of Bella Romero K-8 Academy in Greeley, Colorado. In this episode he shares his story of focusing on and landing his dream job, serving in that role for 11 years, and then walking away to take a leap of faith into a new field.
Jon has been in education for 25 years. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia, his master’s degree from Colorado State University, and his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. He lives in Greeley with his wife Jessica and their two daughters.
Contact Info:
Email: jonathan.cooney@unco.edu
I went from gang leader to community leader- ex-con to icon – AJ Vasquez
In prison he obtained his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Weber State University in Ogden, UT. After his release, AJ eventually founded Azteca Boxing Club and has since trained multiple champions. He also founded the Azteca Boxing non-profit, focusing on reaching at-risk youth through boxing. His story of encountering God in his life is one you won’t forget. He lives in Greeley.
Contact Info:
Email: aztecaboxingclub@outlook.com
Show Notes:
Azteca Boxing Club: www.aztecaboxing.org
Starfish story: www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/24833.html
I won 4 Grammys and walked away from it all to follow Christ – Johnny Arreola Los Palominos
He now runs Solana Ministries with his wife Amber. He lives in Uvalde, Texas.
Contact Info:
Johnny and Amber Arreola Ministry Page: www.facebook.com/SolanaMinistries
Show Notes:
Dwayne Verheyden from The Netherlands tribute to Flaco Jimenez:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss-Nzsc9X3c
The Holy One Church San Antonio, Texas: www.theholyone.org
Puedo Imaginarme Video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUrbgHt-QSs
Mosaic Church Service with Johnny Arreola: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNk9v6KsJMM
Amanecer Cristiano Church Service with Johnny Arreola:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNk9v6KsJMM
I’m a 5x Ironman Triathlete – Jessica Cooney
Jessica Cooney is an Assistant Principal at Greeley Central High School and prior to that, served as the Secondary Culturally Linguistically Diverse Coordinator for District 6. In this episode she shares his story of being a jump roping world champion as a child, becoming a college athlete as a walk-on athlete, discovering triathlons as an adult, and completing her first Ironman Triathlon at 36 years old.
An Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and finishes with a 26.2-mile run.
Jessica has been in education for 24 years. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education, her Master’s degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Northern Colorado and her Administration License from Western Governors University. She lives in Greeley with her husband Jon and their two daughters.
Contact Info:
Email: jcooney1@greeleyschools.org
Show Notes:
Ironman Triathlon: https://www.ironman.com
Jessica in the community: https://greeleyunexpected.com/people/jessica-cooney/
I led a non-profit for 36 years and grew it 10 times larger - Jeannine Truswell
Jeannine Truswell is the president and CEO of United Way of Weld County. During her tenure, she grew the non-profit from an annual budget of $500,000 to over $ 7,000,000 and she grew the staff from 3 to nearly 40. Her accomplishments and impact in Weld County, CO are too numerous to list. In this episode she shares her story of growing up in a blue-collar family, being a first-generation college graduate and her strategy for inviting people to join the mission of a non-profit.
She earned her degree from SUNY at Genoseo, was the Weld County Partners executive director and owned and operated a private business. Her current board of directors memberships include the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming, the Colorado Children’s Campaign, and the El Pomar North Regional Council. Among her many commendations is the Colorado Nonprofit Association Steve Graham Award for Building Nonprofit Capacity. She plans to retire at the end of 2022 to travel and spend time with her husband Bob.
I lead 3,000 employees and 22,000 students - Dr. Deirdre Pilch
Dr. Deirdre Pilch is superintendent of Greeley-Evans School District 6 in Greeley, Colorado. She led the district in a turnaround process that has included raising nearly $ 400,000,000 to repair or replace several schools. In this episode she shares her story of being a first-generation college student and her strategy for implementing change in an organization.
Dr. Pilch completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming and holds a Masters degree and an Educational Specialist degree in secondary school administration from the University of Central Missouri. Her Doctorate of Education is in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas. Dr. Pilch currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Success Foundation, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Weld County, Northern Colorado Health Alliance, Longs Peak Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a member of the Downtown Greeley Rotary Club.
She can be reached at: dpilch@greeleyschools.org
I'm living with stage 4 cancer. Monica Ramirez
Monica Ramirez is a 52-year-old Latina, wife, mother of three, grandmother of two, and a 28 year US Air Force Senior Master Sergeant retiree. She was a faithful warrior fighting for our country “boots on the ground” in Iraq and now has been fighting over 3 years of her life battling stage 4 Colon Cancer. Her faith in God has given her the strength and confidence she’s needed to pursue each conflict she has faced throughout her life.
Monica never felt ready or smart enough for college. But she graduated with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree all while being in the military and partly as a single parent.
She was a single mom for five years and prayed every day that God would bring her a man who loves Jesus. Still believing and having faith she was patient and He brought her the smart, loving, and handsome, Paul. Learning how to be a good wife was yet another conflict to experience. Jesus led the way and gave her the passion to be a good wife and later became Mosaic Church’s marriage coach. In each war, battle, or conflict Monica says she’s never alone fighting. It’s God, it’s Jesus her savior who is there still standing and carrying her along the way.
Monica lives in Greeley, Colorado.
I’m a PhD and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Jeremy Adler
He is a microbiologist, a Senior Researcher for Ecolab and a leader in food safety. He also works on proposed food safety legislation. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Food Protection and Journal of Food Science.
Jeremy is also a husband, a father and lives in Windsor, CO.
Contact Info:
Linked In
I was an undocumented immigrant. Betzy Valdez
Betzy Valdez came to the United States as an undocumented child and shares the challenges of growing up in the shadows, stepping into the public spotlight and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
She is the President for the Hispanic Women of Weld County (HWWC), an organization that engages civically, awards academic scholarships, and recognizes the accomplishments of Latinas across Weld County, Colorado.
She is also an entrepreneur, a connector and a proud mother and wife.
Contact Info:
https://hispanicwomenofweldcounty.com/
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