Teresa discovered her organizational talents at an early age. At 14, she founded and directed TWIGS, Tiny Workers In God’s Service. TWIGS members, ages 5 through 15, sponsored various fundraising activities for Scott United Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado. As a teen, Teresa was also First Vice President of Thomas Jefferson High School’s chapter of the Distributive Education Club of America. Denver Public Service Company recognized Teresa as Student of the Month in October 1977 and awarded her a cash prize. And in September 1979, Teresa began laying the groundwork for a Denver youth chapter of the NAACP, and served as President of that group until 1983. Under her direction, the chapter initiated numerous educational and youth-oriented programs: NAACP Tutorial Program, Youth Basketball and Cheer leading Squads, Youth Against Crime/Off the street Summer Program, NAACP Prison Program, Teenage Pregnancy Counseling, Voter Registration/Education/Get Out the Vote and Operation Job Fair. Teresa was responsible for organizing Denver’s King Week activities in January 1983 and bringing in Martin Luther King III as guest speaker.

 

Teresa was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women in America in 1981. This awards program recognizes young women who give of their time, talents and service to enrich the quality of American life. This was one of many honors she has received. She has also won 11 trophies, five ribbons and four award pins for her tap dancing and ballet. Teresa’s list of achievements is numerous. Politics is a very important part of Teresa’s life as she has worked in political campaigns from the State Representative level up to the Presidential level.