LMAC Members

Angel Gabriel Sanchez is a Tucson native living in Longmont, CO with his partner, Sonia Marquez, and their three children. A lifelong fan of Batman, sports, and film, he is passionate about storytelling, identity, and community. Angel has held roles in education, advising, and racial equity, and actively serves on local boards including The Learning Center and Longmont Latinx Voices. 

Ashley Ambriz (she/her) is a Latina and Diné (Navajo) community advocate who brings people together through nature and shared experiences. As a city employee and member of the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee (LMAC), she aims to uplift community voices—especially those often unheard—and help implement their needs.

Equity and inclusion, for Ashley, mean removing barriers so everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered. She’s passionate about listening, learning, and taking action rooted in justice and connection.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys backpacking with her husband and daughter, music, and supporting her partner’s folk shows. She’s currently learning Spanish and always up for a coffee and conversation.

Colin Argys (he/him) is a dedicated ally and advocate serving on the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee. Passionate about equity and inclusion, he aims to support marginalized communities by listening, learning, and contributing to a stronger, more connected Longmont. Colin lives in Longmont with his wife and two sons, and enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, sports, reading, and exploring different cultures and histories. 

Elizabeth Beaudoin (she/her) is the Curator of History at the Longmont Museum, dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in the community’s archives and exhibits. As a newcomer to Colorado with immigrant roots, she is passionate about sharing stories of newcomers and families putting down roots in Longmont.

Elizabeth believes equity and inclusion mean engaging sincerely with humanity’s richness, free of judgment. Through LMAC, she hopes to connect with untold stories and help preserve them for future generations. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her two rescue dogs and creating art.

Glenda Robinson joined LMAC as an activist and to represent African Americans who live in Longmont and surrounding areas. She enjoys the chance to contribute to community projects and is especially proud of LMAC’s MLK Day events each year.

“Get involved in your community,” she says. “You can make a difference on many different levels.”

Julie Gallegos was born in Boulder and rooted in the St. Vrain Valley, Julie Gallegos is passionate about building community and creating spaces where people feel a strong sense of belonging. She currently serves as the Associate Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley and has been with the organization since 2008. Her work focuses on expanding access to affordable homeownership and fostering partnerships that help build the Beloved Community. Julie holds a master’s degree in International Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and serves on the board of the Longmont Sister Cities Association, supporting cultural exchange and global understanding. A proud Longmont resident and mother of two sons who attend St. Vrain Valley School District schools, Julie enjoys traveling and engaging with people across cultures.  

As a member of the St. Vrain Valley School District’s Board of Education, Karen knows that education is a lifelong endeavor, and as a member of LMAC, she’s embraced the opportunity to learn more about other people and their cultures.

“I had no idea how many cultures were represented in our area,” she says. “It’s important that we keep the community open-minded, informed, cohesive, and culturally aware. Longmont truly feels like an inclusive community, and this is demonstrated in our schools, businesses, and community centers.”

Lucia Duran-Hernandez, MA, is an anthropologist, grants manager, and native of Sevilla, Spain. With four years of international nonprofit experience, she’s raised over $1,000,000 to support immigrants, homeless individuals, and families across Spain and the U.S. Lucia loves using her analytical and planning skills to create opportunities for those who need them most.

Currently, Lucia works as a Grants and Program Evaluation Manager at Intercambio Uniting Communities, where she secures funding to expand the organization’s mission of empowering individuals to achieve their language and community goals. As an immigrant herself, she deeply understands that having a sense of belonging is key to a happy life in any foreign country.

Madelyn Strong Woodley is a Boulder County community leader and founder of ECAACE,(Executive Committee, African American Cultural Events)

a nonprofit organization promoting African American culture through the pillars of education, celebration, solidarity, tribute and service. A retired FedEx executive & Division Head (worldwide), she’s served on the NAACP Board of Directors since 1989, where she is noted for her leadership and production of many outstanding Annual Freedom Fund Celebrations. She is a founding member Board Advisor of the Ron Settles Memorial Foundation. She also has served on the Boulder Police Oversight Task Force and Panel since its 2019 inception, Longmont Community Foundation Board of Trustees & GovCo Committee and several other Boulder County and Longmont boards, including a 9yr./3term service with the Housing & Human Services Advisory Board. Her life’s work is rooted in service, equity, and empowerment. 

Her mantra, “Failure is not an option.”

Padma Smith (Baimacuo) is a professor of Tibetan culture and religion at SWUN University in China and a Longmont resident. As a member of the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee (LMAC), she hopes to share and celebrate Tibetan culture within the community. Padma advocates for the local Tibetan community and believes equity means ensuring equal opportunities and outcomes for all, while inclusion means truly valuing every voice. She plans to organize a Tibetan cultural event to promote mutual understanding. Padma speaks Tibetan, Chinese, and English, and enjoys both meditation and exercise as ways to stay grounded and present. 

As an LMAC member, Rose strives to help to make a difference in the lives of Longmont residents. “The purpose of LMAC,” she says, “is to let people know that all cultures are welcome in Longmont, and we do that by encouraging members of the community to be proud of who they are and share their cultural traditions with others. I enjoy being involved with a committee that helps educate and strengthen the community, and I’ve learned a lot about other cultures as well!” 

Sam’s desire to volunteer, serve, and give back to his community prompted him to join LMAC in 2005. He appreciates that LMAC allows him to connect with other individuals who enjoy making an impact on the city in which they live. Sam also believes that the events LMAC holds each year make Longmont a better place to call home.

“As human beings, we enjoy associating with others. LMAC makes it easier for those who live and work here to feel connected and like they belong,” he says. “As we serve others we feel better about ourselves and the community that we live in and love.”

Sarah Leonard is a member of the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee and works with Visit Longmont to elevate the city’s diverse cultures through tourism. Originally from Wisconsin and a proud Packers fan, Sarah is passionate about equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming spaces where all communities are represented and empowered. She aims to strengthen Visit Longmont’s commitment to cultural diversity and believes in the power of listening, learning, and intentional collaboration. 

Sarah joined LMAC in November 2007 as its city council liaison serving all eight years she was on the city council.  In 2015, Sarah joined the committee as a community member.  Growing up in NYC, she was exposed to many different cultures, languages and cuisines.  “LMAC is the glue that helps keep our diverse community connected. I have met so many interesting people who also share my values of supporting our inclusive and diverse community.”  In addition to LMAC, Sarah served as a board member of El Comite.  She is a member of the Niwot Rotary club which serves the Longmont- Niwot community by funding non profits, scholarships and through service projects. 

Sunanda Dangol is a passionate event planner and cultural advocate dedicated to uplifting the Nepali community and celebrating multicultural inclusion. An immigrant herself, Sunanda works to preserve and share Nepali heritage through art, food, and storytelling. As a member of LMAC, she champions equity and belonging for underrepresented voices. Fluent in Nepali, Hindi, and English, she brings people together through vibrant cultural events and has a deep love for traditional textile arts passed down through her family. Guided by the motto “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Sunanda believes in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. 

Yan Jin is passionate about celebrating diversity and fostering cross-cultural collaboration in Longmont. She advocates for the Asian-American and immigrant communities, aiming to increase visibility and support for these groups.

To Yan, equity means fair access to opportunities for all, while inclusion embraces differences as strengths that enrich society. As an LMAC member, she focuses on outreach and organizing cultural events to promote understanding and connection.