Meet Our Founder

Barbara Harding believes every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live. Born and raised in Upstate New York, she earned her degree in Elementary Education before moving to Colorado. Though education was always her passion, her career path first led her through public relations, telecommunications, advertising, and project management — before she returned to what mattered most to her.

Rather than building her career in one school district, Barbara chose to work across three — Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, and Denver Public Schools — to understand how educational opportunity differs between communities. What she saw confirmed something she'd long suspected: where a child lives often determines the resources available to them. That realization became the foundation for Inner City Youth, Inc., which she founded in 2001.

Today, Barbara continues to lead Inner City Youth, Inc., working to ensure every child has access to the support, encouragement, and opportunity they need to build a brighter future.

"Every child deserves someone who believes in them."
— Barbara Harding