The Best Introduction to the Leadership Foundation
Walking into the Northfield Stapleton Community Room earlier this month to experience Leadership Denver's Politics Day, I was full of anticipation. Not only would we be talking about advocacy, but we'd be diving into an area that's had supporters and opponents locally and nationally: medical marijuana.
The morning was guided by Day Chair and Denver City Councilman Christopher J. Herndon, LD '11, and we heard from people on both sides of the issue. It was a day that ambitiously and thoughtfully covered a timely, controversial issue.
Before coming to the Leadership Foundation, I knew the programs were rooted in the mission to provide content, context and access to the people and issues shaping the Denver area. Sitting in at Politics Day, I was able to see how the experiences from one of our programs can educate, challenge and create a reflective dialogue among people in our community who have the capacity to make change.
During that same week, I had the pleasure of kicking off our Fall Forum, which welcomed five Leadership Foundation alumni to the stage to share how they have changed the game in their communities. Just a few weeks on board, and I've been able to see the Leadership Foundation's mission in action, providing a foundation for understanding civic issues and serving as a source for inspiration and motivation for our alumni to create better communities. It has been humbling to see how our leaders can grow and evolve.
In 2014, there will be even more opportunities to learn and hear from inspirational alumni. On March 6, I'm so pleased that we'll be recognizing LD '13 alumna Lisa A. Hill as the 9NEWS Leader of the Year at our Celebrating Civic Leadership Luncheon. In April, Colorado Experience is back! There's no better way to get an overview of statewide issues, and we'll have a stunning local backdrop thanks to our host city, Pueblo. I look forward to seeing you more in 2014.
Wishing you happy holidays and a successful new year,
Mary Ricketson
Executive Director
|