Our Team
TEN was launched in 2016 as a nonprofit education advocacy organization to empower, mobilize and collaborate with everyday Coloradans to advocate for a high-quality education system. Our goal is to build an education system that prepares every Colorado child for life success and meets its promise as an engine of social and economic mobility.
About Nicholas Hernandez
Executive Director
Nicholas credits his family for instilling the value of education early and igniting a deep passion for learning with Colorado’s families and students. Shaped by his own educational experiences and the stories of the families he has served, Nicholas is committed to fighting alongside communities to create a more just education system because all kids deserve a life of opportunities. As co-founder and executive director of Transform Education Now (TEN), Nicholas organizes families, community leaders and decision makers to ensure that every child receives a world-class education, regardless of their zip code….
About Anita Banuelos
Director of Community Organizing
Anita was born and raised in Denver, Colorado–primarily in Southwest Denver–the youngest of three to an immigrant father and a fourth generation Coloradoan. After graduating from Denver Public Schools, Anita went on to attend Metropolitan State University of Denver (Metro State), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management and Minor in International Business, becoming the first in her family to obtain a degree…
About Dina Puente
Community Organizer Associate
Dina Puente, a long-time Parent Leader, community servant, and TEN Board member, has officially joined our team as our newest Community Organizer! Dina is a dedicated mother of four, former classroom teacher, and passionate advocate for community development and parent empowerment. Over the last six years, she has been a driving force within the TEN community, serving in various roles, including Chair of the TEN Collective Impact Parent Leadership Council. Dina deeply believes in the power of organized communities and parent voices, tirelessly supporting her neighbors across the metro area. As an organizer Dina works closely with parent leaders in Denver, Commerce City, and Aurora, helping them build the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for high-quality education in every neighborhood.
Advisory Board
Van Schoales
Senior Policy Director, Keystone Policy Center
Leslie Colwell
Partner, Transcend Education
Dr. Prateek Dutta
Vice President of Policy, Colorado League of Charter Schools
Ariel Elliot-Dawson
Regional director for the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE)
Parent Fellows
Miriam Castellanos
Parent Fellow
Leona Pacheco
Parent Fellow
