Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Alum and Denver artist Brayan Montes-Terrazas (@YAMZWorld) is a freelance illustrator and designer working to aid queer-owned, Women-owned, and People of Color-owned organizations across the United States. He partnered with DSF for the first-ever DSF Alumni Artist Collaboration. The artwork, “Endless Horizons,” was designed exclusively for DSF and symbolizes his journey to and through college as a first-generation, undocumented DSF Scholar. His apparel design evokes optimism, direction, and motivation toward a future of endless possibilities. The gate in the middle shows one door of opportunity: education and the many roads showcase the importance of each student’s individual pathway. The background is the cityscape of Denver, which incorporates our community, while the sun and clouds bring the positive energy that resilient students have when achieving what they put their mind to. Check out the DSF School Store to purchase the collaboration with @YAMZWorld, “Endless Horizons”.
“Endless Horizons” Design by Brayan Montes
Brayan graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (JFK High School), and with the help of DSF, he went on to get a degree in business from Colorado State University. His college journey started inside the DSF Future Center at JFK High School with DSF College Advisor Zulema Sierra, who first helped him see that college was possible. Zulema was vital in helping him apply for scholarships and universities. As a first-generation and undocumented student, he did not think many opportunities were available and thought resources were limited. “Zulema opened my horizons in many ways, a metaphor for DSF: opening doors and unlocking the horizons for students who do not know their possibilities,” said Brayan.
Brayan Montes (middle) with his family.
He explains his higher education journey not as a one-person game but as a journey of many. When Brayan first visited Colorado State University, he had many questions. With the help of Senior Financial Aid Counsellor Sylvia Martinez, he was able to understand his financial aid packet. He learned he would not have to pay for college after completing his first year. Brayan thought he was ready for campus, but there was a cultural shock when he arrived. With the help of a summer bridge program, he found his community and countless folks with whom he could trust and connect. He was also worried when he received his first C in his academic journey and did not know what to do. That day, he met his Community of Excellence and DSF Mentor, Connie Lujan, who helped him understand that getting a C in one of his assignments did not determine his path, and who became one of his greatest allies at CSU.
Brayan uses his intersectional identity as a queer person, an immigrant, and a Coloradoan to fuel his artistic work. He has worked with brands like Nestlé, Door Dash, New Belgium Brewing, and many small businesses around the metro area, including DSF. Learn more about Brayan’s work and support his work by visiting @YAMZWorld in the RINO neighborhood at RINO inside Greenspaces.
YAMZWorld at RINO inside Greenspaces.
