225. LGBTQIA Empowerment: Nizhoni Smocks on Youth Seen

"I love to make money, of course, but if it doesn't feed my spirit, it doesn't make sense." -Nizhoni Smocks Welcome back to the Turmeric & Tequila Podcast! I'm your host, Kristen Olson, and today we continue our discussion with Nizhoni Smocks, Finance Director of Youth Seen. We'll explore the incredible work being done to support the social and emotional well-being of LGBTQIA youth, including programs like Camp Seen and Black Pride Colorado. Nizhoni shares the challenges they face, from funding struggles to legislative barriers, and highlights upcoming events like the Youth Queer Homecoming and the Black Fantasy Ball. We'll also discuss how you can get involved, whether through volunteering or attending events. A special thanks to our sponsor Lux Neuro for their support in neurofeedback and counseling. Stay tuned for an inspiring episode filled with heartfelt insights and actionable ways to make a difference in the community. Nizhoni Smocks: Nizhoni Smocks (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous woman, is a fierce advocate, facilitator and operations innovator. She left corporate America to pour back into the underserved and overlooked communities that she most connected with. She believes that you must go beyond being an ally to accomplice even though you're not a true stakeholder; their challenges are your challenges. She understands the incredible impact that organizations have on real people's lives. Nizhoni is constantly seeking and learning the skills that help organizations work smarter not harder. She deeply believes that organizational efficiency influences everything. As featured on Colorado Voices, she shared experiences of growing up as an outsider on the Navajo Reservation and her journey of self-discovery while never fitting in. Nizhoni is a founding member of Black PRIDE Colorado and is the current Finance Director of YouthSeen. @nizhoni_e About Youth Seen Coming Events: Michael Roberson In Conversation with Twiggy Pucci Garcon Film Screening: The Ball The 4th Annual Black Fantasy Ball: Mile High Stampede . . . Connect with T&T:  IG: @TurmericTequila  Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila  Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com Host: Kristen Olson  IG: @Madonnashero  Tik Tok: @Madonnashero  Website: www.KOAlliance.com WATCH HERE MORE LIKE THIS: https://youtu.be/ZCFQSpFoAgI?si=Erg8_2eH8uyEgYZF   https://youtu.be/piCU9JboWuY?si=qLdhFKCGdBzuAeuI https://youtu.be/9Vs2JDzJJXk?si=dpjV31GDqTroUKWH