Jesse Ogas Named 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year
Ogas Was Announced at the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Annual Leading Colorado Luncheon Presented by BBVA
DENVER (March 10, 2021) – Today, 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced that Jesse Ogas has been named the 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year. Ogas’ award was announced at the virtual Leading Colorado Luncheon presented by BBVA. The Colorado Leadership Alliance Student Leader of the Year, Sara Khammash, was also recognized at the event. The Leading Colorado Luncheon raises funds for the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund, which allows more individuals to access Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation programs.
Ogas was one of three finalists for the 9NEWS Leader of the Year, which recognizes outstanding leaders who are inspiring the community and leading the way for change. More than 1,600 people cast their votes. This year’s finalists also included:
- Adeeb Khan, vice president of corporate social responsibility and executive director of the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation
- Lorii Rabinowitz, CEO of Denver Scholarship Foundation
As CEO and executive director of Firefly Autism, Ogas is constantly helping others find their voice, through both his professional and community work. During his tenure, Firefly Autism has increased outreach and treatment to previously underserved Latinx and Black communities.
“For me, bringing a voice to whatever issue it is brings awareness,” remarked Ogas. “When you raise awareness, people get involved, and that is where change happens.”
Ogas is also heavily involved in the community. His work with Su Teatro, a cultural and performing arts center, and Clinica Tepayac, which provides medical care to those who may have otherwise been unable to access it due to monetary or language barriers, all reflect Ogas’ desire to give a voice to the voiceless.
“Over this past year especially, all three of our finalists stepped up in leading both within their organizations and in the community, and I am thrilled to congratulate Jesse on this award,” said Dan Lewis, executive director of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. “His impact on the community embodies so many of Colorado’s CIVIC DNA values from responsibility and collaboration to inclusivity.”
9NEWS has recognized a Leader of the Year since 1999 and has partnered with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation on this award since 2006.
“The three finalists for the 2021 9NEWS Leader of the Year award have given so much back to the community,” said Mark Cornetta, president and general manager of 9NEWS. “I would like to congratulate Jesse, Adeeb and Lorii for their leadership and dedication to the Denver community.”
For more information on 9NEWS Leader of the Year and the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund, visit denverleadership.org.
About the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
An affiliate organization of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation educates and inspires people who want to make a difference as leaders in the community. Building strong, diverse leaders for more than 45 years, the Leadership Foundation provides the knowledge, skills, networks and experience to inspire leaders to engage in issues critical to the region’s success through a continuum of programs, including Leadership Denver, Impact Denver, Colorado’s Civic DNA Fellows, Leadership Exchange, Access Denver, the Colorado Leadership Alliance and the Leadership Foundation Alumni Network. For more information, please visit denverleadership.org.
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