The Power of Collaboration

Throughout the three days I had the pleasure of spending in Pittsburgh for the Leadership Exchange earlier this month, the culture of collaboration was palpable. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Chairman Jim Rohr summed up the process for any project—and we heard about a number of them—that Pittsburghers have worked on together over the past 30 years to create the vibrant city it is today: "In Pittsburgh, it's not really someone's project. It's our project."

I and the other 149 delegates from Colorado learned a lot about the city that was once only defined by its steel production. Here are a few takeaways:

Collaboration: We marveled throughout our trip at the collaborative efforts that have impacted Pittsburgh. The story of Pittsburgh's cultural district resonated with our delegates, because it echoed what Rohr told us. Civic and business leaders worked together to revitalize a red light district into a vibrant arts and culture center. The area, known as the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, didn't get bogged down in naming rights—everyone involved gave all they could to the project because they believed in the need for this in the city center.

Diversifying the economy: We heard over and over how Pittsburgh and Denver both woke up in the 1980s with only one defined industry. We've both worked to diversify. Pittsburgh has made a name for itself in higher education, medicine, robotics technology, energy and advanced manufacturing. Our delegates had an opportunity to meet with industry leaders and experience first-hand the cutting-edge advances that are transforming each of these sectors.

Unique solutions in education: Delegates had the opportunity to learn about education solutions by touring Manchester Bidwell, a unique organization that provides youth arts programs and adult education, and learning about the Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program that provides up to $40,000 per student who graduates from city high schools. Delegates also explored an innovative initiative to reinvent traditional learning in and out of the classroom, leveraging new technologies and community partnerships to effectively engage a new generation of students.

The Leadership Foundation will continue to serve as a convener and will work with our alumni to bring interested parties to the table to facilitate meaningful discussions that can lead to action and impact for our region.

A special thank you to our sponsors, particularly Presenting Sponsor Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, and our spectacular Leadership Foundation team for developing and pulling off an exceptional, educational three days.

Cindy Parsons
Chair, Leadership Foundation Board of Directors

Annual Report to the Community Available Online

For nearly 40 years, the Leadership Foundation has carried a strong history of excellence. This year, we highlight the four key areas in Vision 2017: Growth, Impact, Visibility and Engagement, that lay the foundation for greater service to the community. Click here to view our 2012-2013 annual report.

Register for the Fall Forum—Dec. 4

Attracting more than 200 attendees, the Fall Forum offers deeper insight into civic leadership, community issues and is an opportunity to rekindle your alumni network. The 2013 Fall Forum will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., with a reception to follow, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Embassy Suites. This year, four Leadership Foundation alumni will share how they changed the game in our region in a series of fast-paced presentations. Click here to reserve your seat at this exciting event. Cost to attend is $40.

Alumni Spotlight: Julie Hoopes

Julie Hoopes, a senior manager with Rebound Solutions, is always up for a challenge! She brings this drive to Rebound Solutions whether streamlining business operations, leading the implementation of a new system or program or planning a large scale event, Julie is a self-starter who finds the greatest challenges to be the most rewarding. She is an ID '11 alumna.

How do you inspire others to get involved in their community?

I start with inviting others to become involved with the organizations for which I volunteer my time. This varies widely from fostering dogs to a university alumni association to running programs for elementary-aged girls. I find that most often people are motivated and want to get involved in their community, but may not know where to start. I think this is especially true in Colorado, where many of my colleagues and friends are transplants from other states and less familiar with their new community. My advice is always the same—start somewhere, anywhere! No matter what cause you may be passionate about, there is likely a group or nonprofit that you can become involved with in a way that complements your abilities and schedule. And there's no "right" way to be involved in your community—involvement comes in many different forms and you have to do what works for you and what you enjoy doing!

Read our full Q&A with Julie and check out our previous alumni spotlights.

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 and note that we reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Join Us for National Philanthropy Day—Nov. 15

National Philanthropy Day is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world. The 2013 National Philanthropy Day in Colorado will be celebrated on Nov. 15 in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. The Leadership Foundation is pleased to be a sponsor of this event. Purchase your tickets today.