Meet Tania Fonseca Misty Forde

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tania Fonseca Misty Forde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tania Fonseca, how does your business help the community?
The mission of Board Life Project is to foster a sense of belonging and connection through skateboarding, shared meals, and meaningful gatherings. By creating safe, inclusive spaces, we empower people to build character and community together. Our non profit uplifts the community in several ways: through free meals at meetups, which have fed over 1,800 people; collaborative events that support other local organizations; and catering services that fund our mission. Every aspect of Board Life Project contributes to a more connected, inclusive world, where individuals are supported to grow, find purpose, and experience the joy of belonging.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Board Life Project: Building Community Through Board Sports and Sharing Meals

At Board Life Project, our passion lies in creating spaces that foster a genuine sense of community, belonging, and personal growth. Founded by us—Tania Fonseca & Misty Forde—Board Life Project came to life because we felt it was time to take direct action in serving our community. We both worked for nonprofits and foundations over the years but often saw a disconnect between these organizations and the communities they intended to support. Too often, we felt the impact was filtered through layers of bureaucracy, missing the mark on what was truly needed. So, we cut out the middleman, trusting our firsthand knowledge of our community and the people in it. Every step we take, every dollar raised, goes directly into the communities around us here in colorful Colorado.

We are most proud of our ability to make a real difference. Since our founding in 2023, we’ve fed over 1,800 people at no cost to them, held community events, and created welcoming meetups. We make sure that our mission is more than words—it’s lived out through action, unity, and sharing meals.

The journey wasn’t always easy. Launching a nonprofit takes heart, persistence, and a lot of learning. Early on, we learned to adapt, finding creative ways to fund our programs through events, merchandise sales, and catering. Along the way, we’ve realized the importance of standing by our values and vision, even when things got challenging. We’ve stayed rooted in our mission: to build character and connections through board sports, food, and fellowship.

What sets Board Life Project apart is our commitment to being present. Our community isn’t a checkbox or an abstract cause—it’s where we live, work, and give back. We believe in people over profit, which means every event, donation, and gathering is geared toward lifting up those around us. We’re excited to keep growing and connecting with everyone who shares our vision for a more inclusive, resilient community.

Thank you for helping us share our story!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since both Misty and I met at Arvada Skatepark, there’s no better way to kick things off than with a grand entrance at our favorite spot. We’ve planned it all — a celebration of their arrival, as if they’ve just brought home gold in the Olympics. Food is on deck, and the whole community shows up — families, skaters, people who just heard about the free food and want to be part of the vibe. It’s an instant welcome to Colorado.

The next day, we decide to explore Denver’s art scene, diving into the colorful world of RiNo Art District. Every wall tells a story, thanks to fresh murals by Denver Walls. We take our time wandering, snapping photos, ducking into galleries, and even grabbing some quirky finds at local shops. We break at Cart Driver for wood-fired pizza and oysters, and it feels like we’re getting a taste of Denver’s creative soul in every bite.

Then we’re off to Boulder and Lyons for a change of scenery. Boulder’s Pearl Street is alive with street performers, musicians, and a whole lot of character. Lyons, with its riverside charm, is the perfect spot to just hang out, let time slow down, and maybe have a mini picnic along the river. It’s all about the vibe here: small-town warmth, big mountain views.

For our mountain day, we head to Steamboat Springs and, of course, Strawberry Park Hot Springs. It’s like stepping into a fairytale, with hot mineral pools nestled among the trees. We soak, chat, and laugh, completely forgetting about the outside world. The water works its magic, melting away every bit of stress and leaving us in total bliss. Afterward, we stay overnight in Steamboat, reminiscing about early days spent here, swapping stories, and falling asleep under a clear, starlit sky.

We’re back in Denver the next day, kicking off the morning with a hike at Red Rocks. This place isn’t just a concert venue; it’s nature’s gift to Colorado. The views are unreal, the air is crisp, and every step feels like a meditation. By evening, we grab dinner at Work & Class, where the Latin and Southern-inspired dishes are as vibrant as the day’s memories. It’s a meal that’s as cozy as it is delicious — a perfect way to refuel.

With a few more days left, we decide to road trip out to Salida, another small town with big personality. We spend the afternoon exploring its art galleries, coffee shops, and peaceful riverwalk. This place is all about taking things slow, enjoying every moment, and just soaking in the Colorado spirit.

For our last day together, we make it all about the things we love most: skating, eating, and hanging out with our favorite people. We might even swing back to Arvada Skatepark, bringing the week full circle. And just like that, we’ve created a week of memories — a mix of food, art, adventure, and community. It’s Colorado in a nutshell, and it’s a goodbye that feels more like a “see you next time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our story, success, and mission wouldn’t be possible without the countless people who have believed in us and helped us along the way. We’re incredibly grateful to our community—every single person who has shown up, shared a meal, skated with us, and embraced our vision. Community doesn’t happen alone; it’s woven from the support, love, and encouragement of each human who stands with us. Their belief fuels us, their presence strengthens us, and their passion propels us forward. We are nothing without them, and we wholeheartedly shout them out for getting us to where we are today.

Website: boardlifeproject.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/board_life_project/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/board-life-project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoardLifeFoundation