Background
(She/her) I’m originally from Denver, (so is my husband, so are my kids, and maybe my tortoise.) I love everything about this beautiful state!
For over 25 years, I have been honored to be part of the Denver philanthropic sector, collaborating with generous donors and dedicated nonprofits to inspire change in our community. Over the years, I've secured nearly $45 million in charitable gifts, coached countless community leaders and teams to deepen relationships with stakeholders, and establish successful fundraising programs.
Where I've worked...
- Served as a Major Gifts Officer at my alma mater, CU Boulder and as the first Development Director for Community Shares of Colorado.
- At Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, I managed a team of frontline fundraisers and was honored to receive the Development Professional Award from our national partner - Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
- Built a more sophisticated major gifts program and laid the foundation for a major news initiative campaign at Colorado Public Radio.
- Secured over $30 million for Children's Hospital Colorado and participated in a comprehensive campaign raising over $420 million, working with donors ranging from 4-figure gifts to 8-figure gifts.
- Served as Board Member and President for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter and have mentored 6 graduates of DU's Institute for Leaders in Development program.
What I've been thinking about lately...
I've been exploring more deeply my own privilege, white fragility and the role philanthropy plays in sustaining white supremacy. It's been a journey and a trail I'm committed to staying on. Applying an equity lens to charitable giving is very important to me and I welcome (and pursue) these conversations. If you've read a great book recently, or heard a podcast on this subject, I'd love to hear about it.
What happened??
The last several years have introduced a new challenge - professionally and personally. Like millions of others, I'm battling Long Haul Covid. This wretched mystery put my personal and professional life on hold. As I return to the workforce, I've been introduced to the joys of consulting - meeting new people, organizations and opportunities to make a difference in my community. I've learned to put my health and family first, to embrace the unpredictability of this condition, and take each day as it comes. It is especially gratifying to put my skills and expertise towards missions that shine a light on communities and causes often forgotten or dismissed, I know a taste of that experience on my Long Haul journey. Everyone should be seen, feel valued and offered opportunities to pursue their dreams.
What else?
I've got a fantastic family and supportive circle of friends. I'm honored to serve on the Board for the Center for Work Education and Employment (CWEE) and the External Affairs committee at Brent's Place. I'm a former trail runner (now hiker), open-water swimmer (now stand-up paddleboarder) and mom to two teens who like me most of the time and a sweet tortoise who loves me all of the time.