Photos by Monica Padilla and Dana Hobaica, Latin Life Denver Media (see photo gallery below)

“Viva la Diva” went burlesque as it celebrated its 19th anniversary at the Bonacquisti Winery in North Denver. The community showed up to support and celebrate the work of COLOR (Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights) and guests were treated to amazing music, food, a silent auction, wine and quite a sexy and empowering Punk Rock Burlesque show! Latin Life Denver  was honored to be the exclusive media sponsor for this wonderful event.

Viva la Diva is COLOR’s biggest fundraiser of the year and Cristina Aguilar, COLOR’s Executive Director, and her amazing team succeeded in raising funds and awareness to the many programs they bring to the community.

Who is COLOR?

COLOR is a Latina-led, Latina-serving nonprofit organization with deep roots in Colorado and dedicated to reproductive justice. COLOR’s mission statement is a sisterhood of Latinas dedicated to building a movement of Latinas, their families and allies through leadership development, organizing and advocacy to create opportunity and achieve reproductive justice. As taken from COLOR’s website, “Reproductive Justice takes a holistic, intersectional approach toward sexual and reproductive freedom by acknowledging the physical, economic, institutional, sexual, religious, and social factors that affect a woman’s decision-making. When we talk about doing intersectional work, we are talking about looking at not just reproduction, but also other movements, issues and constituencies including LGBT, racial justice, economic justice, disability and other areas where people may be marginalized or may experience discrimination or barriers to their rights and liberties.”

What is some of the work COLOR does in the community?

It has several youth-oriented leadership programs that empower youth with tools and develop their leadership potential. Programs include: LOV (Latinas of Vision), which delivers comprehensive sex education to middle schools and high schools in DPS; LIPS (Latinas Increasing Political Strength) teaches public speaking, fundraising, advocacy and promotes civic engagement; COLORado #1in3 Youth Council, recruits student activists who outreach on college campuses to help break down stigma surrounding women who consider or seek abortion care. Other programs are geared towards educating and empowering the Latino community to speak out about the policies affecting the community, such as Latina/o Advocacy Day, Parent and Family Workshops and Cafecitos.

For more information on COLOR’s mission, values, programs and ways to get involved and support the organization, visit their website at: www.colorlatina.org

Thank you Cristina Aguilar and your beautiful team of mujeres poderosas for the work you do and your commitment to the community.

Photos by Monica Padilla and Dana Hobaica, Latin Life Denver Media