Five years after a routine checkup led to the life-altering diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s, Rebecca Chopp is a picture of joy, health, and discipline. With the same verve she once poured into higher education leadership and research, today her passion is focused on Alzheimer’s activism. From the living room of her Broomfield home, the retired University of Denver chancellor and renowned scholar talks about how she’s still educating and learning, with her focus at this stage on lifestyle intervention, research, and timely diagnosis of the progressive brain disease. Along the way, she has discovered a creative talent in painting that, combined with a daily regimen of exercise and diet, have given her a renewed sense of purpose -- one that is focused on quality time.

Rebecca's Book - Still Me: Accepting Alzheimer’s Wthout Losing Yourself

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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Joelle Martinez’s leadership journey is rooted in community, culture, and identity. Hear from the president & CEO of the Latino Leadership Institute about her family’s Colorado story and multi-generational influences on her life and career. In our conversation, Joelle shares the events that led to her pivot from leading public affairs campaigns to running an institute that unlocks the potential of Latino leaders and entrepreneurs. A decade into this life-altering decision, Joelle has led the growth of LLI from a start-up nonprofit to a national model and cross-sector network of several thousand leaders who share a passion for socially responsible, civic action. 

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode of the Colorado Leadership Stories podcast, Katie interviews Kourtny Garrett, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. They explore Kourtny's Colorado roots and experience in creating vibrant urban spaces in Texas, and her return to Denver to lead the city's downtown revitalization. Kourtny shares insights on the impact of mentorship and the adaptive challenge of working with individuals experiencing homelessness

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode we are joined with Owen Rask, a 2024 Colorado College graduate and Boettcher Scholar. Owen's passion for economics, political science, and mathematics fuels his approach to real world challenges, while his involvement in musical theater and stand-up comedy boost his ability to connect with others and lead. We discuss his work with AI at CC as well as how his time studying abroad at the London School of Economics has influenced his views on education and leadership.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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

Join us as we talk with Janice Sinden, president & CEO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, about her journey from aspiring teacher to influential leader. Janice shares how a series of mentors and pivotal experiences shaped her, from a fifth grade educator who inspired her love for teaching, to a mentor who challenged her to understand her own beliefs and work across political lines. Discover how Janice integrates the wisdom of her mentors and her background into her leadership at DCPA, prioritizing collaboration, inclusivity, and community engagement.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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

In our conversation with Dr. Stefanie Johnson, author of a Wall Street Journal national bestseller and director of CU Boulder’s Center for Leadership, we learn about what it means to inclusify – a continuous, sustained effort to help diverse teams feel engaged, empowered, accepted, and valued. With years of research and teaching in her background, Stefanie delves into why uniqueness and belonging are so imperative in the workplace, whether at NASA, the NFL, or on college campuses. A first-generation college graduate and mom, Stefanie also reflects on her own experiences when she or her children have felt seen for their individuality in a group environment.  

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Inclusify by Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with 2011 Boettcher Scholar Richard Maez, deputy director of Ednium: The Alumni Collective. With his southwest Denver roots at the epicenter of his passion for community, Richard's path as an educator has been a unique one. He has served as a high school teacher, college advisor, and program manager, where he discovered the power of storytelling in connecting with students. This sentiment remains core to his work today as he empowers young alumni of Denver Public Schools to drive positive change. In this episode, Richard delves into the significance of how authentic community engagement can impact student learning, meanwhile shifting his perspective on leadership. Discover how Ednium's impactful programs and policy platform are shaping Colorado’s educational landscape.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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

For the past decade, Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser has led Colorado Mountain College, overseeing 11 campuses in the central Rocky Mountains that today enroll more than 18,000 students. With themes of collaboration and complexity, Carrie talks about the importance of seeking common ground on issues that can divide rural and urban Colorado. An experienced mountaineer, she also shares how she finds inspiration and meaning from summiting all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers (highest peaks) or climbing to the basecamp of Mount Everest. Whether she is facilitating a team meeting or leading a group on an outdoor expedition, Carrie encourages us to experience the journey as it happens and raise our hand to volunteer and serve.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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

Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis is the president and CEO of Craig Hospital in Denver, which specializes in neuro rehabilitation for spinal cord and brain injuries. With 25-plus years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, Jandel reflects on her career as an African American woman in healthcare leadership. Discover how Jandel seamlessly transitioned into administrative roles, driven by a passion for making meaningful change within a complex system. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role it has played in shaping her leadership approach. Jandel’s impact extends beyond professional achievements, as she is deeply involved in her community and expresses her creativity through art and photography.

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

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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

Taking the Unify Challenge is an exercise in many things, including curiosity, courage, and listening, to name a few. But the results it produces – building civic muscles – is the outcome that drives Unify America President Michelle Sobel. Founded in 2020, Unify America creates interactive experiences to help Americans bust out of their bubbles and get to know each other. From connecting college students to attempting to solve a community challenge in Montrose, Unify America is learning in real time that promoting civil discourse and bridging political divides is, indeed, possible. And a thing of the present. Listen to Michelle talk about the organization’s work to foster constructive conversations and bridge ideological gaps in Colorado and beyond.

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

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation

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