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.

Thank you to our sponsors:


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Summer Symposium 2022

By

Exploring the Value of Leadership

At this year’s Summer Symposium we aim to demonstrate the value of leadership. At Greenhouse Scholars we are Leading Forward. This conveys the idea of coming together under the flag of forward momentum-your own as well as your communities. Inspiring you to go back and build on your success. Always leading, and more importantly, always moving forward.

What is Summer Symposium? It is a key component of our Greenhouse Scholars program, bringing all of our Scholars together for peer support and learning. An annual, multi-day gathering, Summer Symposium includes workshops, speakers, panel discussions, and group projects that encourage Scholars to explore their core values, expand their thinking, and cultivate their leadership skills.

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s Summer Symposium will be held at the CU Boulder Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE).

2022 Symposium Speakers

Reggie Rivers

Monday, August 8th at 8:30 AM

Reggie Rivers is a Denver Broncos running back for six seasons and two-time Broncos NFL Man of the Year. He has been inducted into the Southland Conference Hall of Honor and the Texas State University Hall of Honor. He is a media personality that’s worked in radio, newspaper, and television in Colorado. He has written five books, including the award-winning novel “The Colony: A Political Tale”. He is known for his motivational speeches about leadership and teamwork lessons learned in his time in the National Football League.

Angel Eduardo

Monday, August 8th at 9:45 AM

Angel Eduardo is a NYC based writer, musician, photographer, and designer. He is best known for promoting the concept on acknowledging their good intentions and your shared desires despite your disagreements when arguing with others. Angel is an Advisory Board member, FAIR in the Arts Fellow, and Director of Messaging & Editorial for the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR). His writing can be find in Center for Inquiry’s blog, Newsweek, Areo Magazine, Mr. Beller’s Neighborhood, and The Caribbean Writer.

Jarvis Sam

Monday, August 8th at 11:00 AM

Jarvis Sam is Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion at Nike Inc. and was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in Sports class of 2021 as well as Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. In his current role, he oversees a team of people focused on driving diverse representation, inclusive leader and social justice education, professional development and the ecosystem of promoting and creating a culture of belonging inside and outside of Nike. Jarvis is a graduate of Rice University and he began his career as a strategy and operations consultant with Deloitte Consulting in Houston. Jarvis will receive his MBA from Brown University and IE School of Business in May 2022.

Britney Robbins

Monday, August 8th at 1:00 PM

Britney Robbins, named one of the 26 Most Influential and 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans. In 2016, she started The Gray Matter Experience – a non profit dedicated to unlocking the self-determining power of Black youth and strengthening their ties to community through real world experience in entrepreneurship. Britney has worked within Chicago’s entrepreneurship and tech community for the past seven years. Most recently, she has become the Relationship Manager for CAST US, a multi-million dollar venture capital fund led by Don Thompson of Cleveland Avenue.

Todd Ebert

Monday, August 8th at 1:00 PM

Todd Ebert is the Chief Marketing Officer at BrightAl. He has spent 25 years leading marketing teams in driving rapid growth and increasing enterprise value. Todd has merged in powerful and meaningful ways at the intersection of the art and science of marketing. He has served on the Greenhouse Scholars selection team and continues to offer his expertise to our community. Todd has an MBA in marketing from the University of Texas at Austin.

Kate Siegel Shimko

Monday, August 8th at 1:00 PM

Kate Siegel Shimko currently serves as the Director of Boards and Commissions for the Colorado Governor’s Office. Prior to taking on this role in 2019, Kate worked for the Governor in a variety of capacities.

Michelle Lehman

Monday, August 8th at 1:00 PM

Michelle Lehman is a Greenhouse Scholar from the class of 2019. She graduated with a degree in neuroscience from Middlebury College. She is currently an animation and video Specialist at Quantum Design. She works within a niche that intersects 2D and 3D computer graphics with science. Before Quantum Design she worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Mimi Chau

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Mimi Chau is a Greenhouse Scholars alum and is a pediatrician at Community Health Care, a federally qualified health care center, in Tacoma WA. She received her degrees from Stanford University and the University of Colorado.

Richard Maez

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Richard Maez is a class of 2015 Greenhouse Scholar. He is the director of Programs at Ednium: The Alumni Collective. He has a bachelor of Arts from the University of Denver.He is a site director for Minds Matter of Denver and board member for Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program of Colorado

Nick Tarleton

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Nick Tarleton is a class of 2016 Greenhouse Scholar, he graduated with a bachelors of science in Food Science and Human Nutrition from University of Illinois. He has gone on to work at the Kraft Heinz Company as a manager. He is a supervisor of U.S. supply chain management at McDonalds greater Chicago area. He is also the lead of cultural communications in McDonald’s African-American Council at the global headquarters level. Nick has stayed connected with the Greenhouse Scholars community as a mentor and volunteer. 

Adriana Gomez

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Adriana is a class of 2018 Greenhouse Scholar with an undergraduate degree in Public Health and Political Science from the University of Colorado-Denver. Adriana is a Science and Research Analyst at Abt Associates. She is a recent graduate of Georgetown University with a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology. As a first generation college graduate, she has dedicated herself to following her true passion in health care and consistently seeking opportunities that allow her to use her strengths to help create health equity.

Michelle Kruk

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Michelle is a proud class of 2016 Greenhouse Scholar and originally joined the family as part of the first class from Illinois. Passionate about the intersection of science and education, Michelle spent a year abroad in Poland after graduating through a Fulbright Fellowship. There, she taught English and Environmental Sociology to graduate students at the Politechnika Czestochowska. She returned to the States and continued her pursuit for equity in STEM by joining Teach For America as a San Antonio corps member.  Michelle taught middle school science and math in the Alamo City and spent her summers partnering with Kode With Klossy, a program that brings free coding camps to teenage girls across the nation. 

Saul Huerta

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Saul is class of 2011 Greenhouse Scholar. Saul graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Finance and was named one of ColoradoBiz Magazine’s top 25 young professionals in 2020. Saul is the current Chief Accounting Officer for the Greenhouse Family of Companies.

Jamal Sims

Monday, August 9th at 2:00 PM

Jamal is originally from Illinois where he also attended undergrad and pharmacy school at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After earning his PharmD, Jamal went on to complete a clinical pharmacy practice residency at Mountainview Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He earned his Executive Master’s in Healthcare Administration from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He also had the opportunity to serve as an oncology pharmacy specialist for the medical oncology team. Currently, Jamal works as an oncology medical science liaison for Bayer pharmaceuticals where he serves as a scientific resource and expert on  medications/research in relation to treating prostate cancer.

Ahnika Leroy

Monday, August 8th at 2:00 PM

Ahnika is an Offering Manager at IBM where she focuses on providing technology solutions for the Federal Government to better serve state/local and national communities. Ahnika studied Economics at CU Boulder and graduated magna cum laude in 2018. 

Tinisha Dorsey

Monday, August 8th at 3:15 PM

Tinisha Dorsey is a Principal of the Mercer Life, Absence and Disability (LAD) practice in the Central Region. Tinisha’s career spans more than 20 years of director-level consulting experience at such notable firms as MetLife and W.W. Grainger. Tinisha serves as a mentor to some of Mercer’s rising stars and she is active in a number of Business Resource Groups (BRG) and Professional Organizations. Some of her most notable roles include co-leading the Chicago & Milwaukee Racial & Ethnic Diversity BRG and serving as the LAD Carrier Relations Executive Sponsor. She is a Fortune Connect Fellow as well as an active member of the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA). Tinisha volunteers serving on the Board of Directors as the Business Manager for The Spirited Pearls Foundation.Her hobbies are filmmaking, baking and fitness, and most importantly, she is a proud wife of 24 years and fan-mother of three college level and high school athletes.

Ben Bressler

Monday, August 8th at 4:00 PM

Ben was raised in New Jersey and received his higher education at Skidmore College in Saratoga, New York. In the past 35 years since, 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. When he’s not working, Ben rides his mountain bike, skis, smokes Cuban cigars and enjoys time with his family.

Pete Burridge

Tuesday, August 9th at 8:45 AM

Pete is the founder 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.

Jamie Clay

Tuesday, August 9th at 8:45 AM

Jamie is a senior associate at Greenhouse Scholars. Jamie is a first-generation college and post-college graduate. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Indiana University and master’s degree in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). Jamie is a results and mission-driven nonprofit leader, relationship and team builder, and project management ninja that brings 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to Greenhouse Scholars. She started her career in arts management at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and after moving to Cleveland, focused primarily on education operations management, events and fundraising. 

La’Shanda Holmes

Tuesday, August 9th at 11:00 AM

La’Shanda R. Holmes is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard. She became the first African-American female helicopter pilot for the Coast Guard, and she has amassed over 2,000 flight hours conducting search and rescue, counter drug, law enforcement, and Presidential air-intercept missions. She was appointed as a White House Fellow in 2015 by President Barack Obama. From 2015 to 2016 she was the Special Assistant to the NASA Administrator General Charles F. Bolden. Holmes is currently finishing up a master’s degree in administrative leadership and plans to write a book.

Leon Burnette

Tuesday, August 9th at 2:45 PM

Leon Burnette is a Diversity and Civil Rights Activist, Tour Director, Educator, Author, Event Producer and Youth Mentor. Leon began his 45-year journey as a Tour Director and Music Executive working for A-list companies and recording. He is the owner operator of Civil Rights Trail Tours and the Director of The Diversity Project for Trip School. In addition he is the author of Trip Schools “Civil Rights Trail Tours-A Guidebook for Tour Professional and Teachers”. Leon is the Founder and CEO of The Media Arts Institute, a 501 c3 non-profits youth travel and leadership program that trains, mentors, and places youth in internships and permanent jobs in the Media, Travel, and Tourism Industries. The Media Arts youth travel program uses Civil Rights history tours to help inner-city youth become global travelers, confront prejudice and racism while empowering them with the decision-making skills to become adults who change the world for the better.

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Summer Symposium 2021

By

Exploring the Value of Relentlessness

At this year’s Summer Symposium we aim to demonstrate the value of relentlessness as a trait that carries enormous multiplying power. When others witness your refusal to quit, they too are inspired, allowing your success to pull others forward and see their goals through to their end. Relentlessness is a dual-edged blade, cutting down barriers while spreading its indomitable spirit to peers. At Greenhouse Scholars we are Relentless Together.
Summer Symposium 2021

What is Summer Symposium? It is a key component of our Greenhouse Scholars program, bringing all of our Scholars together for peer support and learning. An annual, multi-day gathering, Summer Symposium includes workshops, speakers, panel discussions, and group projects that encourage Scholars to explore their core values, expand their thinking, and cultivate their leadership skills.

We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s Summer Symposium will be held at the newly constructed Rustandy Building at CU Boulder.

Preview Our 2021 Symposium Speakers

Secretary Jeh Johnson

Jeh Johnson served as the US Secretary of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017 and was the general counsel of the Department of Defense from 2009 to 2012. Johnson is now a partner at the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, a member of the boards of directors of Lockheed Martin and U.S. Steel, and a trustee of Columbia University.

Cathy Bessant

“The Most Powerful Woman in Banking” 

We’re thrilled to sit down for a virtual “fireside chat” with Cathy Bessant, the chief operations and technology officer at Bank of America. Since 2010, Bessant has led Global Technology and Operations, delivering end-to-end technology and operating services across the company through a team of 95,000 people in over 35 countries.

Jessica Moore

A Greenhouse Scholars alumna, Jessica Moore will be leading an improv session at Summer Symposium this year! Jessica recently earned a joint degree in Neuroscience and English from Harvard University. During college, she served as President of both the Hasty Pudding Theatricals and the Leadership Institute. Jessica is currently working as a Manhattan Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster care system and as a standup comedian at The Grisly Pear in NYC. She plans to begin law school in the fall.

Eric Roza

Eric Roza is the CEO of CrossFit, the world’s leading platform for Health, Happiness, and Performance. CrossFit has millions of participants, 12,000 gyms, and 150,000 credentialed trainers in over 150 countries. Eric serves on the boards of Crestone Capital, Endeavor, Global Colorado, Sondermind, and Spark Grills, and is an Executive-in-Residence with General Catalyst.

Valencia Watson

The daughter of a teen mother, Valencia experienced homelessness as a child and decided early on that academics was the best path toward financial stability. Today, Valencia holds a Masters in Biochemical Engineering, a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering, and is pursuing her PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology. Valencia is an avid community volunteer, mentoring high school and college students, as well as single mothers pursuing GEDs. She aims to increase the number of minority students earning doctorate degrees in science and engineering.

Maria Rey Marston, PhD

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Maria’s family instilled in her a deep love for education. She studied Economics in college, pursued a Professional Certification in Science and Technology Project Management, and a master’s degree in International Affairs. Most recently, she ran her own boutique consulting firm, which she sold to Ernst & Young, and then joined Accenture. 

Dan Caruso

Dan Caruso is Executive Chairman and Interim CEO of ColdQuanta, the leader in Cold Atom Quantum Technology. He was Founding Partner and Chairman of Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. and a co-founding executive of Level 3. Dan holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Avid supporters of Colorado’s and Chicago’s entrepreneurial community, Dan and his wife Cindy established The Caruso Foundation in 2015 to Celebrate High-Impact Scale-Ups and Inspire Next Generation Entrepreneurial Leaders.

Rico Wint

Motivational speaker, educator, community leader and minister, Rico Wint is motivating young men throughout the Denver metro area. A product of both Denver and Aurora Public Schools, he understands the plight that faces many of our inner-city young men. Rico is passionate about inspiring young men to be their best selves through practical and applicable social/leadership training.

Chris Nelson

With more than 25 years of experience creating opportunities for young people to thrive, Chris became the CEO of TGTHR. Under his leadership, TGTHR has launched a multitude of programs, including a drop-in center and emergency shelter for youth experiencing homelessness; a street outreach program; a transitional living program; and Colorado’s first LIHTC-funded permanent supportive housing building specifically for young adults.

Brittney Oliver

A career and lifestyle freelance writer and content strategist, Brittney built a platform called Lemons 2 Lemonade to help young professionals turn career obstacles around. Her platform is known for its networking mixers which bring professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives together in NYC, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta. Brittney was the keynote speaker at LinkedIn’s first women of color conference in 2019 and Forbes recently listed her as one of “Nine Black Women Leaders Dedicated to Empowering Others.”

Tony Wibbeler

CEO and Founder of Bolder Industries, Tony is passionate about protecting the environment, creating innovative products, and enhancing the lives of his employees. Drawing on his past experience in the medical device industry, Tony creates new and better ways to handle waste and recycling inefficiencies. He has led Bolder Industries to numerous business awards including Environmental Leader’s “Top Product of the Year” and “Breakout Company of the Year” (Colorado Cleantech Industries Association). 

Andrew Limouris

Founder, president, and CEO of Medix, an international staffing organization specializing in recruiting skilled personnel in the healthcare, science, and IT fields. Andrew’s business mission is to positively impact lives and he strives to recruit others who live the company’s core values. As a result, Medix has developed into one of the largest and fastest-growing staffing agencies in America. Andrew received his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Ripon College and now lives in Illinois with his wife and their three children. He believes purpose can lead to satisfied employees, increased revenue and unified teamwork.

 

Ryan Carter

As a frequent contributor to the Denver Post, 5280 Magazine, Rocky Mountain News and a featured agent on HGTV’s “House Hunters,” Ryan is recognized as an industry expert with the local expertise necessary to help buyers, sellers, and investors successfully buy and sell in Denver. For more than 10 years and with over $100 million in real estate sales, his design interest and business acumen have allowed him to guide clients to achieve their goals. As the Team Leader of 8z Central Denver, Ryan mentors new agents to uphold a new standard in real estate.

 

Dulce Anayasaenz

Always passionate about helping others to achieve their dreams, Dulce was first drawn to the world of politics and ultimately into real estate. Whether a client is buying their first home, moving up to something larger, or investing in income-generating assets, she offers support throughout the entire process. Dulce has lived in Colorado for almost 30 years and enjoys spending time with family and traveling to her native country of Mexico.

 

Rob Israel

Rob is founder of WisdomWrks™, an accelerator that guides and grows businesses and opportunities in the Health and Wellness space as well as Real Estate and Franchising. The current CEO and Co-founder of Lazzaro Medical, Rob’s entrepreneurial successes also include founding Doc Popcorn (which sold to Dippin’ Dots in 2014) and Knitwaves (one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of girls’ sweaters and sportswear). Rob is an angel investor and advisor to a Micro VC fund, Kokopelli Capital, and has taught entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of business in Boulder Colorado. He regularly coaches entrepreneurs and start-ups.

 

Ivan Hernandez

Ivan is President and CEO of Banner Signs and Decals, a signage manufacturer in Colorado and a business he leads in collaboration with several members of the Greenhouse Scholars community (Taylor Kirkpatrick, Lane Hornung at 8z Real Estate, and Doug Bonnette). Ivan is a Greenhouse Scholars alumnus who earned his BA and MBA at The University of Denver Daniels College of Business.

 

Kristy Lewis

Founder and CEO of Quinn Foods LLC, Kristy has spent the last 10 years on a mission to revolutionize classic snack foods by making them better for you and the planet, without compromising on flavor. She started by reimagining microwave popcorn-removing the chemicals/plastics and using only real ingredients that can be traced back to the source. As a company, Quinn is re-imagining agriculture, farmers, packaged food, the planet, how they connect, and why it all matters.

 

Phillip Schermer

Founder & CEO of Project Healthy Minds and Vice President & Chief of Staff to the Global Chief Marketing Officer at BlackRock. Before joining BlackRock, Phil worked in the Obama White House as an intern for the National Economic Council, for Warner Brothers Entertainment on the movie set of The Dark Knight Rises, for Summit Entertainment on the movie set of Perks of Being a Wallflower, and for Live Nation on U2’s 360 tour. While in college, Phil founded MUSIC Matters, a student-run non-profit at the University of Michigan that hosts one of the largest social impact lifestyle festivals in the US.

 

Howdy Pierce

A technology executive and software engineer with a background in operating systems, networking, and audio/video protocols, Howdy joined the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences at CU Boulder in 2020. Before that, he founded and served as CEO of Vantum, a venture-funded startup focused on building hardware and software solutions for the use of digital video in enterprise applications. In addition, Howdy co-founded Cardinal Peak, an engineering design services company focusing on developing audio/video and Internet of Things products. Howdy has a B.S. in mathematics and professional writing from Carnegie Mellon.

 

Kat Ling

Formerly the Chief of Staff and then Chief Program Officer, Kathryn (Kat) Ling is now the Interim CEO at Moonshot edVentures, where she develops high-quality programming with a focus on strategy and sustainability. Kat attended Cornell University where she studied English and Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies and conducted an honors thesis on cultural responsiveness in the young adult fiction genre. She has a Masters through the University of Arkansas – Clinton School of Public Service.

 

VJ Brown

VJ Brown joined Moonshot edVentures in 2020 as Program Manager. Previously, he worked for the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, supporting civic leadership programs for rising professionals and college students. He also helped develop and lead the organization’s strategy around diversity, equity, and inclusion. VJ holds a Bachelors of Arts in Africana Studies from Davidson College with a minor in Anthropology. He is a 2018 graduate of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado Connect Leadership program and a participant in 2020 Colorado Civic DNA.

 

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