Josepha's Kapamilya for Outreach & Advancement
We are J-KOA.
Our mission is to serve our communities in whatever way we can with the ethos, “We plant seeds knowing full well we are not meant to enjoy the shade of those trees.” We do this by empowering the next generation of scientists and engaging in science outreach.
J-KOA originated as an outreach committee for the Denver Metro Region Science and Engineering Fair, hosting demonstrations and speaking with students to get them interested in participating. The individuals in this picture are the original board members, who signed the initial bylaws and participated in our earliest outreach events.
Meet Josepha
Josepha Kaay Lumbao was a Filipina woman born in Honolulu, Hawai’i. She had a huge heart, becoming a nurse to care for the sick and the elderly. Her dream was crushed when she was denied admission to nursing school, equating the rejection to her being a woman of color with a disability. Still, her compassionate spirit and fierce attitude persisted and were passed down to her 6 children.
One of whom, Leilani (despite all the people who told her she would never become a scientist), became a leading manager at a federal laboratory. Josepha’s values about community and perseverance inspired and uplifted not only her family, but her community as well. She continues to inspire the kapamilya of J-KOA, which is why she is the namesake of this organization.
