African Community Center of Denver

After spending more than 16 years living in a refugee camp in Zambia after her family fled conflict and abuse in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the oldest daughter in a family of nine, Natasha had spent much of her childhood helping care for her siblings, supporting her mother’s small business, and navigating the realities of displacement at a very young age. After seeking refuge, she arrived in the United States with her family and began rebuilding their lives. Natasha describes her first months in America as exciting; but nervous too. With the support from the African Community Center and the Match Grant program, she received job readiness support, resume assistance, and direct support in navigating resources. Natasha got her first job working in hospitality and today works as a security guard while continuing to pursue greater stability and independence while aspiring to pursue higher education and marriage for the future.

For the 3rd year in a row, ACC was an Official Charity Partner of the Denver Colfax Marathon!

We are pleased to announce that we had 39 amazing runners! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of our runners, donors, staff members that helped organize, Zeinab Rezaie and Denver Colfax Marathon for this incredible opportunity. Until next year!

🏁 FIRST AFGHAN WOMAN EVER TO RACE AND FINISH THE IRONMAN® 70.3® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Welcome to the family, Zeinab Rezaie

From joining her roommates on daily runs in Afghanistan to making history at the IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship - this is what resilience looks like.

📍2017: First marathon
📍2018: 250km ultra across the Mongolian Gobi Desert
📍2020: IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai
📍2022: IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon- the World Championship finish line that broke barriers.

“I did it not for myself but for the women and girls of my country who do not have the basic rights of education, work, travel, or sport. Not only was this for the women of my country but for the minorities and all the women across the world who do not have access to their basic rights.”

Zeinab ran so others could believe. Join Zeinab at Run for Refugees as she runs on behalf of those who can't. Registration is still open!

Visit runcolfax.org to get registered and to CHOOSE 'ACC' AS YOUR CHARITY PARTNER. You can choose from a full marathon, half-marathon, 10 miler, marathon relay, or 5K. Join us May 16-17th.