Reconnect with the Leadership Foundation

Have you ever tried design thinking? If not, I challenge you to give it a try—it's a method of quickly developing an idea and tweaking your design based on the feedback from those who will use it. Thought provoking, right?

At the end of August, 26 of our alumni gave this method of rapid prototyping a try at our Catalyst Lab. They worked in teams to create solutions for four nonprofit partners on the issue of childhood health and obesity. It was a great experience that challenged everyone to push themselves to find solutions and to be open to anything. "When you let your ego get in the way, you get in the way of opportunity," our design thinking expert and facilitator Hi Howard told the group.

Catalyst Lab was a great opportunity to convene our alumni and get them excited and involved with an issue facing our community. With that in mind, I encourage you to reconnect—it's a great way to engage and network with civic-minded leaders.

As you'll see in this newsletter, this fall you'll have the opportunity to work on your social media skills with our friends at GroundFloor Media and celebrate the impact of game-changing leadership at our Fall Forum. Look forward to seeing you there!

Cindy Parsons
Chair, Leadership Foundation Board of Directors

Call for Submissions: Fall Forum 2013

The Leadership Foundation requests proposals for presentations at its annual Fall Forum on Dec. 4. This year, the Leadership Foundation will highlight you—our alums—who are changing our region for the better. We're seeking presentations that are inspiring, dynamic, impactful and concise—we want to stir people's curiosity and hope. The Fall Forum offers deeper insight into civic leadership, community issues and an opportunity to rekindle your alumni network. For more information on the program and submission details, click here. Submit proposals by Oct. 10.

Propose an Impact Denver 2014 Class Project

The Leadership Foundation and the Impact Denver Class of 2014 are inviting proposals from community organizations for ideas on specific, short-term projects that could help an organization enhance its current work. Impact Denver is designed for Denver metro area professionals who are interested in developing their leadership skills, learning about the region and beginning or expanding their civic involvement. Proposals are due Dec. 20. Click here for more information and proposal submission details.

Alumni Spotlight: Patrice Henning

Patrice Henning, CIMA, is senior vice president, Investments with Raymond James based in Denver. She was recently appointed as chair of the CollegeInvest Board of Directors. She is a Leadership Denver '04 alumna.

Tell us about why you wanted to participate in Leadership Denver and how it impacted your civic engagement.

I moved my financial advisory practice from Saint Paul, Minnesota, in July of 2003 to Denver with the desire to make Colorado my home! In the spring of 2003, just one year after graduating from Leadership Saint Paul, I was lobbying the Leadership Foundation office for an application! I had no idea how competitive the program was and just weeks after my move to Colorado I found myself navigating my way to the Chamber office to interview for the upcoming class. I was eager to participate because I knew it was the premier program to establish myself as a member of my new community. As a member of a military family and graduate of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, commitment to your community as an active volunteer is an expectation, not an option. I've always enjoyed service to community and been involved in a number of nonprofit and civic organizations. To me, civic engagement is the ability to remain connected to other leaders, and my LD class is my foundation of amazing leaders in our community!

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

Community Support in Action: Colorado Flood Relief

Our thoughts are with the countless Coloradans affected by the floods. Here are a few ways you can give back. The Denver Post has compiled a list of organizations accepting donations and businesses stepping up to lend a hand. Also, former guests of the Sylvan Dale Ranch, host to many Leadership Denver retreats, are helping rebuild the flood-damaged ranch. Finally, our friends at the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network are partnering with SBA Disaster Assistance to host Business Recovery Centers throughout the state.