ABOUT YEBO
THROUGH VOICE, WE LIVE.
Yebo
/’jebaʊ /
exclamation
Zulu, South African
1. used to show agreement or approval; yes.
The Youth Empowerment Broadcasting Organization (YEBO) deepens self-knowledge, cultural pride, and social connectedness in BIPOC youth through intergenerational storytelling and digital audio production. We integrate culturally relevant storytelling workshops and audio production apprenticeships with digital wellness content, helping BIPOC youth transform their stories into inspiring audio broadcasts on local and national public radio.
YEBO’s journey began in 2016 when founder Cory Montalvo, serving as a dean of students in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, saw firsthand the systemic challenges BIPOC youth face. His office received 1,477 disciplinary referrals in a single year, underscoring the need for a positive outlet for students and himself. In response, Cory started a comic book club where students reimagined themselves as superheroes. This initiative evolved into Mission 1477, a symbol of turning adversity into empowerment. Today, YEBO continues this legacy by transforming public radio and digital media platforms into communal and holistic spaces where BIPOC youth authentically and pridefully tell and live their stories.
Through our work, YEBO is building a BIPOC-led public radio platform where youth shape media that reflects their identities. Youth-led storytelling and production pods across the country will connect urban and rural communities, creating spaces where BIPOC youth thrive emotionally, socially, and culturally. YEBO envisions a generation of empowered storytellers who transform society into one that values creativity, compassion, and community.
Interested in becoming a partner? Click here to learn more.
OUR VALUES
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is unmitigated self-expression. Our stories celebrate and share our unique voices, experiences, and perspectives.
SELF-DETERMINATION
Self-Determination is living our possibilities in the world. Our stories inspire us to take ownership of our narratives and shape our lives.
COMMUNITY
Community is nourishment through relationships. Our stories build strong, healthy connections between people to create respect and collaboration.
PILLARS OF IMPACT
Our work is built around three key pillars: Education & Career Empowerment, Cultural Enrichment, and Youth Mental Health. These pillars address the challenges BIPOC youth face, including underrepresentation and misrepresentation in media. Through storytelling, media training, and cultural exchange, YEBO creates opportunities for BIPOC youth to share their narratives, develop life skills, and nurture their mental well-being, fostering spaces where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and professionally.
- Education & Career Empowerment: Our programs enhance communication skills through narrative literacy, grow executive function skills, and strengthen digital technology proficiency.
- Cultural Enrichment: Our programs celebrate cultural heritage, promote cultural participation, and foster empathy.
- Youth Mental Health: Our programs foster reflective narratives, enhance emotional intelligence, and build and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
