Blog
Stay up to date with stories about our work and our Leadership Foundation alumni.
Meet 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year Shawn Neville
Inspiring Innovation and Empowering Communities Through Purpose-Driven Leadership Shawn Neville’s dedication to mentorship and creating opportunities for youth has shaped his impactful leadership journey. As a 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist, Shawn has worked to connect young people with education, career paths, and outdoor experiences, inspiring businesses, and communities to join in fostering inclusivity and unlocking potential. [...]
Meet 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist Katie Kruger
A Transformative Leadership Journey from Rural Roots to Real Estate Katie Kruger’s leadership in commercial real estate, dedication to community-focused policies and impressive commitment to connecting young people to jobs have earned her recognition as a 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist. From championing policy to fostering economic connectivity and sponsoring more than 1,200 young people in climbing [...]
Meet 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist Amanda Blaurock
A Visionary Transforming Communities in Denver Amanda Blaurock’s leadership journey is one of transformation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to community impact. As a 2025 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist, her story showcases the ability to lead with cultural humility and a dedication to building sustainable solutions for historically marginalized communities. Crediting much of her early leadership development to [...]
Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Executive Vice President and President of the Chamber’s Leadership Foundation
Kristen Blessman brings extensive experience and fresh vision to the Chamber its Leadership Foundation Denver - J. J. Ament, the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kristen Blessman as Executive Vice President of the Chamber and President of the Chamber’s Leadership Foundation. With extensive experience in strategic [...]
Empowering Change: Impact Denver’s Collaboration with YANA
One of the highlights of the Impact Denver program is the nonprofit projects that participants get to work on. Each cohort is divided into groups and paired with local nonprofits that need expert guidance from talented professionals across various fields. Nikki Brooker, CEO and Founder of YANA, a nonprofit established in 2016 to support mothers and address the ripple effect [...]
Gabriel Trujillo Named 2024 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year
DENVER (April 17, 2024) — The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation, proudly announced Gabriel Trujillo as the 2024 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year. Trujillo, a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver majoring in Psychology and minoring in Spanish, was honored during the Leading Colorado Luncheon, celebrating outstanding leadership and community impact. In [...]
John Farnam Named 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year
DENVER (April 11, 2024) — 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation announced John Farnam, Managing Director of the Morgridge Family Foundation, as the 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year. The award for community leadership was presented during the Leading Colorado Luncheon, an annual event aimed at raising funds for the Leading Colorado Scholarship Fund and honoring leadership excellence in Metro [...]
Meet 2024 9NEWS Leader of the Year Finalist Lorez Meinhold
Meet Lorez Meinhold, a leader weaving inclusive collaboration into the fabric of health and well-being transformation in Colorado. With over two decades of experience in grantmaking, health policy, and advocacy, Lorez's commitment to equity is the heartbeat of her personal and professional pursuits. Dedicating her life to community empowerment, Lorez recognizes the intricate interconnections between critical issues like access to [...]