Hello Prospective Delegates, 

My name is Marissa Sotomayor, and I am serving as the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Colorado Girls State Director. This year’s program will be taking place in Sterling, from June 10th through June 15th. I am honored to lead this program, which has been near and dear to my heart since I was in your shoes as a delegate in 2012. It was ALA Colorado Girls State that ignited my passion for leadership and empowering women of all ages. I’ve come to believe that with education, connection, empowerment, and just a little bit of magic, women can meet the challenges the world presents and change it for the better. 

That’s why I’ve chosen this year’s Disney-oriented theme for ALA Colorado Girls State, “Where Dreams Are Made.” The first thing that may come to mind when you hear Disney may be that it’s childish – after all, they’re movies for children, right? Perhaps there is some truth to that, but if we look beyond the marketing, what we see in movies are stories with lessons that span generations. Disney movies contain messages about love, loss, growth, family, friendship, bravery, honesty, and many, many more. They present hard-hitting, common human experiences in digestible, accessible packages. Just as importantly though, this theme is intended to add a little levity to a program that is intense. ALA Colorado Girls State is packed with activities designed not only to educate you but to challenge you and inspire you. 

Our theme song for the upcoming session is, “Surface Pressure,” by Jessica Darrow, from one of my personal favorites, Encanto. For those who haven’t seen it, the song talks about what it feels like to be under immense pressure trying to meet insanely high expectations while doing everything in your power not to let those around you down. Thinking back to when I was a delegate, I was in that place, and I’ve lived there many times since. There’s no end to the challenges you’ll face throughout your life, but if there’s one thing I want all of you to leave the program knowing, it’s that you are enough. There will be cracks. There will be breaks. There will be mistakes, and you will be under pressure. Through it all, you will heal, learn, and grow. And you will still be enough, just as you are. 

I am so excited to welcome you to the program. I cannot wait to meet you all and bring just a little bit of magic into your lives. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

See you in June!

Marissa Sotomayor, 2024 Director

American Legion Auxiliary Colorado Girls State

director.alacgs@gmail.com