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

Colorado Experience Early Bird Registration Now Open

Register by Jan. 17 and Save $50

Join emerging and executive business and civic leaders April 24-25 for Colorado Experience and explore statewide issues with the guidance of locals and behind-the-scenes experiential opportunities in our host city, Pueblo. This hub of southeastern Colorado is a diverse community, attracting tourists seeking multicultural and recreational offerings found only at this unique confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek. Leaders will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss economic development, water, health care, tourism, energy and education issues. Learn more or register today.

Are You Part of the Best Class Ever?

Show Your Pride at the Celebrating Civic Leadership Luncheon March 6

With more than 3,000 Leadership Foundation alumni, there's a lot to celebrate at the 2014 Celebrating Civic Leadership Luncheon on March 6. Prove that yours is the best class ever by rallying your fellow alumni at the luncheon, presented by Comcast. Purchase a table or individual tickets today; sponsorship opportunities also available. If you bring the most alumni, your class will be named the Leadership Foundation's best class ever for the year. Click here for more information.

Fall Forum Rewind—Watch Game Changer Jamie Van Leeuwen

In case you missed Jamie Van Leeuwen (LD '03, LEX, CE) at the Fall Forum or you want to see his inspiring presentation again, click here to watch him now. Jamie is deputy chief of staff for Gov. John Hickenlooper and executive director of the Global Livingston Institute. Videos from our other Fall Forum: Game Changers presenters, Kimball Crangle and Rick Petersen, Rebecca Holmes and Chris Herndon, are also available online and will be featured in upcoming installments of Leadership Link.

AlumLine

Leadership Denver '02 alumna and Leadership Exchange participant Carrie Besnette Hauser joined Colorado Mountain College as its ninth president on Dec. 2. Congratulations, Carrie! Click here to read more.

Let us know what's new with you in AlumLine! We will be sharing alumni updates, such as position changes and promotions, board appointments and more, in future issues of Leadership Link. Please send your updates to Sara Crocker at sara.crocker@denverleadership.org. Please make your entries pithy; we reserve the right to edit all submissions.