James Kay, Executive Director

James Kay has worked in the nonprofit sector for over five years. Before joining the Denver VOICE, Kay was the development director for Extended Hands of Hope, whose mission is to provide resources to children and adults who have been trafficked. Before moving to Colorado in 2021, Kay worked in donor relations for several nonprofits, including Anafiel House and the Humane Society of NWGA.

He received BA in business management/entrepreneurship from Dalton State College and a Master of Management from Shorter University. Kay believes that to be an effective leader for the Denver VOICE, he must focus on the success of our vendors and engage in open dialogue with our community partners.

“Sometimes, all we need as humans is to feel like someone is in our corner, and I am excited to be a part of an organization that makes a lot of individuals feel that way.” - James Kay

Elisabeth Monaghan, Managing Editor

Elisabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Regis University.  A Denver native, Elisabeth’s experience spans two decades of marketing, PR, and editing from a variety of other organizations – some internationally reaching. She is skilled in creating and procuring original content, directing unique communication avenues for wider reach, and at helping others develop their own skillset in effective communication

Monaghan has a passion for social justice and believes that writing and creative expression are some of our most powerful tools in combating homelessness and poverty. She also believes that education is fundamental – engaging the community to partner in this effort is key and the Denver VOICE provides an avenue unlike any other to do that.

Connie Gaitan, Program Coordinator

A Denver native, Connie Gaitan has worked in education for the past several years. During that time, she worked with the faculty to create and implement student behavior management and was instrumental in establishing trust with students, their families, school staff, and community partners.

Gaitan has worked as a Sunday school teacher and enjoys seeing the joy children experience when they create. She is devoted to making sure all children have the best nutrition, education, and family/community support they deserve.

In her spare time, Gaitan loves to cook with her family, taking walks in Denver’s City Park, and reading. She is also an avid fisher.

Gaitan received an associate degree of applied science in criminal justice from Westwood College.

John Alexander, Peer Coach & New Vendor Recruitment

John Alexander is the second of three brothers to become a vendor for the Denver VOICE. Since joining the VOICE 12 years ago, Alexander has become one of the street paper’s top vendors. Alexander credits his work with the VOICE for helping him fight and win his battle with drug addiction – specifically crack cocaine. At least twice a month, Alexander is asked to speak to students, community organizations, and church congregations about overcoming challenges of homelessness and addiction.

He is a frequent contributor to the VOICE, and his wisdom and ability to “keep it real” has made him one of the paper’s most reliable and insightful advocates for those experiencing homelessness. While he continues to vend for the Denver VOICE, Alexander has also been hired as one of two peer navigators. 

According to Alexander, his work as a Denver VOICE vendor has provided a steady income, and he believes the emotional support he has received by working with organization has made him a better person. He hopes, by helping others as much as the VOICE has helped him, he is giving others an opportunity to realize the same benefits that he has received. His vision for his role as a peer navigator is to bolster the confidence and skills vendors need to succeed in both vending the paper and in dealing with daily life. When it comes to evaluating his personal success as a peer navigator, Alexander believes that if his work can inspire others to pay it forward, he has made an important difference.