- What originally inspired you to participate in the Leadership Denver program?
I wanted to better understand the community I was serving and grow as a leader. Leadership Denver gave me the opportunity to learn from people across sectors, challenge my own assumptions, and build relationships with leaders I might not otherwise have met.
- What experience from the program has stayed with you the most, and why?
The relationships. Being in community with people who had different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences reinforced how powerful genuine connection can be. It reminded me that proximity, curiosity, and listening are often where meaningful change begins.
- How has the program influenced the way you lead?
It reinforced that leadership is about building bridges, not just making decisions. I’m more intentional about seeking different perspectives, building relationships across sectors, and using my network to create opportunities for others.
- What are you working on now that you are most excited about?
I’m excited about Breakthrough’s continued growth and our work to support people across the full journey—from incarceration through reintegration and into meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility. We have an opportunity to change individual lives while also demonstrating what’s possible when systems truly invest in people.
- What advice would you give to the next generation of Leadership Foundation participants.
Be curious. Spend time with people who don’t think like you. Ask questions, build genuine relationships, and take advantage of opportunities to experience your community firsthand. Most importantly, use the relationships and influence you build to open doors for others.
