Hinsdale, Ill., was one of the earliest communities to embrace Greenhouse Scholars, and the relationship between the town and organization was celebrated in the August 2023 issue of Hinsdale Living Magazine.
The article features an interview with Greenhouse Scholars Founder & CEO Pete Burridge, an overview of the organization’s Community Change Model, along with the personal story of longtime Hinsdale supporters the McCleary Family and the impact Greenhouse Scholars has had on young leaders they’ve met via their work with the education nonprofit.
Meet our incredible summer interns who have brought their passion, dedication, and unique talents to the Greenhouse Scholars team. Polly Lasch, a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder majoring in Sustainable Planning and Urban Design, joined us all the way from Wellesley, Massachusetts. Polly’s previous positive experiences in nonprofits drew her to Greenhouse, where she has embraced the supportive culture and teamwork that define our organization. She’s learned that a positive workplace and strong relationships are the foundation of impactful work.
TJ Wagner, a senior majoring in Data Analytics & Information Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, hails from Buffalo, NY. His curiosity about our unique work environment led him to join Greenhouse. TJ has found immense satisfaction in working with a team that prioritizes growth for both employees and scholars. Positivity and robust project support have been standout highlights of his internship, and he’s learned the importance of meticulous planning for success.
Reeve Donner, a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, is studying Strategic Communication with a focus on Creative Technology and Design. Originally from Colorado Springs, Reeve’s alignment with Greenhouse Scholars’ impactful mission led him to join our team. Working alongside inspiring individuals, he’s discovered the power of adaptability and teamwork. Reeve’s internship has taught him how these qualities are essential in driving great ideas and creating life-changing opportunities for young minds.
The Young Leaders Program provides comprehensive support to Greenhouse Alumni in the first decade of their careers and post-college lives. Through the Young Leaders Program, we work together to implement actionable ideas, change, and community initiatives.
The 2nd annual Ignite conference was held over three days in Boulder, CO. The weekend was an opportunity for 32 Young Leaders from 9 states to join their peers, hear from exceptional industry leaders, and participate in thought-provoking workshops focused on leadership, professional, personal, and community change. Young Leaders also had the opportunity to connect with each other and the Greenhouse Community for relationship-building, collaboration, and learning.
2023 Ignite Speaker Preview
Pete Burridge (Ignite Welcome)
President & CEO, Greenhouse Scholars
Pete is the founder of Greenhouse Scholars and its sister companies, Greenhouse Partners and the18. Pete founded Greenhouse Scholars in order to create a Whole Person program that makes a broad and lasting impact by helping students to become community leaders that create change that will last through the generations. He believes that each of us is accountable to give back to the community.
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley (Professional Panel)
Former Chief Justice of North Carolina
Cheri served as a judge for twenty-two years, serving as Chief Justice and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, Associate Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and as District Court Judge in the Twelfth Judicial District, Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC. Cheri was the first African-American woman elected to any statewide office in North Carolina without the benefit of incumbency or appointment by the Governor and the first African-American woman to serve as Chief Justice in the Supreme Court of North Carolina’s 200-year history. A graduate of Douglass College of Rutgers University and The University of Tennessee College of Law, Chief Justice Beasley also earned a LLM in Judicial Studies from Duke University School of Law.
Bob Bennett (Professional Panel)
Executive Vice President of Sales, Veregy
Bob develops Veregy’s plans and programs to ensure sustainable growth through the core values of providing the highest quality solutions, satisfying and delighting customers, and caring about communities and the environment. Bob co-founded CTS, a Veregy Company, and spent his 32-year career working with public school districts, higher education, and state and local government clients throughout the Midwest. And as a managing partner of CTS, he gives his customers a direct line of communication with a company owner to reinforce the company’s commitment to meeting their building objectives. He holds a bachelor’s of General Studies from the University of Kansas.
Wes Carter (Professional Panel)
President, Atlantic Packaging
Wes is the third-generation leader of Atlantic Packaging, the largest privately owned packaging company in North America. As President, Wes has implemented a sustainability program focused on reducing the company’s greenhouse gas footprint. In 2023, Atlantic became the first packaging company in North America with an approved net-zero Science-Based Target (SBT) for climate action, the goal of which is to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across Atlantic’s entire value chain by 2046. Wes’ dedication to sustainability also led to the launch of A New Earth Project in 2022, a global effort to advocate for and raise awareness of scalable and sustainable packaging solutions to help eliminate plastic pollution from the world’s oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Ed Chang (Professional Panel)
Executive Director, redefinED atlanta
Ed is redefinED atlanta’s Founding Executive Director. For over 20 years, Ed has worked as a champion for high-quality public schools. Ed began his career as a physical therapist before entering the education profession as a 7th-grade science teacher. He spent five years teaching before going on to found KIPP STRIVE Academy in 2009. Following this, Ed focused on coaching and strategy for school leaders and districts across the country. He holds a bachelor’s in biology and psychology and a master’s in physical therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Ed also holds a master’s in secondary science from Mercer University and a Certificate for Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
Mark Chupp, PhD (Community Change Panel)
Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University
Mark is an associate professor at the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he chairs the concentration in Community Practice for Social Change in the master’s of social work program. He is the founding director of the Community Innovation Network, a resource for those seeking to transform the relationships between institutions and everyday people. His scholarship focuses on building community across differences, authentic community engagement, peacebuilding, and conflict transformation. Mark is also co-director of the Social Justice Institute at CWRU. Mark began his career in restorative justice, directing the first Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in the US. Mark is an international consultant and trainer. His leadership helped establish the Culture of Peace Program and a UN Local Zone of Peace in post-war El Salvador.
Erik Estrada (Community Change Panel)
Corporate Attorney, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Erik is a senior associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he practices corporate and securities law with a focus on corporate governance, public company representation, public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions. He has extensive experience advising clients, including public companies and their boards and executive leadership teams, on federal securities law compliance and corporate governance matters, with a particular emphasis on technology, biotech, and telecommunications companies. Erik serves or has served on numerous community, civic, and state boards including the El Pomar Foundation.
Keo is an executive leader with proven success in marketing, communications, strategic leadership, brand engagement, and public affairs. Her career and focus of her life’s work are to enhance the human experience, be a brand expert and strategic marketer; all to elevate who we are collectively — locally, nationally and globally. An entrepreneur at heart, she has founded seven companies and New Thinkers, a think tank for creating world change. Most recently, she was director of communications and public affairs at Denver Housing Authority (DHA). Keo is civically-minded serving on nearly 20 nonprofit boards and serves on three Governor-appointed boards of commissioners.
Greg Wright (Community Change Panel)
Founder, Spark Towns
Named an “Innovator to Watch” by the Wisconsin Biz Times, Greg transformed a small-town arts advocacy organization into a new model for place-based, people-centered economic development. This model was recognized as the Economic Development Initiative of 2020 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and led to him teaching economic development to MBA candidates. In early 2022, Greg founded Spark Towns to meet the demand to bring this model to more communities. Spark Towns is rethinking place within the context of the digital era. It applies emerging research in zoning, social capital, creative placemaking, and ecosystem building to put greater power behind local people with big ideas.
Laura Saldivar Luna (Leadership Workshop)
Founder, Piñata Possible
Laura (she/her/ella) is a believer in the limitless potential of humanity and the power of living life fully expressed. Laura founded and leads a transformational coaching practice, lovingly named Piñata Possible, which is dedicated to helping humans access powerful breakthroughs in their lives and leadership. Sparked by the dream and sustained by the encouragement of her parents, Laura was the first member of her family to graduate from college. She attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC and the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, graduating with dual degrees in English and Spanish. Laura spent 17 years as an educator and executive with Teach For America, a career which included exciting experiences like: teaching high school in a rural town on the Texas-Mexico border; becoming the founding executive director of Teach For America in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas; and leading human capital strategy as Teach For America’s national chief people officer.
Gregg Vanourek (Personal Workshop)
Founder/Author, Gregg Vanourek LLC
Gregg designs and delivers custom workshops, courses, and retreats, plus speaking and coaching for leaders, management teams, high-potentials, changemakers, entrepreneurs, career changers, and those who want to thrive in their life and work. Gregg trains and speaks internationally on life design and leadership and provides highly interactive, inspirational, and impactful programs that allow leaders and entrepreneurs (and aspiring ones) to develop self-awareness, clarify purpose, values, and aspirations, clarify their aims, build an engaged culture, align the team or organization for high performance, and lead change.
Caroline Van Sickle (Personal Workshop)
Director/Founder, Coach CVS
Caroline is a certified coach with an entrepreneurial and corporate background. She utilizes an unconventional approach to help unleash individual and team potential. She is focused on developing the individual and team from a holistic approach. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing, branding, and leadership development. She founded a marketing technology company and is the author of two marketing-tech patents. Caroline aims to help individuals and companies achieve more while focusing on their purpose and people. Her company, Coach CVS, provides one-on-one coaching, team development, team and individual assessments, business and brand identity consulting.
There’s no question that a group of talented, committed individuals can change the world–for indeed, that’s all who ever have. When a community is formed, each and every person feeds off of one another’s energy to become a cohesive unit that makes a difference. By tapping into this synergy, the collective firepower of the Greenhouse community can explode into action, and ignite change.
2023 Speaker Lineup
Cheri Beasley
Former Chief Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court
Monday, August 7 at 9:00 AM
Chief Justice Cheri Beasley is a trailblazing legal professional, serving as Chief and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. She has made history as the first African-American woman elected to a statewide office and as Chief Justice. With an impressive educational background and extensive experience, she is known for upholding the law, protecting constitutional rights, and making courts accessible. She has championed causes such as School Justice Partnerships, human trafficking court, and the Faith and Justice Alliance. Committed to serving North Carolina, Cheri remains active in fighting for families and communities.
Laura Saldivar Luna
Founder and Coach, Piñata Possible
Monday, August 7 at 10:15 AM
Laura founded and leads a transformational coaching practice, lovingly named Piñata Possible, which is dedicated to helping humans access powerful breakthroughs in their lives and leadership.
Sparked by the dream and sustained by the encouragement of her parents, Laura was the first member of her family to graduate from college. She attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC and the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, graduating with dual degrees in English and Spanish.
Laura spent 17 years as an educator and executive with Teach For America, a career which included exciting experiences like: teaching high school in a rural town on the Texas-Mexico border; becoming the founding executive director of Teach For America in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas; and leading human capital strategy as Teach For America’s national chief people officer.
Mark Chupp
Co Director, Social Justice Institute
Monday, August 7 at 10:15 AM
Mark Chupp MSW, PhD, is an associate professor at the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he chairs the concentration in Community Practice for Social Change in the master’s of social work program. He is founding director of the Community Innovation Network, a resource for those seeking to transform the relationships between institutions and everyday people. His scholarship focuses on building community across differences, authentic community engagement, peacebuilding and conflict transformation. Mark is also co-director of the Social Justice Institute at CWRU. Dr. Chupp began his career in restorative justice, directing the first Victim Offender Reconciliation Program in the US. Dr. Chupp is an international consultant and trainer. His leadership helped establish the Culture of Peace Program and a UN Local Zone of Peace in post-war El Salvador.
Greg Wright
Founder, Spark Towns
Monday, August 7 at 10:15 AM
Greg Wright, named an “Innovator to Watch” by the Wisconsin Biz Times, transformed a small-town arts advocacy organization into a new model for place-based, people-centered economic development. This model was recognized as the Economic Development Initiative of 2020 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association and led to him teaching economic development to MBA candidates.
In early 2022, Greg founded Spark Towns to meet the demand to bring this model to more communities. Spark Towns is rethinking place within the context of the digital era. It applies emerging research in zoning, social capital, creative placemaking, and ecosystem building to put greater power behind local people with big ideas. The firm has now worked with leaders from Utica to Detroit Lakes to Carson City.
Bobby Stuckey
Founder and Partner, Frasca Hospitality Group
Monday, August 7 at 11:45 AM
Starting as a dishwasher, Bobby Stuckey has built an impressive career in the hospitality industry, ultimately becoming a respected leader. In 2004, he partnered with Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson to open Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, CO, where they bring the rustic elegance of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region to life with locally sourced ingredients and a profound connection between food and wine. Bobby’s achievements include receiving his Master Sommelier Diploma in 2004, earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation, and launching Scarpetta Wines in 2007. Frasca Food and Wine was honored with the 2019 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Service, a testament to Bobby’s unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality that led to the renaming of the award category to Outstanding Hospitality in 2020.
JD Finish Line – Community Voices
Monday, August 7 at 1:00 PM
As part of their commitment to denounce racism, bigotry and hatred, JD Finish Line started a weekly interview series called Community Voices to become better allies and to educate themselves and their customers on issues faced by the Black community. The series has since evolved to bring to light the challenges impacting other marginalized communities in the United States to expand their allyship and education process. Featured speakers include: Marty Posch (President of the JD Finish Line Foundation), Marissa McFadden (Senior Director, Brand & Loyalty) and Paul Diehl (Vice President of Brand).
Wes Carter
President of Atlantic Packaging & Founder, A New Earth Project
Monday, August 7 at 2:15 PM
Wes Carter, President ofAtlantic Packaging, is a visionary leader deeply committed to sustainability and making a positive impact. As the third-generation leader of Atlantic, Wes carries on the legacy of his grandfather while driving the company’s mission to optimize packaging through technology and comprehensive programs. With Atlantic being the largest privately-held packaging resource in North America, Wes spearheads the company’s sustainability initiative, aiming to create real and lasting change. As a lifelong surfer, traveler, and outdoorsman, Wes bridges the gap between the surfing community and packaging leaders, igniting the inspiration behind his transformative movement, A New Earth Project.
Ed Chang
Executive Director, RedefinED Atlanta
Monday, August 7 at 3:30 PM
Ed Chang is redefinED atlanta’s Founding Executive Director. For over 20 years, Ed has worked as a champion for high-quality public schools. Chang began his career as a physical therapist before entering the education profession as a 7th-grade science teacher. He spent five years teaching at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Southeast Atlanta before going on to found KIPP STRIVE Academy in 2009. Following this, Ed focused on coaching and strategy for school leaders and districts across the country. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Chang holds a master’s degree in secondary science from Mercer University and a Certificate for Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
Simone Ross
CEO, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday, August 7 at 4:45 PM
Simone D. Ross is a visionary leader and community builder with a passion for catalyzing human thriving through effective and integrative change management. As a Colorado native raised in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood, Simone’s strong sense of the importance of community, family, and investing in each other’s success and dreams has guided her career and life.
Simone is the CEO of the Colorado Women’ s Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Colorado Women’ s Chamber Foundation, where she actively works to advance women in business and make Colorado the top state for women in business . She is also the founder of Simone D. Ross, LLC, a consulting firm that specializes in change management, the CEO of SDR Events, and the Founder and CEO of Youth United University, an inclusive leadership education program for middle school students.
Rickey Larke
Co-Producer, Grown-ish
Tuesday, August 7 at 8:15 AM
Rickey Larke, a talented creative, has recently made significant strides in the entertainment industry. As a Story Editor, he joined the writer room of KENAN for Season Two, showcasing his exceptional storytelling skills. Building on his success, Rickey now serves as a Co-Producer on GROWN-ISH for Season Six. Hailing from Chicago, Rickey’s passion for creativity ignited during high school, where he directed music videos on the city’s vibrant South Side. While pursuing a double major in African-American Literature and Political Theory at Bowdoin College, he impressively balanced his commitment to varsity football and track. As a senior, his documentary film SURVIVIES, capturing the lead-up to Bowdoin’s renowned April bash, earned a place in the Bowdoin College Historical Archive.
Arshay Cooper
Rower, Best-Selling Author, Motivational Speaker
Tuesday, August 8 at 9:30 AM
Arshay Cooper is a bestselling and award-winning author and a 2x Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport. He is also the protagonist of the film “A Most Beautiful Thing,” which chronicles the first African American high school rowing team. Arshay’s inspiring journey began on the West Side of Chicago, where he grew up amidst gangs and drugs. He is the founder of the National Award-Winning Non-Profit, The A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, which introduces under-resourced youth to the sport of rowing.
Luis Antezana
Founder, Juntos2College
Tuesday, August 8 at 10:45 AM
Luis Antezana, an indigenous-descendant, undocumented entrepreneur, and dedicated educator, has made a profound impact on the lives of immigrant students and families. Luis began his career as a high school Language Arts and AVID teacher in Colorado Springs. As a Denver Scholarship Foundation College/Career Advisor at Abraham Lincoln High School, he focused on college access for seniors. Today, Luis is the CEO of Juntos2College, a non-profit organization empowering undocumented families to achieve upward mobility. His expertise spans state financial aid, private scholarships, career exploration, ITIN support, entrepreneurship, and the DACA process. A sought-after global speaker and consultant, Luis has received prestigious accolades such as the Teach for America 2018 Colorado Springs Alumnus of the Year award and the 2022 Immigrant Liberty Award (RMIAN).
Erik Estrada
Corporate Attorney, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Tuesday, August 8 at 1:15 PM
Erik Estrada, a senior associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, is a seasoned corporate and securities lawyer. With a strong focus on technology, biotech, and telecommunications companies, Erik advises public companies, boards, and executive teams on federal securities law compliance and corporate governance matters. His extensive in-house experience at Nasdaq-listed Liberty Latin America Ltd. and Fortune 500 company Level 3 provides him with a deep understanding of the business and legal complexities faced by growing public companies. Erik’s practical approach and efficient solutions make him a valuable asset to clients. He has also served as General Counsel for the Level 3 Foundation and as a trustee and board member for El Pomar Foundation. Erik’s dedication extends beyond the legal field, as he has embarked on a 62-day cycling journey across the United States to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities through The Journey of Hope.
Pete Burridge
Founder and CEO, Greenhouse Scholars
Monday, August 7 at 8:30 AM
Pete Burridge is the founder and CEO of Greenhouse Scholars and its sister companies, Greenhouse Partners and The18.com. An entrepreneur his entire career, he has been a part of starting seven companies. Pete founded Greenhouse Scholars in order to create a Whole Person program that makes a broad and lasting impact by helping students to become community leaders that create change that will last through the generations. He believes that each of us is accountable to give back to the community. Pete lives in Boulder with his amazing wife and four equally amazing daughters. He spends most of his free time watching his girls compete in soccer and basketball across the state and country. Occasionally, he can be found fly fishing, snowboarding, and running and biking the mountain trails around Boulder.
Comprised of three components (learning, relationships, entrepreneurship), the Young Leaders Program provides comprehensive support to Greenhouse alumni in the first decade of their careers and post-college lives and ensures we work together as a community to launch high-potential, high-impact ideas.
The program serves alumni who are committed to growing as a leader, pursuing the best version of themselves, leveling the playing field in their careers, and being a part of strengthening our community.
By supporting the people and ideas that have the greatest ability to positively impact our world, the Young Leaders Program is a building block in pursuit of lasting community change.
Through the entrepreneurship component of the Young Leaders Program, Greenhouse provides direct support for early-stage ideas and connections to funding for different life stages.
The goal of the entrepreneurship component is to create an entrepreneurial mindset and platform to identify and launch high-potential ideas. In 2023, the Young Leaders Program hosted its first Idea Creation and Idea Enhancement sessions in Boulder, CO.
Building Blocks in Pursuit of Lasting Community Change
In April 2023, Greenhouse held its first Idea Creation Session for the Young Leaders Program, and it was a huge success. Our Young Leaders and community members came together to brainstorm and develop new ideas that can make a real impact on our communities. Here’s what one Young Leader had to say:
“The brainstorming part of the idea creation was my favorite. I really enjoyed being able to think of several business ideas, it made me think that business ideas are limitless.” We’re thrilled with the results of this session and grateful to everyone who participated and contributed their creative energy and expertise.”
Greenhouse Community Members included: Rio Hodges, Matt Jenkins, David Raduziner, Diana Verrilli, and Liz Wolfson
Young Leaders Program Scholar Alumni included: Jose Banales, Tyler Cunningham, Richard Maez, and Jessica Saifee
Launching High-Potential Ideas
In May 2023, Greenhouse held its first Idea Enhancement Session for the Young Leaders Program. Greenhouse Community members and Scholar Alumni came together to discuss, sharpen, and hone Young Leaders’ business ideas. We’re excited to witness the incredible potential that emerged from this session. Here’s what one Young Leader had to say:
“My favorite part of the session was hearing what my fellow Greenhouse peers have been doing and what businesses they are working on. It was motivational to hear them follow their dreams and it pushed me to work harder on my business to one day reach my vision.”
Greenhouse Community Members included: Todd Ebert, Dan Hoskins, Eric Kean, and Dwayne Nesmith
Young Leaders Program Scholar Alumni included: Helena Cappon, Richard Dominique, Alexa Lobato, and Walker Sanchez
Comprised of three components (learning, relationships, entrepreneurship), the Young Leaders Program provides comprehensive support to Greenhouse alumni in the first decade of their careers and post-college lives and ensures we work together as a community to launch high-potential, high-impact ideas.
The program serves alumni who are committed to growing as a leader, pursuing the best version of themselves, leveling the playing field in their careers, and being a part of strengthening our community.
By supporting the people and ideas that have the greatest ability to positively impact our world, the Young Leaders Program is a building block in pursuit of lasting community change.
Through the entrepreneurship component of the Young Leaders Program, Greenhouse provides direct support for early-stage ideas and connections to funding for different life stages.
The goal of the entrepreneurship component is to create an entrepreneurial mindset and platform to identify and launch high-potential ideas. In 2023, the Young Leaders Program also invited alumni older than 30 to apply for funding.
Gub Gub’s Pizza + Ice Cream received a second round of funding (also funded in 2021) to help purchase a new ice cream machine, quoted at $16,898 overall (including delivery, installation, and training). Their previous soft-serve machines were old and used and would often break down, rendering GubGub’s staff unable to meet the demands of their customers. With GubGub’s primary food offerings being pizza and ice cream, purchasing a new ice cream machine is imperative to the success and sustainability of the business.
A women-owned wellness shop located in the Creative District of Greeley, a city in rural Colorado. MiraSoul Healing combines traditional healing practices rooted in Mexican Curanderismo with modern wellness practices, providing herbal apothecaries, local art, classes and gatherings, and other holistic wellness tools. Brittni requested funding to support marketing efforts, improved efficiency of their point of sales, and the launch of a new product line (subscription boxes).
A scholarship company providing personalized, affordable, and effective online and in-person scholarship and college application services. Since its inception in 2018, Securing Degrees has worked with over 4,000 individuals to help them accumulate over $15 Million in funding and has partnered with over 20 schools, nonprofits, and organizations.
Alexa Lobato (2017 Class)
Optimum Athletics LLC
After attending Greenhouse’s CO Idea Enhancement Session earlier this year, Alexa revamped plans for her business, which provides a mobile sports science testing laboratory bringing cutting-edge sport science concepts to every athlete, parent, and team. Alexa requested additional funding for operational costs and the development of a website.
A community change initiative in Xecruz, an indigenous community in Guatemala. The purpose of the project is to provide the community with a center to gather for sports and town hall meetings, and to help the community gain recognition from the government. Juno is returning to Colorado to enact what he’s learned (e.g., communicating across differences; garnering support for and executing community change initiatives). He will revisit and sustain his involvement in the program over the coming years.
Yocelyn Pina (2023 Class)
“The Art of Defiance” Video Podcast
The creation of “The Art of Defiance” serves a dual purpose: firstly, to amplify the solidarity and visibility of QTBIPOC healers, artists; and community change leaders; secondly, to foster compassion, connection, consciousness-raising, joy, and actionable change through the art of storytelling. “The Art of Defiance” was conceptualized during the pandemic in conjunction with the urgent need and opportunity to reimagine a post-covid world. Through autobiographical storytelling and one-on-one interviews with mostly QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), the podcast offers a blend of solo commentary and intimate conversations.
A nonprofit cultural campus located in Denver, Colorado. Las Bodegas will be home to the Latino Cultural Art Center’s (LCAC) programs in digital and visual arts, addressing issues of mental wellness, healthy environments, and workforce development. Alfredo and Michelle requested funding to launch a wide-scale marketing campaign to raise the last leg of funding. (Alfredo has raised $4.7 Million to date for the construction of the campus and needs an additional $1.3 Million. Michelle will be assisting with the marketing graphics and is considering joining the center as a program educator).
A community change initiative that serves as a mentorship program and college application boot camp for students in Texas’ Irving School District, a predominantly low-income area. Since its founding, MCJA has grown from 2 to 11 mentors and has served 46 students. Ricardo is looking to expand MCJA’s impact and recruit more mentors and students.
Jessamyn Sweet (2017 Class)
Community Engagement Project
Jessamyn is a multi-disciplinary artist based out of San Francisco. Over the next year, she will embark on a project to address two sides of community:
First, exploring areas in which community is failing, through visual art
Second, cultivating a culture of connection to proactively combat these failures through community engagement events
The Growth Report is an annual newsletter created to embody the past year of Greenhouse Scholars’ work. In it, we give thanks to supporters, make major announcements about our strategic direction, provide statistics about our impact, and share the incredible stories of our Scholars and Community-members. This is a great way for people to get to know us better as an organization, and we’re excited to share it with you all now.
Press the picture below to view the Growth Report.
A Strong Start to 2023! As we near almost a year since Greenhouse launched the Young Leaders Program for Greenhouse alumni, I continue to be inspired by this diverse community of leaders and proud of what each of you has accomplished. From rural Colorado to “The City That Never Sleeps” to Barcelona, Spain, Greenhouse alumni are evolving the communities of the world and living their best lives. I’m proud of us!
So many great things have happened within the Greenhouse community in the last three months and we’re excited to share them with you. Keep reading below for alumni news, organizational updates, and what’s to come.
With love, Michelle
Whole Person College Program…New Scholar Selection featuring Alumni
We are deep in the process of selecting the next incoming class of Greenhouse Scholars – the Class of 2027! This year we received the following number of applications by state:
Colorado: 249
Illinois: 199
Georgia: 232
North Carolina: 119
New York: 87
After reviewing written applications and video submissions we have 35 finalists moving on to the in-person interviews in Colorado, 21 in Illinois, and 14 each in Georgia, North Carolina, and New York.
This year, for the first time ever, we organized an All-Alumni Video Review Panel for New Scholar Selection (some pictured above). Together, we reviewed 16 New York applicants and with the support of these alumni, ensured that each New York applicant was reviewed at least three times – the highest number that an applicant has been reviewed since the pandemic. A huge thank you to Holly Ajala, Joon Bang, Tyler Cunningham, Elizabeth Gutierrez-Gutierrez, Alexa Lobato, and Kiko Wong for helping us maintain momentum in a newly launched state!
Advisors in-Residence We kicked off the year with our All Advisor Session on January 24 where Young Leaders participated in staff-led discussions with our Advisors in-Residence Teams. CEO Pete Burridge gave a keynote speech on “Thriving In Your 20s” and our Advisors offered insights on “Leading with Authenticity,” “Creating A Healthy Workplace Culture,” and “Navigating Life Changes.” If you missed the event, don’t worry, you can find a recording of each session here.
Personalized Coaching
40 alumni received a coach this past January through the Young Leaders Program and are nearing the end of their four-month coaching in either Leadership, Professional, Personal, Community Change, or Entrepreneurship. Here’s what one of our alumni had to say about their coaching so far:
“I am having a wonderful experience with my coach and our coaching sessions have been so generative and impactful. She helped me prioritize my present and future professional goals and I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress with my confidence. She helped me plan a six month check in with my supervisor, put a new perspective to my skills and points of growth, and is helping me update my resume. I now schedule one hour of development per week where I work on these tasks and it feels very balanced and in harmony with the rest of my work. I feel valued and seen by my coach and feel that she actually believes in me – corny but so important.”
Young Leaders Program Relationship Component
Regional Alumni Meetup in Denver Regional Alumni Meetups are coming to Colorado! Alumna Connie Appiah will host our Alumni Meetup in Denver at the Rosy Rings Studio on Friday, May 12 from 3:30-5:30 PM. Young Leaders will participate in a candle-making class, re-connect with each other, and enjoy some light apps and drinks.
While alumni in their 20s will have priority to RSVP to this meetup, if there is room, we will open the RSVPs to all alumni including those in their 30s
Save the Date – Ignite 2023 It’s almost that time of year – Ignite is back and soon approaching! We’re looking to host 50 alumni in Boulder, CO this year for our largest alumni reunion, yet. Ignite is an alumni-only conference reminiscent of Summer Symposium and is taking place this year on Saturday, August 5 – Monday, August 7 (programming will end mid-day on Monday). All alumni in their 20s (Class of 2023-Class of 2016) are invited to attend – be on the lookout for more information including accommodations and travel stipends.
Sustaining Phase Alumni (Greenhouse alumni in their 30s): Interested in being a speaker at Ignite or leading a workshop? Let us know! Reach out to Michelle Kruk at mkruk@greenhousescholars.org
Young Leaders Program Entrepreneurship Component
Young Leaders We are very excited to be in the planning phase of the regional, in-person Idea Creation, Enhancement, and Execution support sessions. Stay tuned to learn more about being involved with the Entrepreneurship Component!
Sustaining Phase Alumni We would love for you to participate in our regional Ideation sessions to help our Young Leaders flesh out new, high-potential ideas. If you are interested in participating in one of these sessions in 2023, email Jamie Clay.
New York: We held our first New York event in Manhattan in February where alumni Bashel Lewis, Wendy Guardado, and Michelle Kruk addressed 80 new prospective community members. Thank you to all the alumni and scholars who showed out for this historic evening!
Coming Up…
Glass Half Full Georgia – April 27, 6 PM EST in Atlanta: At this year’s Glass Half Full Georgia, philanthropy meets southern fare. Raise your glass and feed your soul as we gather for a not-to-be-missed evening featuring Atlanta’s most acclaimed pitmasters, signature cocktails, and inspiring conversations with our Georgia community. Please join us as we celebrate the opportunity, optimism, and positive impact this powerful community has created.
Glass Half Full Colorado – May 12, 6 PM MST in Denver: Raise your glass and feed your soul as we gather our united community for Denver’s premiere philanthropic event. This year’s Glass Half Full features signature cocktails, fine wine, craft beer, mouth-watering cuisine, and not-to-be-missed silent and live auction items. Please join us as we celebrate opportunity, optimism, and the positive impact powered by this community.
To stay up to date on the Young Leaders Program and how we are providing comprehensive support to alumni in the early stages of their career and post-college life, click here.
Congratulations to our alumni on Match Day! Alum Jessica Saifee matched into meds-peds at Baylor and alum Breanna Stafford matched into anesthesiology at the University of Utah.
The Young Leaders Program provides comprehensive support to Greenhouse Scholars Alums in the early stages of their careers and post-college life.
Advisors “In-Residence” Sessions provide innovative, comprehensive, and personalized support resources to grow Young Leaders, maximize individual potential, and foster community change. Advisors participate in three teams and work with alumni over four virtual sessions:
Leaders “In-Residence”: Helping alumni become exceptional leaders of people, profits, and purpose.
Executives “In-Residence”: Preparing young leaders to take on the finance, operations, marketing/customer experience, and culture challenges and opportunities that present themselves regardless of vocation.
Whole People “In-Residence”: Providing the knowledge and tools to help young leaders live their best lives.
All-Advisor Session: One Ask Me Anything (AMA)-style Q&A session across all three teams.
See below for bios of and session themes from our curated Advisors “In-Residence”
We were excited to kick off this year’s Advisors in Residence sessions with our Leadership Team in March and the theme “Lead from Any Seat.” Young Leaders heard from returning Advisors Frank Beardsley and Kathleen Lockhart and new Advisors Allison Rabin and Lauren Steiner.
In June we continued the conversation with our Young Leaders and the Advisors in Residence Executives Team with the theme “Defining Your Professional Career in Your 20’s.” Young Leaders engaged with returning Advisors Denise Bell and Eric Goldstein and new Advisors Ben Bressler and Dr. Roslind Blasingame-Buford.
In September we closed out the individual team sessions with our Young Leaders and the Advisors in Residence Whole Person Team with the theme “Cultivating Your Wellbeing in Your 20’s.” Young Leaders connected with returnign Advisors Paul Dreyer and Caroline Van Sickle and new Advisors Sam King and Jill Pilsbury.
In December, 18 Young Leaders, joined us for our 2nd All Advisors in-Residence Session. We welcomed back our Leadership, Whole Person, and Executive Advisor teams for a day of facilitated discussion and workshops. Our CEO and Founder, Pete Burridge, kicked off this virtual event with motivating words about navigation life in your 20s.
See below to learn more about each Advisor!
June Leadership Session
March Executives Session
September Whole Person Session
2022 Advisors “In-Residence”
Leaders Team
Frank Beardsley (Returning Advisor)
Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners
Frank is a 35+ year financial industry veteran with an outstanding track record of growing insurance and asset management businesses. Most recently, Frank worked at Guggenheim Partners Investment Management as a Senior Managing Director. He has proven skill in driving successful risk and investment management practices through multibillion-dollar organizations. He has demonstrated strengths in managing remote teams across multiple functional areas. Frank is also a strong communicator and business partner who excels at senior management and board relations. He is an adaptable and results-focused leader who embraces change.
Kathleen Lockhart, MBA (Returning Advisor)
VP of Deal Management, Zayo
Kathleenleverages her strategic background wherever her career takes her. She strives to put herself in an environment where she can continuously learn, grow, and face new challenges. She endeavors to always be involved in her community and has a goal to add value to the world every day. She has always enjoyed working with others, particularly when given the opportunity to improve teamwork across organizations. This is evident with her current role as VP, Deal Management at Zayo where she leads a 40+ person team. She has been promoted several times at Zayo since her first position as a GIS Specialist in 2014 and most recently in 2021 as a VP.
Allison Rabin (New Advisor)
Chief Operating Officer, Near North Title Group
Allison is an accomplished, results-driven management executive responsible for rejuvenating operations through strategic vision, financial analysis, and building cultural communities. She is known for developing teams and mentoring new managers on best practices for evaluating financials, creating annual budgets, and designing business plans. She brings the best out of the team by envisioning intentional changes and drawing ideas from all stakeholders. Able to create a culture of optimism, generate buy-in at all levels and produce successful bottom-line results.
Lauren Steiner (New Advisor)
Owner + Founder, Grants Plus
Lauren founded Grants Plus in 2007 to help nonprofits raise the grant funding they need to fulfill their missions and change the world. Fifteen years later, Lauren’s vision has come to life with the impact of transformative organizations and projects around the country. Grants Plus has secured more than $250 million in public and private grants for community-serving agencies, health organizations, schools and colleges, cultural institutions, and other entities nationwide. Today Grants Plus has grown to a team of more than thirty of the most experienced and talented grants professionals in the fundraising industry.
Executives Team
Denise Bell (Returning Advisor)
FormerPrincipal, Talent Strategy and HR Consultant at Mercer
Denise is a human resource professional with external client consulting experience in HR Transformation, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and general talent strategy as well as internal HR experience in learning and development, talent management, and talent acquisition. Denise is passionate about empowering organizations to optimize and modernize their HR programs, practices, and structure as they journey towards the future of work.
Ben Bressler (New Advisor)
President, Natural Habitat Adventures
In 35 years, Ben has grown Nat Hab to become a global leader in nature travel, offering life-enhancing adventures to the world’s most wondrous wild places. He himself has journeyed to dozens of countries in search of spectacular nature experiences…and a good time, whenever possible. Aside from heading a meaningful company that provides “The World’s Greatest Nature Expeditions,” Ben’s professional ambition is to change the way people think about travel, from large group consumptive tours to small group, personal travel experiences that serve to protect the areas they visit and preserve the planet.
Eric Goldstein (Returning Advisor)
Chief Risk Officer, Antares Capital
Eric has operated in several executive-level roles across risk, operations, technology, and administration at Antares Capital, a ~$50 billion private credit manager and a leading provider of financing solutions for middle-market private equity-backed transactions. Eric is also a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Prior, Eric was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in the Merchant Banking Division, responsible for finance and administration functions of the division’s private investment funds. He also led the structuring, negotiation, and management of fund-level subscription and asset-based credit facilities.
Dr. Roslind Blasingame-Buford (New Advisor)
Director, Organizational Development (Southwest) at Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Dr. Roz is a trailblazer in youth development and education and serves as a national thought leader and change agent influencing college access, workforce development, restorative justice, and afterschool programming. She has received numerous commendations for her leadership and commitment to service and was Named as a “Leading Lady” by “O,” The Oprah Magazine; recognized as one of Chicago’s Emerging Leaders by the Community Renewal Society; recently elected into the Economic Club of Chicago and is a 2018 Fellow for Leadership Greater Chicago. Dr. Roz has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, and Doctorate in Adult Education.
Whole Person Team
Paul Dreyer (Returning Advisor)
Consultant/Guide/Mercenary Educator
Born in South Africa, Paul moved to the U.S. as a small child, and has continued to seek out travel, adventure, and education ever since. He has worked in and around the worlds of experiential education, leadership development, and group psychology for over 20 years. His scope of practice has been varied; he has worked as a facilitator, curriculum designer, expeditionary leader, risk management consultant, staff trainer, and counselor. Much of his experience comes from teaching, leading, directing, and counseling groups or organizations in remote and challenging settings or environments around the world. For almost 10 years, he also served as the CEO with Avid4 Adventure helping support the mission to empower kids to choose active and healthy outdoor lifestyles.
Sam King (New Advisor)
Director of Sustainability, Marist School Network
Sam is an environmental educator, public speaker, writer, coach, and activist. He serves as Director of Sustainability for the United States Marist school network and Project Manager for the Emmy Award-winning Journey of the Universe film and multimedia project, hosting the Journey of the Universe: 10 Years Later podcast and curating the monthly newsletter. A former teacher in Peru, Sri Lanka, and Connecticut, he holds a Master’s in Religion and Ecology from Yale Divinity School and a Master’s in Creative Writing from Dartmouth College. Sam is passionate about bridging science, philosophy, and spirituality to inspire a flourishing future for all life.
Jill Pillsbury (New Advisor)
Life Coach/Director, Landmark Research Group
Jill is a successful businesswoman, community leader, and devoted mother who has made a positive impact on many people’s lives. Jill currently works as an executive/life coach where she offers a straightforward approach. A problem-solver by nature, Jill draws on a successful business background and real-world experiences to help others establish healthy boundaries, bolster confidence, and resolve conflict through better communication. Her work often includes bridging the gap between management teams to create a positive and productive company culture.
Caroline Van Sickle (Returning Advisor)
Director/Founder, Coach CVS
Caroline helps teams, organizations and individuals set a foundation of success, both in work and in life, at the next level. She combines a working knowledge of psychological and neurological science to help individuals extract hidden potential, remove mental obstacles, and enhance self-awareness. Her goal is to help you achieve an improved state of personal mastery. She breaks down biological processes from beliefs to behavior to help people and groups understand the underlying mechanisms that activate behavioral levers. Without understanding the basics of neuroscience, we can’t help but operate on autopilot.
