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 digital wellness content with culturally relevant storytelling workshops and audio production apprenticeships to support BIPOC youth in transforming their stories into powerful tools for self-determination, personal growth, and holistic well-being.
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.
YEBO’s vision is a youth-led public radio platform that works for the liberation and well-being of BIPOC communities. In that vision, storytelling and production pods across the country will connect urban and rural communities, creating spaces where BIPOC youth thrive emotionally, socially, and culturally. Through our work, we aim to spark a new generation of empowered BIPOC 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
YEBO addresses critical challenges faced by BIPOC-identifying youth aged 14-24 through research-based, storytelling-centered programs. Grounded in the “Social and Community Context” of the five social determinants of health, YEBO strengthens social ties and fosters psychosocial well-being by using storytelling as a transformative tool. Our programs promote intergenerational collaboration, social and emotional learning, and digital media production, creating opportunities for youth to thrive emotionally, socially, and professionally.
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, misrepresentation, and racial harm in school environments and beyond. Through storytelling workshops, media training, and cultural exchange, YEBO creates opportunities for BIPOC youth to share their narratives, develop life skills, and nurture their mental well-being.
- 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.
