In this episode, Katie sits down with Aaditya “Aadi” Pore, the 2025 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year, as awarded by the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. Inspired by his mom’s lessons in humility and service, the CU Boulder senior opens doors for fellow students interested in STEM careers while serving as a campus-wide leader. For Aadi, true leadership means building on the support he’s received from mentors to make a difference at the intersection of science, policy, and leadership.

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This week, Katie Kramer welcomes Katy Anthes, a respected education leader who has spent decades shaping Colorado’s K-12 sector. Known for her collaborative approach and steady presence during times of challenge, Katy reflects on the early influences that drew her to public service and education, as well as her deep connection to Colorado. She discusses her current work leading the Forward Initiative at the Public Education & Business Coalition, where she’s focused on equipping educators with practical skills in conflict resolution and bridge-building — tools that are increasingly vital in today’s polarized climate. Her story is a testament to the power of listening, curiosity, and shared purpose in building stronger communities.

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Join Jevon "JJ" McKinney, a 2021 Boettcher Scholar, as he shares his experiences as a journalist. Raised in Colorado Springs, JJ shares how his passion for storytelling took shape — and why ethical reporting matters more than ever. From his time as an undergraduate at Colorado State University to his vision for a future in local news, JJ explores journalism’s power to shape, serve, and strengthen community narratives.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode, Katie chats with Dr. Melissa Reynolds of Colorado State University, who dives into how an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research has shaped both her leadership and collaborative spirit with others. She discusses how the solution to a challenge is often a combination of different voices, ideas, and failures — with the approach and process as important as the end result. This mindset not only helps build strong teams but also fosters a sense of community that drives continued progress and innovation. An award-winning scientist and Boettcher Investigator, Dr. Reynolds shares insights into why it’s important to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical science and biomaterials.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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This week, Katie sits down with longtime friend Christine Benero to explore how meaningful leadership can shape stronger communities. In particular, Christine shares how her early experiences as a special education teacher and her work with AmeriCorps and the Red Cross informed her approach to community-driven solutions. As the longtime president & CEO of Mile High United Way, Christine talks in detail about her focus to create programs that prioritize families and neighborhoods, ensuring that services are tailored to the people they serve.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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On this week’s episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie sits down with tech entrepreneur and social impact leader, Richard Lewis. A champion for communities of color, Richard discusses his innovative incubator model at Denver’s BIPOC Nonprofit Development Center, which provides both space and support to help organizations flourish. Rich, as his friends know him, also talks about how his background in the Air Force and love of African American history are driving forces in his life. This conversation is an inspiring look at how leadership, service, and just doing something can create lasting change.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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On this week’s episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie and Curtis dialogue with the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Janet Damon, on how to become a champion of wellness. As a dedicated educator and advocate for student-centered learning, Janet’s journey has been defined by her passion for helping every student reach their full potential. Janet reflects on how her approach to teaching has evolved over two decades. She discusses her work to disrupt book deserts, support teacher wellness, and create communities where all voices matter. This conversation is a reminder that all educators have the power and influence to become champions of care, inspiration, and leadership.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode, Katie talks with Cindy Mahlberg, a 1997 Boettcher Scholar and entrepreneur who has made her mark in Colorado. As co-founder of Women in the Mix and the Colorado Center for Dermatology & Skin Surgery, Cindy has been instrumental in empowering women and supporting their professional and personal growth.

Her work emphasizes the concept of a "work-life mix" rather than traditional balance, recognizing that life is about thriving through its different seasons. Her experience as a corporate lawyer, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in her by her mother, has inspired a distinctive approach to leadership and building community.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode, Katie sits down with Kara Penn, a 1994 Boettcher Scholar and owner of Mission Spark. Kara's journey from scholarship recipient to social impact leader has been marked by a commitment to systems-level change and a passion for supporting mission-driven organizations.

As co-author of "Fail Better," Kara emphasizes the importance of learning from "smart mistakes,” while using failure as an asset in management and life. She also reflects on how motherhood has influenced her leadership style and the lessons she's applied from parenting to professional life.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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Buckle up as Paul Andrews, CEO of the National Western Stock Show, takes us on his journey from sports executive to agricultural leader. A Colorado native, Paul reveals how he turned the Stock Show into the Super Bowl of livestock shows and a powerhouse for ag education. As he prepares for retirement, Paul reflects on his 15-year legacy of developing an enterprise that has become an international cultural event showcasing the West.

Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.