Promoting Empowerment Eagle River names new executive director
Courtesy photo
Promoting Empowerment Eagle River, formerly known as Red Ribbon Project, has named Kendra Cowles as its new executive director.
Cowles’ connection to PEER runs deep. Over the years, she has served as board president, board member, grant writer and program educator — demonstrating her unwavering commitment to empowering the community to reduce teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other STIs.
Most recently, Cowles was the family strengthening coordinator at YouthPower365. Her experience there deepened her strengths-based approach and reinforced her dedication to building trusted relationships with families and partners — values that align seamlessly with PEER’s approach to their work.
With a background in K-12 and adult education, Cowles is uniquely positioned to uphold PEER’s standard of delivering high-quality maturation and sexual health education. PEER will continue to provide medically accurate information that meets students’ developmental needs and supports healthy growth. Her work is informed by the Protective Factors Framework, which brings a focus on resiliency, social-emotional skills and trusted relationships — cornerstones of comprehensive health education and wellbeing.
“I am honored to lead PEER in this important and necessary work for our community,” Cowles said in a statement. “Based on recent conversations with students, teachers, families, and partners, the need for access to this learning and resource connection is clear. With our community partners and dedicated Health Educators, PEER will work toward a healthier and safer community for all. I am grateful to the PEER board of directors for this opportunity.”
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“Looking to the future, we are energized by Kendra’s leadership and grateful for the continued support of our partners and community,” said Monica White, PEER board president. “Together, we will strengthen our outreach, deepen our impact, and expand opportunities for youth and families across Eagle County — empowering healthy decision-making through access, equity, and education.”
Candace Eves, prevention coordinator for Eagle County School District, expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership: “We are proud to support PEER in their commitment to addressing sensitive topics through evidence-based education. Their dedication to creating inclusive and safe learning environments reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of young people today.”
In addition to school-based education for students in grades 5-9, PEER partners with Mountain Pride and Western Colorado Health Network to host six free HIV/STI testing days each year, with the next free testing day in October.
PEER is hosting a fundraiser and awareness event, Postcards and Prose for Peer, on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 5-8 p.m. at Dewey Dabbles in Art at 706 Chambers Ave in Eagle. Artists, youth and PEER supporters will come together to raise funds and awareness for PEER’s Education Program. A suggested donation of $15 will provide attendees: dinner, a complementary drink and an original postcard artwork, focusing on the theme of wellness.
To learn more about PEER’s mission, programs, and upcoming testing dates, visit PromotingEmpowerment.org.
