Volunteer Spotlight: Communication and connecting with Edgar Carreño

Inside the offices of AARP Colorado is a large, windowless closet that on an ordinary day, contains the team’s communications equipment.

On days when volunteer Edgar Carreño is in the building, that ordinary room transforms into a place where he connects with members and their communities across the state, from the Western Slope to the open spaces of the Front Range.

As a volunteer spokesperson with AARP Colorado, Carreño reaches folks where they're at – and often in the language they’re most comfortable with, Spanish.

“Working with a volunteer comfortable speaking with the press and on the radio is a joy,” Dan Domsic, AARP Colorado communications director, said. “Collaborating with Edgar to reach Spanish-speaking community members is a privilege.”

Carreño started his volunteer journey with the team late this summer, and going into the fall, he worked tirelessly to help translate crucial, nonpartisan voting information into Spanish and then talk with media personalities and reporters on networks and shows such as Unavision, KBNO, La Jefa, Hablemos Hoy and La TriColor. Issues such as Social Security solvency and supporting family caregivers were weaved throughout these important conversations.

A longtime AARP member, Carreño recently delved into the association’s social mission work and is proud of the media opportunities he made possible, reaching thousands of Coloradans.

Fast Facts:  Volunteer Edgar Carreño
Time with AARP Colorado: three months
Family: Spouse and two adult children
Where he’s from: Cali, Colombia
Hobbies and pastimes: Swimming, running, Salsa dancing, cooking, singing romantic songs from South America and reading about brain health and general health
Random trivia: Carreño has lived and worked in three different countries: Colombia, El Salvador, and the United States
Other causes supported: Alzheimer’s Association, University of Colorado Community Advisory Board, health fairs focused on reaching Latino Coloradans, State of Colorado Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias board