Who We Are

Tanaka is originally from Byhalia, MS. She relocated to Denver, CO, ten years ago to pursue a career in the non-profit sector, and has since been active in the community — working with the Leadership Foundation of Colorado, the Annual Juneteenth Music Festival, the Denver Metro Chamber's Impact Denver Leader Foundation Program, and as a graduate of the Denver Foundation's Executive Directors of Color Institute (EDCI). She received the Urban Leadership Alumni of the Year Award in 2017 and was recognized as the Distinguished Graduate for ULFC's 2013 cohort (The Class Who Re-Ignited The Flame).

Tanaka most recently served as the Director of Education with CHIC (Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities). She is committed to QueenShipp's growth locally, nationally, and soon internationally — promoting positive identity development and culturally diverse programming for all young women, including queer, trans, and non-binary.

Tanaka received her BA in Sociology from Jackson State University, where she was the first student selected to study abroad in Taiwan. She is also the proud co-founder of Denver's first African American women's philanthropic giving circle, SPIN (Sisterhood of Philanthropists Impacting Needs), which has given back over $30,000 to Denver's nonprofit sector.

Brittany Dawson is a former educator turned Global Corporate Trainer, TEDx Speaker, and Executive Coach on a mission to ignite the best in people through high-energy, actionable workshops, training, and coaching experiences. Brittany taught high school and middle school English in Title I schools in North Carolina and Texas.

After the classroom, Brittany served as a Leadership Development Manager, educating others on their leadership journey in one of the largest school districts on the East Coast. Now, Brittany delivers learning & development strategies, having previously led training for organizations like Amazon, Constellation Brands, and the Colorado Nonprofit Association. When she's not working, you can find her DJing, spending time with her spouse, and enjoying sushi.

Sarah Naomi Jones (they/she) is a multidimensional artist and relational organizer with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed, liberation-focused facilitation. A trained singer with 20+ years of vocal practice, they weave sound, embodiment, and intuitive practice into immersive experiences that support grounding, emotional release, and collective care.

Whether leading workshops, facilitating community gatherings, or creating conscious art, Sarah Naomi is deeply committed to access, healing justice, and embodied liberation.

Janay Harley is a Denver native and community leader dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening her local community.

Janay's passion for service was shaped by her own journey as a teen mother, inspiring her to earn a degree in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University. She has since completed leadership programs focused on developing and mentoring young people.

Through her work with QueenShipp, Janay supports young women in building confidence, leadership skills, and community awareness. She is deeply committed to creating spaces where youth can grow, lead, and thrive. Outside of her professional work, Janay is a small business owner and active volunteer who enjoys giving back, spending time with family, and exploring the world.

Esmeralda is an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, whose journey in the United States has shaped her path from elementary educator to community leader. She is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities — especially immigrant youth — to leverage their lived experiences in building a more just and equitable society.

Esmeralda has partnered with local and nationally recognized nonprofits to design and deliver culturally responsive curriculum across Colorado. A first-generation college graduate and the first in her family to become an entrepreneur, she draws strength from her perseverance and the support of her family.

Through her work and story, she hopes to inspire young women and migrant youth to persevere and lead in the face of challenges.