Team

Glenn Harper has been a community activist for more than 20 years, working in Denver’s Jefferson Park and Sun Valley neighborhoods. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Sun Valley Community Coalition, is a member of the Denver Housing Authority’s Community Advisory Committee, and sits on the Policy Council of Denver Great Kids Head Start.

His passion has always been to support children and families — creating spaces where they feel welcomed, cared for, and empowered. That passion took shape in an unexpected way when a roadside detour, a food trailer, and a love of fries led him to an abandoned building in Sun Valley. From that spark, Glenn founded the Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center in 2014, transforming it into a hub where food, health, and opportunity come together for the neighborhood.

Nick Talarico is the Director of Operations at Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center, where he oversees both kitchen and community center operations with intention, care, and deep respect for the community the organization serves. Before joining SVKCC, Nick led operations at Enjoy AM Restaurant Group in Memphis. He later moved to Denver, inspired to transition into the nonprofit sector and use his hospitality experience to strengthen communities and create meaningful impact.

At SVK+CC, Nick is helping bring a new vision to life: building a social enterprise restaurant that will support the Kitchen’s work and offer fresh, affordable meals to the Sun Valley neighborhood. He believes in the power of food to bring people together and is proud to be part of a team that’s reimagining what community care can look like – one meal, one connection, and one neighborhood at a time.

Emma has over seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on food systems, community engagement, and equity. She first joined Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center as Program Manager, leading youth development, food access, and holistic health programs. Today she serves as Development & Marketing Manager, where she drives fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic storytelling to sustain and grow SVK+CC’s mission. She also facilitates the Sun Valley Food Access Collaborative and serves on Denver’s Sustainable Food Policy Council, collaborating with local partners to strengthen community-driven food systems.

A Colorado native, Emma holds a Master of the Environment in Sustainable Food Systems from CU Boulder and a degree in Biology and Global Development from the University of Puget Sound. Her work is grounded in equity, connection, and creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Josh brings over a decade of culinary experience to Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center, where he leads with creativity, calm, and care. His background spans some of Denver’s most respected kitchens, including French 75, Russell’s Smokehouse, and Spice Trade Brewing, where he rose quickly into leadership roles and developed a reputation for building strong, skilled teams.

Josh is passionate about creating food that feels both exciting and comforting. He’s developed seasonal menus across a range of cuisines, from French and Mediterranean to BBQ and Japanese, and thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Whether he’s guiding youth through basic kitchen skills or mentoring team members during a busy lunch service, Josh brings focus, heart, and deep respect for the craft of cooking.

Dr. Sofia Chavez is a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and Master Herbalist, through the American Naturopathic Medical Association DNM. She received the Outstanding Woman’s Award for her Community Health Education classes in 2010 from Metro State University and Pillar of The Community Award from Denver Health in 2017. She is a member of The International Collaboration of Indigenous Healers, Curanderos, Sanadores y Shamans which originated in Tepotzlan Mexico – University of Morelos. Sofia is a Community Liaison for Denver Health Southwest Denver Pena Clinic supporting all patients, especially Spanish speaking. Her focus is Community Health, specifically addressing health disparities and access to care for underserved populations.

Soleil is a licensed social worker based in Denver, Colorado, with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative and Therapeutic Practices. She has been serving the Denver community since 2014, offering trauma-informed, holistic, and culturally responsive care. Soleil is licensed through DORA and certified in the NADA protocol, blending traditional and alternative healing approaches in her work.

With many years of experience as a case manager, Soleil is passionate about supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. As a fluent Spanish speaker originally from El Paso, Texas, she plays a vital role in building communication and trust with the Spanish-speaking community in Denver.

Outside of work, Soleil finds her greatest joy in being a mom to three incredible kids. She currently serves as the Health and Wellness Assistant to Dr. Sofia Chavez at Sun Valley Kitchen + Community Center, where she helps lead community-based healing initiatives rooted in cultural tradition, connection, and care.

Our youth employees are the next generation of Sun Valley leaders. Many begin with us as early as age 8 in community programs, transition into employment at 14, and remain engaged through high school and beyond. Through the Youth Employment & Professional Development Program, they support initiatives like the No-Cost Grocery Program, youth dinners, and food distributions while gaining skills in leadership and professional development. Some serve on our Board of Directors, others act as youth ambassadors with Denver Sister Cities International, and others lead creative projects such as our storytelling collaboration with History Colorado. They are truly shaping Sun Valley’s future through service, leadership, and art.