Young Leaders Program – Virtual Career Fair – October 10, 2023

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The Young Leaders Program provides comprehensive support to Greenhouse Scholar 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.  

The 1st Greenhouse Career Fair provided a highly engaging, customized experience for our corporate sponsors and partner organizations to access our exceptional, diverse, talent pool of Greenhouse graduating seniors and alumni aged 20-35.
  • 31 professionals including 4 alumni represented 22 companies
  • 34 Scholar seniors and Alumni attended representing 10 different class years
  • 20 impactful sessions were hosted including 8 sponsor presentations, 5 industry panels, 3 career-focused workshops, and 1 alumni panel
  • 28 individual one-on-one sessions were held between sponsors and young professionals

Career Fair Partner Organizations

Jobs Connectivity Sponsors

Supporting the overall Jobs Connectivity component, including the Virtual Career Fair, organizations have a year-round, always-on exposure and access to the exceptional leaders in our program.

Modern Executive Solutions

Modern is a global executive search and advisory solutions firm built to positively disrupt the industry. Their vision is to achieve a differentiated level of value for our clients…with faster results.

Modern is committed to a relentless effort to increase the diversity and inclusive culture of boardrooms and leadership teams. As their mission, it gets us up in the morning and drives us through the day.

Career Fair Supporters

The Virtual Career Fair supporters can showcase their brands and access to a pipeline of high-achieving young professionals and graduating seniors who are changing the world and making a direct impact in their communities.

JD | Finish Line

Finish Line is part of the JD brand family. They exist at the intersection of ideas — Where performance meets style. Where classic meets technology. Where street meets fashion.

Finish Line doesn’t just provide jobs, they provide careers – places to grow. With retail locations in 47 states and Puerto Rico, plus corporate offices in Indianapolis and Boulder, there are plenty of positions that will fit exactly what you’re looking for.

Gamut Capital

Gamut Capital Management is a private equity firm committed to building partnerships to drive long-term value creation.

The Gamut founders honed their experience over a combined 30 years working at one of the most sophisticated financial investors in the world. Together, with their team of professionals, Gamut is seeking to be the most financially sophisticated, downside protection focused and value-oriented investor in the middle market.

Google

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Google is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products. These include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is one of the Big Five
American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.

RMB Capital

RMB Capital’s goal is to create value for its clients. Leveraging its team’s insight and expertise, it delivers specialized financial advice and innovative investment solutions that are designed to preserve and grow assets for individuals, families, institutions, and employers.

RMB Capital was founded with an ambitious vision to deliver a more holistic experience—for our clients and our employees. We are proud to have assembled a team of people with diverse backgrounds and capabilities who value working together to drive results.

Atlantic Packaging

Atlantic Packaging is celebrating its 75th year as a privately held business that specializes in end-of-line packaging systems and materials as well as converted paperboard solutions.

Atlantic’s focus on innovation and technology has made it a market leader for customers requiring sustainable packaging options, packaging equipment, high-performance materials, warehousing, and distribution. Atlantic delivers these solutions daily to our customers in North and Central America.

Intellum

Intellum is the learning management system powering the world’s leading education programs.

Intellum is an Atlanta-based company with a development team distributed around the world. It strives to hire the best, regardless of location. Its clients are incredible teams of people from companies such as Google, NASCAR, AT&T, and Facebook.

Roark Capital

Roark is an Atlanta‐based private equity firm with $37 billion in assets under management.

Roark focuses on investments in consumer and business service companies, with a specialization in franchise and franchise-like business models. hire the best, regardless of location. Its clients are incredible teams of people from companies such as Google, NASCAR, AT&T, and Facebook.

Career Fair Workshop Facilitators

Natalie Levy
Founder & Managing Partner, She’s Independent

Salary Negotiation and Benefits Package Review

Natalie is the Founder of She’s Independent, a women-first investment group offering an entirely new way to support women’s financial independence and influence through investing and board placements. As a member-led investment group, She’s Independent marries empowerment and action, with the ultimate mission of closing the power gap in investing by getting more women on the cap table, in the boardroom, and into positions of influence. Over the next 12 months, She’s Independent plans to deploy over $2M of capital collectively, and has invested in 14 deals since its formation in 2022.

Kathleen Lockhart
VP Deal Management, Zayo

Networking Best Practices

Kathleen leverages 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.

Zachary Yarnell
Lead Campus Recruiter, Deloitte

Job Search Strategies for Finding the Right Position

Zach is a Lead Recruiter on the Campus Strategy & Programs team where he oversees Deloitte’s Internship Program and Internship Conferences held at Deloitte University. Zach started with Deloitte as a Tax Consultant in 2017 before transitioning internally to the Campus Recruiting team in 2018. Zach served as the Denver office campus recruiting lead for the Audit & Assurance, Tax, and Risk & Financial Advisory businesses for 3.5 years before taking on his current role. Zach is a graduate of Colorado State University (BSBA – Accounting) and the University of Denver (MS – Accounting) and is currently a licensed CPA in the State of Colorado.

Industry Panelists

Consulting Panel

Gil Gomez
Managing Director,
Deloitte Consulting

Gil is a managing director and SAP Analytics leader for Deloitte Consulting LLP. With more than 29 years of experience, Gil is a results-driven professional with expertise in analytics and a deep understanding of cross-functional enterprise processes. He has designed and delivered advanced and predictive analytics, big data solutions, SAP analytics, and SAP S/4HANA solutions across multiple industries. He has transformed enterprises into insight-driven organizations using analytics and data to drive business outcomes.

Consulting Panel

David Lazor
Founder, Lazorpoint

Dave is CEO and Founder of Lazorpoint. He launched the company in 1997, focused on serving the strategic and day-to-day IT needs of growing entrepreneurial mid-market companies. Today, Dave leads and continues to build a team that anticipates, creates, and provides technology solutions for clients. He ensures that Lazorpoint becomes a true partner in client growth through valuable guidance and unmatched expertise.

Consulting Panel

Janus Small
Founder + President, Janus Small Associates

Janus has built the consulting firm of Janus Small Associates on her deep and solid experience as a leader of nonprofit community organizations. A nationally noted authority on nonprofit management, Janus has earned the trust of community development, faith-based, social service, arts and cultural, education and environmental organizations.

Consulting Panel

LaNae Wagenbach
Associate Director,
Modern Executive Solutions

Specializing in financial services, LaNae supports client partners in the delivery of top talent, leadership advisory solutions, and organizational analysis. Prior to joining Modern, LaNae managed fully retained executive searches for a boutique HR consulting and executive search firm in Houston, Texas. As a consultant, LaNae was responsible for assessing top leaders and client deliverables within the credit union space.

Investment Panel

Allyson Goldstein Alimansky
Partner, Gamut Capital Management

Prior to joining Gamut, Allyson was a Director on the Credit Suisse Private Fund Group and Capital Services teams. Previously, Allyson was the Director of Business Development at D.B. Zwirn & Co. Earlier in her career, she was responsible for marketing and investor relations at Capital Z Investment Partners, GSC Partners, and Northbridge Capital. Allyson graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a BA in Politics and earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Investment Panel

Jeanette Gawrisch
Partner, Human Resources Manager, RMB Capital

Jeanette is a Partner and Human Resources Manager at RMB Capital. Before joining RMB in 2005, she was a Client Associate at UBS Financial Services, a Client Service Assistant at Schroder Bank, and with Mortgage Services at Siam Commercial Bank. Jeanette has a BA in Graphic Design from DePaul University.

Investment Panel

Juan Velez
Associate, Operations,
Roark Capital

Juan joined Roark in 2023. Prior to joining Roark, Juan worked as a Manager at Treya Partners where he focused on strategic sourcing and procurement. Prior to that, Juan worked at Insight Sourcing Group where he supported their group purchasing programs and procurement projects. Juan received a BBA in Finance from Georgia State University.

Nonprofit Panel

Brett Brenton
Regional Impact Manager,
myFutureNC

Brett Brenton serves as Regional Impact Manager at myFutureNC, serving the North Central regions of the state. Brett started his career as a high school social studies teacher near Baltimore, MD, where he taught ten classes over seven years there, including AP US History and AP Government. After relocating to North Carolina in 2007, he spent six years with Wake County Schools, four as a middle school teacher and administrator, and two as an assistant principal at an elementary school.

Nonprofit Panel

Barbara Jordan, M.A.
Administrator
Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, Mayo Clinic

Barbara is currently an Education Administrator at Mayo Clinic. Barbara currently has a
dual assignment with leadership responsibility for the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy and the
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Office for Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OEDEI). In the role in OEDEI, Barbara leads the College of Medicine’s mission to advance the Mayo Clinic practice and learning environment by providing recruitment, retention, and advancement activities that target students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in science and medicine.

Nonprofit Panel

Kristen Young
Executive Director,
LeaderShape

Kristen is a lifer at LeaderShape! Her first experience with LeaderShape was as a participant! In her current role, Kristen is responsible for the programmatic components of LeaderShape’s three programs, the Institute, Catalyst, and Resilience. She oversees the curriculum, facilitation, and implementation of these programs to ensure that they continue to advance LeaderShape’s mission and vision. She also works with the LeaderShape staff to help them to contribute their best work as they bring these programs to life.

Tech Panel

Lesley Pace-Gormley
User Experience Researcher – Google Sites & Client Side Encryption, Google

Lesley’s passion thrives at the intersection of experience, research, and people. It inspires her to foster substantial connections that help in broadening her insight into the lives of others. From that research to be able to provide tangible solutions and catalyze impactful results is simply exhilarating. Her years of experience as a product advocate, researcher, and customer success professional have honed her knack for taking feedback to craft thoughtful narratives that center the voice of the user and analytically evaluate user needs. She has conducted qualitative and quantitative studies utilizing various methods.

Tech Panel

Geri Morgan
Chief People Officer, Intellum

Geri has a diverse background in human resources and leadership roles. Prior to joining Intellum, Geri served as the Chief Experience Officer at SentriLock, where they focused on strategic leadership for human resources and customer support areas. At Triplefin, Geri held the position of Director of Human Resources, overseeing HR operations, training and development, and organizational change management. Geri also has experience in the retail industry, having worked as a Human Resource Manager and Store Manager at The Kroger Company.

Tech Panel

Matt Stevens
Chief Executive Officer, Bamboo Rose

Matt is CEO of Bamboo Rose, a leading multi-enterprise product lifecycle and supply chain management platform for retail enterprises. Before leading Bamboo, Matt founded AppNeta, a performance monitoring solution built for the complex, distributed enterprise. Prior to AppNeta, Matt was CTO of the security information and event management (SIEM) business unit of RSA, the security division of Dell EMC (formerly EMC Corporation). He joined EMC after the acquisition of Network Intelligence Corp., where he was co-founder, president, and CTO.

Industry Mashup Panel

Gregory Muckerson
Director, Cultural Integrity & People Equity / Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leader for JD Finish Line

Gregory is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture to maximize the potential of all employees. Gregory is skilled in coaching, training, strategic planning, team building, relationship development, and leadership. Gregory is a strong operations professional with a Master of Science focused in industrial and organizational psychology.

Industry Mashup Panel

Kyle Pischel
Solution Center Director, Atlantic Packaging

Kyle is currently the Director of Atlantic’s Packaging Solution Center. The SC houses unique test equipment to simulate over-the-road transit environments for the purpose of analyzing success or failure of current or modified packaging conditions. This testing is critical in determining root cause failure, validating success of packaging changes, or responsibly testing packaging elimination before customer shipments. The purpose of our lab is not to provide a pass-fail analysis, but holistic solutions to ensure product safety.

Industry Mashup Panel

Shawn T. Stigler
Managing Partner, Colorado Offices, Co-Chair, Venture Best®

Shawn focuses his practice on advising all aspects of the innovator economy. From capital allocators to startups, Shawn counsels organizations throughout their lifecycle including business strategy, formation of funds, SPV’s, company structuring, funding, and mergers and acquisitions.

Alumni Career + Cultures Panel

Caitlin Berens Forman, 2011 Class

Editorial Operations Manager, VELOX Media

Caitlin is an editor who is passionate about working with writers to develop high-quality content. In her 10-plus years working in print and online journalism, she’s gained experience editing content across a wide variety of industries and working with small but passionate teams. She has experience with a multitude of topics, including health and wellness, parenting, thought leadership, business innovation, and entertainment. She’s reported for Inc. Magazine, Everyday Health, Wanderlust, SELF Magazine, Billboard, and NYMetroParents. She received her BA in Magazine Journalism from Drake University.

Richard Maez, 2015 Class

Deputy Director, Ednium: The Alumni Collective

Richard is an action-focused, community development organization that partners with public school alumni, 30 and younger, to change how the city of Denver educates and re-invests in its homegrown talent. As Senior Director of Strategy and Impact, Richard is responsible for all programs, policy ideation, and implementation. Richard is proud to be part of the team that, through extensive community outreach, successfully lobbied the Denver Public Schools Board of Education to add Ethnic Studies and Financial Literacy as graduation requirements, and is working to pass a city ordinance to provide scholarship money for individuals over 25 to return to school to earn their first-time degree or certificate.

José E. Madrid, 2014 Class

Associate Attorney, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Before joining Gibson Dunn as a litigation attorney, José served as a law clerk for the Honorable Justice Monica M. Márquez of the Colorado Supreme Court and the Honorable Laura A. Cordero of the District of Columbia Superior Court. José earned his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as an Articles Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. He graduated cum laude and class marshal from Georgetown University, where he earned a BA degree in American Studies from Georgetown College and a minor in Latin American Studies from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Before law school, he worked in various industries, including finance, higher education, media consulting, and the nonprofit sector. José is active in the community and has served on various boards and advisory boards, including the Cristo Rey Network board of directors.

Zeke Perez, Class of 2013

Senior Policy Analyst, Education Commission of the States

As a senior policy analyst, Zeke tracks legislation related to statewide longitudinal data systems, school safety, and postsecondary campus safety. He has been with Education Commission of the States since 2014. Zeke has a passion for local politics and enjoys following the varied policy approaches of city and state leaders. Zeke has a BA in Public Policy, Political Science, and International Studies and a Master in Public Policy, both from the University of Denver.

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Greenhouse Scholars Featured in Hinsdale Living Magazine

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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.

Highlighting This Summer’s Greenhouse Interns

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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.

Young Leaders Program – Ignite 2023

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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 Frazier
(Community Change Panel)

Brand Expertise Strategist/Consultant/Founder, KEOs Marketing Consultancy

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.

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Summer Symposium 2023

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Community Unleashed

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 of Atlantic 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.

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Young Leaders Program – 2023 Idea Creation & Enhancement Sessions

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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

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Young Leaders Program – 2023 Funded Businesses + Projects

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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.

Helena Cappon (2019 Class)

Gub Gub’s Pizza + Ice Cream

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.

Brittni Hernandez (2012 Class)

MiraSoul Healing

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).

Victoria Lamar (2022 Class)

Securing Degrees, LLC

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.

Juno Padilla (2020 Class)

“Cancha for Xecruz”

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.

Alfredo Reyes (2012 Class) & Michelle Lehman (2019 Class)

Latino Cultural Arts Center (LCAC): Las Bodegas

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).

Ricardo Reyes (2022 Class)

”My College Journey Academy” (MCJA)

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

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The Growth Report 2023

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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.

Greenhouse Alumni Update! (Spring 2023)

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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!

Connect with Current Scholars and the Greenhouse Community HERE!

Young Leaders Program
Learning Component

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.

Entrepreneurship Spotlight! Check out alumna Helena Cappon’s restaurant, Gub Gub’s in Walsenburg, CO!

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. 
Do you have updates to share about our Alumni? Complete this survey!

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