Jan. 22, 2019
Sharpen your skills to be a change-maker. It takes leadership to rally a community, solve tough challenges and create change. Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows, our newest offering helps leaders with a deep commitment to our community to further develop their leadership skills so they can increase their business and civic impact.
The post Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Jan. 26, 2019
Colorado Leadership Alliance students and program directors meet each year at a summit hosted by the Leadership Foundation.
The post Colorado Leadership Alliance Mentors Walk appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Aug. 1-2, 2019
Senior executives get up to speed on the community in just two days.
The post Access Denver appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
June 26, 2019 | Recess Beer Garden – 2715 17th St Ste 103, Denver, CO 80211
Connect with fellow Leadership Foundation Alumni. Whether it’s for a quick hello or staying for a drink, these casual HH’s will provide an opportunity to continue to build bonds with recent and past alumni from all Leadership Foundation programs.
The post Alumni Happy Hour appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
July 31, 2019 | American Bonded – 2706 Larimer St, Denver CO
Connect with fellow Leadership Foundation Alumni. Whether it’s for a quick hello or staying for a drink, these casual HH’s will provide an opportunity to continue to build bonds with recent and past alumni from all Leadership Foundation programs.
The post Alumni Happy Hour appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Aug. 28, 2019 | American Bonded – 2706 Larimer St, Denver CO
Connect with fellow Leadership Foundation Alumni. Whether it’s for a quick hello or staying for a drink, these casual HH’s will provide an opportunity to continue to build bonds with recent and past alumni from all Leadership Foundation programs.
The post Alumni Happy Hour appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Sept. 25, 2019 | American Bonded – 2706 Larimer St, Denver CO
Connect with fellow Leadership Foundation Alumni. Whether it’s for a quick hello or staying for a drink, these casual HH’s will provide an opportunity to continue to build bonds with recent and past alumni from all Leadership Foundation programs.
The post Alumni Happy Hour appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Jan. 21, 2020
Sharpen your skills to be a change-maker. It takes leadership to rally a community, solve tough challenges and create change. Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows, our newest offering helps leaders with a deep commitment to our community to further develop their leadership skills so they can increase their business and civic impact.
The post Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Feb. 27-28, 2020
Senior executives get up to speed on the community in just two days.
The post Access Denver appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
March 12, 2020
Celebrate community impact and recognize leaders who are making a difference at this annual event and leading fundraiser for the Leadership Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Scholarship Fund.
The post Leading Colorado appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
June 8, 2020
Submit your application for this 11-month program, ideal for established leaders.
The post Leadership Denver Application Deadline appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Aug. 6-7, 2020
Senior executives get up to speed on the community in just two days.
The post Access Denver appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Jan. 25, 2020
Colorado Leadership Alliance students and program directors meet each year at a summit hosted by the Leadership Foundation.
The post Colorado Leadership Alliance Mentors Walk appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
What inspires a person to lead – to stand up and act?
While the journeys of the 2020 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalists are different, what Luis Benitez, Jerome Davis and Tasha Jones have in common is a desire and a drive to make the community stronger.
Voting is now open to select the 9NEWS Leader of the Year. As leaders in the community, Leadership Foundation alumni , B:CIVIC members and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce members have the task of deciding who will be the next 9NEWS Leader of the Year.
Get to know each of our finalists:
Tasha Jones is driven to help people get closer to their dreams. And she does that by leveraging her network to create more connections for good across the community. The senior director of marketing and community relations for Brookfield Properties has spent much of her time in the community empowering girls and women through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, The Challenge Foundation and Colorado “I Have a Dream” Foundation, among others.
“My heart beats for people,” Jones said. “I just have this fundamental belief that I’m here to be of service to others.”
Jones credits listening as the key to helping others – and it’s in understanding someone’s story, their hopes and their drives that allow her to create meaningful connections. From offering connections to a waitress who she learned had been laid off from a research job to a years-long mentorship of a young woman, she is always looking for ways to get to know others, and how she can help.
Jerome Davis leads from behind the scenes, creating a big impact. The regional vice president of Xcel Energy – Colorado is the visionary behind Xcel’s Day of Service, which has contributed more than 71,000 volunteer hours from 24,000 people across Colorado over the last nine years.
Raised in Park Hill, he’s passionate about promoting our state as a destination for events like the World Cup, and he gives his time to countless organizations, including the Colorado Health Foundation, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and VISIT DENVER.
“It’s all about serving others,” Davis said. “When you think about civic leadership, it’s not about the individual, it’s about the community. It’s about we.”
Growing up in Park Hill, his parents instilled a strong sense of engaging in the community, from his father’s military service to his mother’s volunteerism at their church.
“When you go out and put a hand out there – and it’s not a hand out, it is a hand up – it’s unbelievable the impact you can have on people’s lives,” Davis said.
Luis Benitez works to connect people to the outdoors – no surprise given that he comes from family of mountaineers and outdoor retailers.
But it was while on a mountaineering trip to Tibet that he saw Chinese soldiers attack Tibetan refugees. Sharing what he witnessed effectively ended his mountaineering career, but it opened a new door to advocacy that he has brought to the public and private sectors as Colorado’s first director of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and today as vice president of government affairs and global impact for VF Corporation.
“Learning you could really focus on a life of service as well as being passionate about the things that keep you outside and allow you to be outside … For me the focus was coming together to serve the common good through engagement with the outdoors,” Benitez said.
He engages in the community through Adventures Academy, Soldiers to Summits and Trekking for Kids.
Want to see the 9NEWS Leader of the Year named live? Join us for the Leading Colorado luncheon on March 12 at the Colorado Convention Center. Not only will you get to hear from these incredible leaders, but proceeds from the event support the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund, which ensures people of all sectors can participate in the Leadership Foundation’s programs and enhance their impact in the community.
Sara Crocker is the communications manager for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The post Voting Is Open for 2020 9NEWS Leader of the Year appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Marisa Gullicksrud is making the most of her connections, thanks to The Network, an online community just for Leadership Foundation alumni.
Gullicksrud, a current Leadership Denver participant and Impact Denver ’15 alum, is The Networker of the Quarter. The program director of community-based services for Denver Children’s Home has shared reflections as a LD participant from her perspective on inclusivity and diversity to .
Get to know Gullicksrud and connect with her more alums on The Network. Login to The Network to get started!
Elizabeth Prutch: Why are you active on The Network?
Gullicksrud: The Network provides me with the opportunity to stay connected, not only to my LD class, but also to access the resources of the larger Leadership Foundation community.
Prutch: What have you gained from being active on The Network?
Gullicksrud: In addition to staying aware of the opportunities to connect with LD outside of our monthly session, I have gained a wider appreciation for both the good work of Leadership Foundation alumni, as well as an opportunity to engage with that larger community.
I have found both resources (i.e. free meeting space for an upcoming retreat), and the ability to be a resource (i.e. recruiting alumni for volunteer opportunities) by utilizing the power of the Network.
Prutch: Why should other alumni join The Network?
Gullicksrud: I enjoy The Network because I can tailor the access I have and give. It allows your engagement to be customized to your needs and availability. Staying connected to the Leadership Foundation allows for connections to remain strong. I have found that alumni who choose to be engaged on The Network are incredibly giving of their knowledge, their resources, their opportunities and their time.
Prutch: What is your leadership style?
Gullicksrud: I operate from a democratic leadership/servant leadership style. Democratically, I find that I like to lead teams that value the contribution of the group members, encouraging them to participate in decision making and guiding the process along the way. The servant leadership style incorporates my approach in ensuring the needs of my team members are satisfied so they can use their energy to work towards our group goals. I work to empower my employees to make solid, independent decisions for our clients, while being a constant source of information and support.
Prutch: What advice do you have for others regarding leadership?
Gullicksrud: The best advice that I ever received is the reminder that “leaders are always leading.” When I keep this in focus, I recognize that even small interactions offer opportunities for learning and growth – both for the people around me as well as myself.
Prutch: What does civic engagement mean to you?
Gullicksrud: Civic engagement is being actively involved in the community you surround yourself with. My favorite way to be civically engaged is through volunteerism. I love to learn about other local nonprofit organizations and to give my time to them. Working for a local nonprofit organization, I have found that my civic engagement has shifted to being involved with my registered neighborhood association, the Clayton Neighborhood Association. I have enjoyed learning about issues that affect my community and finding ways to support or work against initiatives that affect my neighbors.
The post Meet the Networker of the Quarter appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
February marks Black History Month, celebrating the achievements and impacts of African Americans. Over on The Network, our own Wylia Sims has been highlighting notable black leaders from our community, while encouraging alumni to turn their “attention to the achievements and unrecognized contributions of all Americans under-represented in our history books” every day.
You can read the entire thread and join the conversation on The Network – login here.
In addition to honoring leaders who shaped our past, we recognize that there are countless Leadership Foundation alumni who are creating an impact for people of color. Today, I’d like to introduce you to alums Ryan Cobbins, Michelyn Johnson and Norma Paige.
Ryan – an alum of Leadership Denver 2016 – was inspired by his three daughters to create a community gathering place in the historic Five Points neighborhood. Since 2010, he’s run Coffee at The Point, hosting neighbors and visitors alike, from teachers grading papers and book clubs holding meetings to game nights and live music.
Michelyn – an alum of Impact Denver Fall 2016 and LD 2019 – is a co-founder of RISE 5280, which has already introduced nearly 500 students of color from the Denver metro area to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in just two years while advocating the importance of investing in our youth so they will in turn invest back in our community.
Norma – also an LD 2019 alum – is vice president of 100 Men Who Cook, which supports Denver’s youth by helping grassroots nonprofit organizations that have a proven track record of raising operating capital to sustain their goals and objectives. The 100 Men Who Cook Gala was started in 1984 by Vivian Kerr, regional director of the United Negro College Fund, and aligned with an annual telethon supporting scholarships for students attending HBCUs. When the fundraiser returned in 2012, Norma, Vivian’s sister, was there to take the lead.
Join me in thanking these alumni for their work – and supporting them as they continue to lead and make an impact.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Leadership Foundation.
The post Celebrating Black History Month appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
Congratulations to 2020 9NEWS Leader of the Year Jerome Davis
We are pleased to announce Jerome Davis, regional vice president for Xcel Energy – Colorado, is the 2020 9NEWS Leader of the Year.
Selected with votes cast by more than 1,000 alumni of the Leadership Foundation, along with members of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and B:CIVIC, Jerome was a finalist for the award with Luis Benitez of VF Corporation and Tasha Jones of Brookfield Properties.
See Jerome on 9NEWS at 4 p.m. on Friday with anchor Tom Green. And get to know all of our finalists in a special Denver Business Journal insert on newsstands tomorrow.
We also recognized the Student Leader of the Year, presented in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation. Carmyn Ginnetti is a junior at Colorado State University, and she has dedicated her college career to helping fellow students navigate campus life, with a focus on coaching and mentoring both as a resident assistant and through her role as a public achievement coach.
Alumni Answer Challenge to Support Scholarships – Join Them
Each year proceeds from Leading Colorado support our Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund – which opens doors for remarkable civic leaders who otherwise would not be able to participate in the Leadership Foundation’s transformational programs.
This afternoon Southwest pledged $15,000 to support our scholarship fund. But we need your help to match those funds and unlock more opportunities for leaders. Many of our alumni and guests at Leading Colorado donated today. Will you join them? Donate.
Join Us Soon
We missed you at Leading Colorado, but we’ve got plenty of opportunities to reconnect and continue to sharpen your leadership skills. Find a program.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Leadership Foundation.
The post Who Is the 9NEWS Leader of the Year? appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
There’s a saying that the true test of leadership is how we respond in a crisis. We as a community here and across the world are being faced with that very test with coronavirus.
Our team, as part of the Chamber family, has been working remotely for the past week and wanted to share an update with you on the impacts to our upcoming Leadership Foundation and B:CIVIC programs and events:
We are exploring a number of creative ways to allow our participants and alumni to connect with each other and the content that drives our programming, and we will continue to host a number of our programs and events virtually.
We’ve updated the application deadlines for the Impact Denver Fall 2020 class and Leadership Denver 2021 class. Both applications are due Monday, June 8. We want to give our leaders more time to apply and be able to focus on our current community needs. If you have questions about applying for a program, email info@denverleadership.org.
This is, as I like to say, a social capital group – you value connection. And we know in this time of social distancing, connection can be more challenging. One tool already at your disposal is The Network. This social network, built for alumni, allows you to connect, chat, share resources and more. Nearly 2,000 alumni have joined The Network, and they are using The Network to share resources and best practices as we navigate the coronavirus. Here’s how you can get started:
In this uncertain time, I know this group and this community are up to the challenge. Stay well, and we look forward to connecting with you virtually.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
The post Leadership Foundation COVID-19 Program Updates appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
In our community and across the world, we’ve seen how we can rally together to respond to a crisis. It’s inspiring to see our leaders collaborate to take care of our community – Colorado’s Civic DNA
in action.
We’ve seen individuals and companies innovate how they give back, and we want to activate our Leadership Foundation family to do the same.
April is Global Volunteer Month so let’s show how our network of over 5,000 alumni can lend a hand. There are a couple of ways you can flex your virtual volunteer muscles this month:
Do you have other volunteer opportunities or ways you’re giving back this month? Share it with us on The Network.
This month, we’re also kicking off a new series, Virtual Voices, to keep you informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. You’ll hear from alums on the front lines of impacted industries as they share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons. Join us Thursday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to noon to hear from Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber. Email megan.vivier@denverleadership.org to register and check The Network for upcoming Virtual Voices.
In addition to these opportunities, our Chamber family is working to provide resources and the latest information to help during this challenging time.
We hope you’re all staying well, and we look forward to connecting with you virtually as we navigate this crisis together.
Dan Lewis is the executive director of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
The post Support Your Community During COVID-19 appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
This week in our new series Virtual Voices, Leadership Foundation alums heard from health care leaders on the impact of COVID-19 on their organization, how they’re leading their teams through this crisis and how to prepare for the short-term while keeping their eyes on the future.
Virtual Voices aims to keep alums informed and engaged as our community works through this challenging time. We’ll hear from alums on the front lines of impacted industries as they share their knowledge, perspectives and leadership lessons, and have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with these leaders.
A trio of leaders from Children’s Hospital Colorado were our Virtual Voices this week.
Check out our key takeaways and the video below on how they’re leading through COVID-19.
Find the balance between optimism and reality. It’s important for leaders to strike a balance between optimism and reality to keep their teams energized and informed. Finding the right balance allows for teams to be able to make tough decisions and prepare for the long term.
Take time for gratitude. It’s important to take time to recognize your team’s work, especially when you are in an industry with employees who are on the front lines of this crisis. Thank them and check-in on your team. One way to do so is to share stories of success as often as possible to keep your team connected.
Authentic communication builds trust. Being transparent with your team and managing information in real time reduces that panicked feeling and prepares your team. It’s also important to acknowledge fear and provide the right information to stop the spread of misinformation.
We’re in this together. We’re in this for the long haul and we’ll need leaders to step up. It’s a good time to give opportunities to up-and-coming leaders to show their strengths. Also pace yourselves. Recognize stress and exhaustion in team members and yourself. Be kind to each other.
Support our community’s health and your families. This is a time to check-in on yourself, your family and your community. There are mental health resources available to help us all through this challenging time. You can support our community by donating blood or thanking a health care professional. Want to thank a professional with your fellow Leadership Foundation alums? Sign-up for the virtual thank-a-thon, April 20-24 to write notes to frontline community members. And, don’t forget to socially distance and wash your hands.
Join us for an upcoming Virtual Voices. Check out our upcoming programs.
The post The Importance of Gratitude and Authenticity on COVID-19’s Front Lines appeared first on Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation.
