Investing in Possibilities

Bill Strickland told the Celebrating Civic Leadership Luncheon audience that his arts education and career training center, Manchester Bidwell, is based on the philosophy that environment shapes behavior. Strickland has always believed in the powerful fusion of mentorship, education, beauty and hope and has proven that by harnessing these factors, he can transform lives, young and older. As president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Strickland often recounts the events of his own life and his journey from a Pittsburgh ghetto to his service on the National Endowment for the Arts – one of three presidential appointments he holds. His message is one of “hope for the hopeless” and “making the impossible possible” through a concentrated focus on mentoring, educating and inspiring “…those whom the community has overlooked.” His success has been so remarkable that they have replicated Manchester Bidwell’s educational model and created The National Center for Arts & Technology (NCAT) to assist communities across the nation and the world in developing similar centers.

Some in the luncheon audience met Strickland in Pittsburgh during last year’s Leadership Exchange (LEX) trip. His message was so captivating that these LEX participants insisted that the conversation be continued with the broader Chamber family in Denver. The luncheon we hosted on March 6 accomplished that goal.

Strickland met with a small group after the luncheon presentation and responded to questions about how to replicate Manchester Bidwell’s educational model in Denver. During the discussion, District 8 City Councilman Albus Brooks announced a pledge on behalf of the Mayor’s office to provide financial support for a feasibility study as a precursor to establishing an NCAT site in Denver. Shortly thereafter, Lorii Rabinowitz, LD'11, of Rebound Solutions graciously volunteered to become the feasibility study “point person.”

The Leadership Foundation was honored to be a convener of this important conversation and will share developments with you as the feasibility study unfolds.

Recap of Our Celebrating Civic Leadership Luncheon

On March 6th we honored the 9NEWS Leader of the Year, Lisa Hill, and heard from keynote speaker Bill Strickland. Over 650 business and community leaders came together in support of civic leadership and engagement; the crowd was enamored with Strickland’s presentation and much work has already been started to bring his Manchester Bidwell model to Denver.

We also awarded the Best Class Ever! trophy to the Leadership Denver Class of 2014 for bringing 52 of their 59 classmates to the luncheon.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and guests for your support in making this luncheon a huge success!

Fall Forum Rewind—Watch Game Changer Councilman Chris Herndon

If you missed Chris Herndon, LD'11, at the Fall Forum or you want to see his inspiring presentation again, you can click here to watch. Herndon is a City Council Member for the Denver City Council in District 11. Videos from our other Fall Forum presenters including Jamie Van Leeuwen, Kimball Crangle and Rick Petersen and Rebecca Holmes are also available online.

AlumLine

Jennifer Steller, LD’03, runs a residential real estate team with her husband. In 2013, it was named the No. 1 team among approximately 2,200 Keller Williams agents across the state of Colorado.

Jeremy Story, LD’13, started a new position as vice president for GroundFloor Media last month.

Also with GroundFloor Media, Jim Licko, LD’09, was recently promoted from senior director to vice president.

Andrew Freedman, LD’12, is working to ensure a successful regulatory framework for the implementation of marijuana legalization in his new position as the director of marijuana coordination for the state of Colorado.

Alison Griffin, LD’13, is now vice president of policy research with USA Funds, based in Indianapolis. She will continue to live in Colorado.

Debbie Welle Powell, LD’05, was named one of Colorado’s “most powerful and influential women” by the Colorado Diversity Council. She is being recognized not only for achieving personal success, but for making it possible for others to more easily follow her footsteps.

Bert Williams, LD’11, is now chief operating officer at Johnson Financial Group, LLC.

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.