What the World Knows about Pueblo that You May Not

In 1921, a devastating flood destroyed the heart of Pueblo's business district along the Arkansas River. The community diverted the river and worked to revitalize its economy, and nearly 100 years later, the river has been returned to its historic location and a downtown riverwalk is blossoming.

Since 1995, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Foundation has worked to support the 32-acre urban waterfront riverwalk and make it the centerpiece of the city with economic, cultural and educational opportunities.

This riverwalk is just one example of the bold vision and community collaboration that is alive and well in Pueblo. You can witness it yourself at Colorado Experience, April 24-25.

"The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, which has spurred the development of a convention center and restoration of historic downtown buildings, including the Union Avenue Historic District, is a prime example of the community leadership, vision and collaboration that is revitalizing Pueblo," said HARP Foundation Executive Director Jim Munch, who will lead participants on a boat tour along the riverwalk.

Pueblo Riverwalk
A view along the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. Image courtesy of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.

Much of what we do on our city-to-city trips like Colorado Experience is myth-busting—challenging perceptions of a place and finding solutions to similar issues we face in our own communities. It's eye-opening and creates a community ripe for collaboration.

In addition to hearing the story of this reinvigorated downtown waterfront, our guests will learn about Pueblo's manufacturing prowess, its Creative Corridor of artists and its connections to major international companies who have opened their doors there.

This is a great opportunity for emerging and executive leaders alike to get to know the issues facing our state with the insight of our local hosts.

"I have gained a better (and more inspired) understanding of issues facing Colorado through this program than I ever could have on my own. Colorado Experience connected me to a group of engaged people from around the state whom I may not have met otherwise. These connections have offered me new ways to deepen my civic engagement in my community," says Vi Living Community Relations Manager Sarah Harman.

Join us and go behind the scenes with manufacturers like Evraz and Vestas Wind Systems; tour the Center for American Values; and enjoy the tastes of Pueblo with a gastro-tour of this multicultural community.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Boettcher Foundation, our Visionary Sponsor Xcel Energy and our Honorary Chair Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia.

I hope you'll register today and join us in April to experience Pueblo and Colorado!

Register for Colorado Experience

Mary Ricketson
Executive Director

Leadership Denver Class of 2015 Applications Open

Apply by June 2

The application period for the 2015 class of Leadership Denver, the state's premiere civic leadership program, is now open. Leadership Denver brings together 55 leaders with diverse backgrounds and careers over 11 months for a complete immersion into the civic issues facing metro Denver.

Learn from your peers and current leaders; go behind the scenes; and complete a project that will make an impact in your community.

Applications are due June 2 and interviews will be held June 23-26. Click here for more information or to apply.

Fall Forum Rewind—Watch Game Changer Rebecca Holmes

If you missed Rebecca Holmes (LD '10) at the Fall Forum or you want to see her inspiring presentation again, you can click here to watch her now. Rebecca is associate commissioner of innovation, choice and engagement at the Colorado Department of Education. Videos from our other Fall Forum: Game Changers presenters Jamie Van Leeuwen, Kimball Crangle and Rick Petersen and Chris Herndon, are also available online and will be featured in upcoming installments of Leadership Link.

AlumLine

Leadership Foundation Board Chair-Elect Katie Kramer (Leadership Denver 2006, Legacy Denver 2010, Colorado Experience and Colorado Leadership Alliance) has been re-elected as president of the National Scholarship Providers Association. Congratulations, Katie!

In January, David Spector (LD '12) began serving as Senior Deputy Legal Counsel for the Office of Gov. John Hickenlooper. Congratulations, David!

KP Yelpaala (LD '12) has received a Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative innovation grant, which offers support for developers and entrepreneurs in Africa, for access.mobile LLC. Congratulations, KP!

Let us know what's new with you in AlumLine! We will share alumni updates, such as position changes and promotions, board appointments and more, each month in Leadership Link. Please send your updates to Mikaela Gibson at mikaela.gibson@denverleadership.org. Please make your entries pithy; we reserve the right to edit all submissions.