Kelly Underell, executive director of the Colorado Technology Foundation, got a surprise while attending the Impact Denver 2017 spring class’s continuation: we recognized her for her involvement with the Leadership Foundation and the community as a whole with our first Impact Denver Outstanding Alumni Award.

Underell, an alum of the 2011 Impact Denver class, has worked more than a decade in the nonprofit and public sector. She is leading efforts to ensure that in the new age of technology, Colorado’s supply of skilled workers meets industry demands. And, she represents the epitome of alumni taking the knowledge from class and channeling it into action in the community.

Get to know Underell and see why she received the Impact Denver Outstanding Alumni Award.

What does it mean to you to be the first recipient of the Impact Denver Outstanding Alumni Award?

I have great appreciation for the Leadership Foundation and the well-respected Leadership Foundation alumni network. It’s an honor to be recognized among this group as the first recipient of the Impact Denver Outstanding Alumni Award.

What did you find to be the most impactful opportunity from participating in Impact Denver?

I enjoyed the opportunity to dive in deeper to the issues effecting the Denver community and to consider different perspectives from around the room. I also valued the opportunity to meet other business and community leaders outside my network, many of whom continue to grow and do amazing work for our city and state.

What leadership lesson from Impact Denver do you still carry with you today?

Impact Denver taught me to embrace a broader network. Even if a classmate or guest speaker might not be able to help you directly now, or vice versa, there is always potential for future collaboration. I’d encourage all participants to make the effort to nurture the unique relationships born out of the Leadership Foundation programs.

What’s your favorite thing about being an alum of the Leadership Foundation?

Leadership is a journey. It isn’t defined by one experience or job title. Impact Denver and Colorado Experience are milestones I’ve had along the way, and I look forward to continuing my leadership journey with the support of the Leadership Foundation and its network of incredible leaders.