Vision: A Metro Denver that is racially equitable in its leadership, prosperity, and culture.
Primary Role: To achieve our vision, we will be a proactive, collaborative, and resolute leader in reducing racial disparities.
President & CEO
Associate Scholarships Officer
Director of Policy & Government Affairs
Director of Gifts & Grants
Chief of Staff
Senior Accountant
Treasury Manager
Director of Engaged Philanthropy
Gift Administration Associate
Senior Scholarships Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Bilingual Foundation Services Coordinator
Grants Administrative Associate
Advisors Relations Officer
Assistant Controller
Bilingual Front Desk Coordinator
Senior Accountant
Senior Director of Scholarships
Communications Director
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair
Board Secretary
Board Treasurer
Immediate Past Board Chair
Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Director of Human Resources
Director of Operational Excellence
Temporary Gifts & Grants Administrative Associate
Senior Director of Engaged Philanthropy
Grants Administration Associate for Donor-Advised Funds
Vice President of Communications
Operational Excellence Analyst
Impact Executive Assistant
Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships & Learning
Special Funds Officer
Belonging Colorado Program Lead
Gifts & Grants Specialist
Senior Communications Officer
Accounting Specialist
Senior Director of Philanthropic Investments
Senior Gifts & Grants Officer
Accountant
Strengthening Neighborhoods & Technical Assistance Officer
Investment Operations Analyst
Associate Scholarships Officer
Reisher Scholarship Officer
Foundation Services Coordinator
Controller
Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Communications Coordinator
Philanthropic Investments Manager
Events Specialist
Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Associate Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Executive Director of the BRIC Fund
Facilities & Operations Manager
Major Gifts Officer
Senior Director of Information Technology
Senior Special Funds Officer
Associate Scholarships Officer
Chief Impact Officer
Director of Engaged Learning
Javier Alberto Soto is the President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. Before joining The Denver Foundation in October 2019, Javier spent 10 years as President and CEO of The Miami Foundation. Javier has strong personal ties to Colorado. In his first month with The Denver Foundation, Javier cycled more than 60 miles through dozens of neighborhoods, meeting with residents and leaders along the way. Javier graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. in History and Political Science and earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.
As Associate Scholarships Officer, Adelita stewards a portfolio of designated scholarships and some custom scholarships at The Denver Foundation. Adelita graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration. Adelita brings a combination of experience in higher education, direct service, and philanthropy and seeks to promote access to higher education. When not working, she enjoys dancing and exploring local coffee shops.
Erin is the Director of Gifts & Grants for the Finance & Accounting department at The Denver Foundation. She leads the team focused on tracking the generous donations that come into the foundation and processing grants that have been awarded to ensure compliance, acknowledgment, and philanthropic intent. Erin has been an advocate for social justice throughout her career in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and social responsibility. Outside of work, Erin enjoys traveling with her wife and learning about new cheeses to create tasty cheese boards to enjoy with friends & family.
Charmaine Brown, Chief of Staff, is the primary liaison for the foundation’s Board of Trustees and supports organizational and department planning and processes that lead to overall organizational excellence. Charmaine graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology and an M.A. in Counseling and Human Services with an emphasis in Higher Education from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and has received her MBA from Colorado State University. She brings her 15 years of higher education experience to philanthropy with hopes of creating new possibilities.
Mark recently came to The Denver Foundation with 25 years of experience as an accountant in the for-profit world. He is excited to bring that experience to foundation to help serve the greater Denver area and beyond. Mark digs into the details of making sure all the numbers are in the right place, as well as getting all our employees paid on time. He is originally from San Diego but now considers himself a true Coloradan and thoroughly enjoys the beautiful outdoors in this great state. Mark is currently working on a master’s degree in accounting in order to have even greater effectiveness in his role.
As treasury manager of The Denver Foundation, Courtney is responsible for operational oversight of the foundation’s investment and treasury accounts and processes. She supports the Accounting and Finance teams to ensure accurate financial transactions and reporting. Courtney graduated from the University of Missouri with a Master’s in Accountancy and is a Certified Public Accountant. She began her professional career in public accounting where she gained a tremendous love for the work of nonprofits in the Denver Metro area.
Come to Zach if you want to chat about nonprofit endowments and why they are essential!
As the Director of Engaged Philanthropy, Zach works directly with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to create charitable funds and achieve impact in the community. As a part of the Engaged Philanthropy team, Zach coordinates the Education and Housing/Homelessness priority areas for the Community Grants Program.
Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Zach is a born and raised Midwesterner. Previously at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, he specialized in philanthropic services, including charitable fund development, endowment-building, and nonprofit best practices. He graduated from Missouri State University with a Master of Public Administration with a local government emphasis.
Come to Dedie to talk about gift acknowledgments.
Lichelle (Dedie) Cornett is the Gift Administration Associate for the Finance & Administration Department at The Denver Foundation. Her major responsibilities are processing incoming contributions to the foundation and managing the setup of all of our funds. Dedie enjoys music, and spending time with family…especially time with her grandson.
Come to Jack to discuss scholarship grantmaking best practices and the impact scholarships can make in Colorado!
As Senior Scholarships Officer, Jack focuses on the day-to-day operations of the statewide Reisher Scholars Program to ensure maximum impact and efficiency. He has worked in philanthropy and higher education for more than a decade and received his Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University. When not connecting generous donors with brilliant students, Jack enjoys reading to his son, Clark, and going to the movies with his wife, Abby.
Margaret Danuser joins The Denver Foundation after spending more than six years with the City and County of Denver as Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In those roles, she managed seven divisions and approximately 500 employees focusing on collaboration, process improvements, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Danuser has previously served in roles as the director of finance at the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, where she oversaw treasury and housing finance functions, and as a portfolio manager and fixed income specialist at Dreyfus Founders Fund, one of the largest, trusted cash and liquidity managers in the industry.
Danuser was born in Colorado and received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Come to me for administrative support, bilingual needs, and tips on Mexico!
As the Bilingual Foundation Services Coordinator, Carla helps provide exceptional customer service as part of the frontline support team. She has versatile professional experience in customer service, sales, and operations across retail, hospitality, and banking industries. With a degree in Advertising and Public Relations, she is dedicated to enhancing customer experiences and using Spanish language communication to create connections and offer support within the community.
Born and raised in Mexico, and after living and traveling to many different countries, she is happy to settle in Denver, where she can enjoy the beautiful mountain views with her husband and dog, Luna.
Phuong supports the Gifts and Grants team in the administration, execution, and integrity of the foundation’s overall grants process. She grew up in the Denver metropolitan area and is a graduate of Denver’s West High School. Phuong holds an MSW from Yeshiva University and an M.A. in Studio Art/Photography from New York University.
Phuong has over 15 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant-led organizations, supporting them to strengthen their organizational infrastructure, service programs, and leadership voice. She is also a photography-based artist and nature lover who is passionate about creating images that engage conversations around place and identity.
Come to Phuong for information about the DESCI Community Housing program and talk about photography!
Come to me for anything related to the Professional Advisors Council, growing our professional advisor network, charitable giving products, and fun facts about the history of Denver.
Leading the Professional Advisors Council, Tanner brings over 15 years of customer service and retail banking experience and experience managing donor affinity groups, fundraising, and professional development.
Colorado-born and raised, Tanner moved to Denver in 2012 and resides in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with his partner Eric and their French Bulldog Olive.
As the Assistant Controller of The Denver Foundation, Valerie is responsible for providing accounting services to the entire Foundation. She is a CPA and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting. Valerie has over twenty years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector and health care industry.
Priya Hariharan is an Accountant at The Denver Foundation. She comes to the foundation with nine years of experience in the accounting industry. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Bombay, India, and is currently working on earning her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado, Denver. Priya is also a professional musician, specializing in Indian Classical music.
Come to Priya with accounting-related queries, external audit confirmation requests, and to share Indian music recommendations and Indian cooking suggestions!
Sharon Harper is the senior director of scholarships with The Denver Foundation. Her focus is on the administration of funds that center on higher education and donor/institution programming. She has worked in financial aid and scholarships for nineteen years in both private and public four-year schools.
Sharon holds a B.A. in English Literature, an MBA in Finance and Accounting, and an M.A. in Psychology. She brings a variety of experiences into her work as she seeks to create solid and lasting relationships between donors, the community, and the students our donors endeavor to support. Sharon’s focus is on maximizing students’ awards, and donor stewardship. When not working, she enjoys reading, home renovating, and traveling.
Come to Jess for cross-promotional opportunities, strategic communications planning, and recommendations for the best backcountry spots in Colorado.
As the Communications Director, Jess Harvat believes in the power of connecting with communities through meaningful messaging. Understanding how and where to reach individuals, and what motivates them to take action is a key part of his role. Jess has two decades of proven marketing experience in Colorado, serving as a Communications and Marketing Director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, as well as Senior Marketing Manager positions in the ski, and oil and gas industries, respectively. He has developed multiple, nationally recognized ad campaigns. This experience provides Jess with a unique understanding of the nuance needed to reach various audiences with authentic, culturally considerate messages.
Lisa Zúñiga Ramírez, CFA is a corporate and mutual fund director serving on the boards of Century Communities, Inc., Peoples Financial Securities Corporation, and the Trust for Professional Managers. Prior to becoming a director, Lisa spent 31 years with Denver Investments and its acquiring company, Segal, Bryant and Hamil. She rose from intern to a Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager before “rewiring” in 2020. Lisa strongly believes that giving back to her community is an obligation and a privilege. She currently serves on the boards of Vuela for Health, the Denver Employees Retirement Plan, and NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Colorado Chapter. She previously served on the boards of Latinas First Foundation and the Latin American Educational Foundation. Lisa has been married to her husband Ron for 34 years and they are proud parents of identical twin boys, Román and Mason, freshmen at Colorado State University.
Peter Kirsch is a founding partner at the law firm Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell. His practice emphasizes environmental and land use law, and public-sector negotiations. Peter most often represents local governments in environmental and land use negotiations and litigation concerning airports and major public infrastructure projects. Peter serves on many nonprofit boards. He has lived in Denver since 1997.
Sean Kenney is a consultant and co-founder of Project Deviate. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied anthropology and Spanish and Portuguese language and culture. After working in the nonprofit sector and later the Leeds School of Business, Sean returned to graduate school at the University of Colorado Boulder to explore a few persistent curiosities related to identity, belonging, and organizational design. He is a producer for OutSources, Colorado’s only weekly on-air radio program dedicated to queer issues.
Mira J. Finé is a tax consultant with more than 35 years of professional experience providing tax planning, consulting, and compliance services. She is an expert in tax planning, consulting, and succession planning for businesses, their owners, and their executives. Mira is involved in the Private Client Group Practice and Firm and Real Estate Practice at Woody Creek Management Group.
John Loewy is an attorney who has, for the past 10 years, primarily been involved in funding and assisting companies in the early stages of their development. Prior to working in investments, John served in public and private sector positions with an emphasis on the substantive policy areas of energy and the environment.
Michelle Adams is an attorney, speaker, coach, and newly titled author. She is the founder of Hello Legacy, a training and personal development company, and the Law Office of Michelle Adams, LLC., where she helps families in the areas of estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, and family legacy planning. She is an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she teaches a course on Child Abuse.
Kelly Brough is the President and CEO of the Fitzsimons Innovation Community where she leads efforts to support groundbreaking life sciences and bioscience research. As a former chief of staff to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, head of human resources for the City of Denver, and CEO of the oldest and largest business advocacy organization in Colorado, she has built effective teams, managed large budgets, negotiated key contracts, influenced public policy and navigated the intersection of the public and private sectors. Kelly led the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce as its first female CEO from 2009 to 2021.
During her tenure, she nearly doubled revenue for the organization, growing it from $17 million to $30 million annually. Kelly has also worked in the public sector as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Denver and Chief of Staff for Mayor John Hickenlooper. Kelly has an MBA from the University of Colorado Denver and a BS from Montana State University. In her free time, you can find Kelly outdoors — biking, hiking, skiing, or paddling.
Come to Collin if you are interested in opening a donor-advised fund, finding ways to support the Denver community, learning about the Community Grants Program process, or cooking tips and restaurant recommendations.
As an engaged philanthropy officer, Collin works directly with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to create charitable funds and achieve impact in the community. Collin coordinates the education and transportation priority areas for the Community Grants Program.
Before coming to The Denver Foundation, Collin worked at various local nonprofits in water and environmental work, food justice and equity work, and international language and culture exchange. When he is not supporting donors and nonprofits, he likes to cook and eat; go outside hiking, camping, and biking; and play guitar.
Come to Rob for human resources questions and podcast recommendations.
As the Director of Human Resources, Rob is passionate about helping people do their best work. In his role, he leads the Human Resources function and manages all aspects of the employee life cycle. Prior to joining the foundation, Rob spent his career leading teams and managing plant operations for automotive manufacturing companies in South Carolina and Alabama.
Come to Sachi if you want to discuss the implementation of best practices to do our work effectively and efficiently.
Originally from Chicago-land, Sachi found her way to Colorado to pursue a degree in political science and replace the lake with the mountains. Her passion for mission-based work and deep impact lead her to a career in the nonprofit sector, where she now serves as the Director of Operational Excellence at the foundation. Sachi manages operations related to the foundation’s workflows, processes, and databases. She also develops reporting and metrics on the foundation’s activities and functions. As such, she spends her days understanding the ways in which we can best serve the community and improving how we go about doing so.
When not at work, Sachi enjoys hiking, petting other people’s dogs, and watching sports (go Cubs!).
Andrea comes from a background of direct service work within the nonprofit sector, focusing on serving those facing extreme adversity. As a first-generation student, Andrea recognizes the importance of facing adversity head-on in order to break these cycles of hardship and use them as sources of inspiration to uplift those around her. Her interest in working in the gifts & grants team has risen from wanting to learn the administrative skills necessary to eventually open her own nonprofit one day.
Andrea is also a licensed meditation instructor, often finding inspiration in nature and through her own journey of self-discovery. She is committed to living a life of purpose and is dedicated toward building a sustainable future for the planet and those who live on it.
As the Grants Administration Associate, Anne works on donors’ grant recommendations and helps get grant checks out the door and into the community. Anne was born in Denver and graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. She’s worked at the Tattered Cover Book Store, and the Denver Public Library, and was a copy editor at the Rocky Mountain News before it ceased publishing. She also worked in Skagway, Alaska, and Dawson City, Yukon Territory, important sites during the historic Klondike Gold Rush. Despite the lure of the north, she’s happy to reside in her hometown of Denver.
Come to Abigail for anything about communications at The Denver Foundation, including requesting someone for a speech or being placed on our communications vendor list. You can also ask her for her latest book recommendations.
As VP of Communications, Abigail helps the organization use the power of communications to positively impact our community. She is a motivated strategic thinker and team leader who can bring innovative approaches to the work and distill complex ideas into compelling communications. Abigail has worked in communications for 20 years as a producer with CNN, as communications director for the Colorado State Senate, and as a communications and marketing director at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. When not working, Abigail is an avid reader and enjoys cooking and traveling with her husband, daughter, and dog.
Come to Damir to discuss how to make work easier.
Damir Kocer believes good work starts with an open mind, and that belief empowers his work as the operational excellence analyst. With experience in project management, systems implementation, and user experience, he builds processes that make the work of The Denver Foundation smoother, simpler, and, at the end of the day, more impactful. Hailing from the sustainability industry, Damir is dedicated to improving the world around him, from his local community to the planet. In his personal time, you’ll often find Damir covered in dirt from his garden (or from his dogs), or somewhere deep in the mountains.
As the Impact Executive Assistant, Jennifer supports the Chief Impact Officer (CIO) and three Senior Impact Directors. She also supports several Denver Foundation committees, including the Advisory Committee for Community Impact, Impact Committee, Professional Advisor Committee, and Impact Investing Committee.
Jennifer is an experienced administrative support professional and graphic designer. With close to 10 years in the nonprofit sector, she is passionate about doing work that adds value to the community. A California native, Jennifer moved with her family to Colorado in 2005. She loves outdoor activities like hiking, bicycling, camping, paddle boarding, and exploring Denver neighborhoods on foot.
As the Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships & Learning, Dr. Janet Lopez seeks to deepen relationships with nonprofit leaders, donors, and policymakers throughout Metro Denver to increase the foundation’s impact on critical needs and solutions to those needs. Her career has focused on increasing access and opportunity for communities of color.
Dr. Lopez received a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University, a master’s degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her community involvement has included serving as a board member on many local and national boards. She is a German Marshall Fund Marshall Memorial Fellow and a National Hispanic Institute Gen X Women of Distinction.
Alisha Brown is the senior vice president at The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities. She established the be well Health and Wellness Initiative, a grassroots movement of communities coming together to take control of the health of their communities by addressing the social determinants of health. Her work includes the creation of the well Block Captain community engagement model, an evidence-based approach that is known nationally and is supported by various organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She speaks locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to demonstrate the importance of grassroots involvement. As a graduate of Regis University, she earned a Masters of Nonprofit Management and was a Colorado Trust Fellow. Alisha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism from Langston University.
As a Special Funds Officer, Jasmine works as a frontline community engagement specialist with donors and nonprofits to achieve annual grantmaking goals that optimize community impact. She has 15+ years of experience working in non-profit leadership, grants, fundraising, stewardship, board development, and events, most recently working with the Purdue Research Foundation. Jasmine holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology and an M.A. in Women’s and Gender Studies.
She enjoys live music, travel, people dedicated to social justice, conversations about food, running at a moderate pace, documentaries, and dogs.
Come to Erika to discuss Belonging Colorado, a new effort to bring people together in new ways.
Erika Montes will support Belonging Colorado, which aims to foster greater belonging across the state. With over a decade of experience working alongside diverse communities, Erika is committed to creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
Erika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marymount Manhattan College, was a 2018 Rising Leaders fellow with Justice Outside, and serves on the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education board. A proud Coloradan, Erika is deeply passionate about social justice.
As the Gifts and Grants Specialist, Lindsay Mott is responsible for supporting the administration and execution of the foundation’s gifts and grants processes. She has been in the nonprofit sector for five years, was born and raised in Colorado, and plans to live here forever.
Lindsay loves living here and is committed to helping improve the community! Outside of work, she loves to explore the beautiful mountains with her husband, kids, and dogs.
As the Senior Communications Officer, Lindsay oversees the development and implementation of the content plan at The Denver Foundation. Her professional experience includes content strategy, storytelling, brand management, marketing analytics, and digital marketing. Throughout her career, she has led marketing campaigns for organizations in the nonprofit and private sectors, including USA Swimming and Trimble Geospatial. She also has a background in international development working in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps. Lindsay is passionate about creating communication strategies that elevate diverse perspectives, build deeper connections with audiences, and enhance clarity and accessibility.
When not working, you can find Lindsay running, tending to her garden, or escaping to the mountains to go skiing, camping, or mountain biking.
As the Accounting Specialist, Chelsea plays a pivotal role in issuing grant, scholarship, and invoice payments. She provides administrative and general support across the Finance and Accounting team. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Chelsea is deeply committed to a wide range of social justice causes, which have been the driving force in her journey to the nonprofit industry. Additionally, she embraces her neurodivergent identities, understanding the positive impact sharing her unique perspectives and experiences has on her community.
Ben Perry leads the foundation’s efforts to engage professional advisors and their clients to create meaningful, impactful philanthropy that benefits our community. Joining the foundation in 2019, Ben brings over 20 years of experience in wealth and fiduciary management, major and planned giving, and impact investing, and he is passionate about helping donors create philanthropic legacies that can span generations.
Originally from Philadelphia, Ben holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from Drexel University and is a candidate for the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation. Ben and his wife, Ava Lala, live in Golden with their young daughter, Armaity.
Dana Perry is a Senior Gifts & Grants Officer for the Finance & Administration Department at The Denver Foundation. Dana has an M.A. in International Affairs and an M.A. in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from American University and a UN-affiliated University in Costa Rica. She has experience working side-by-side with small communities and organizations from all over the world to promote human rights and environmental justice.
When not working, you can find Dana somewhere high in the Rocky Mountains skiing, backpacking, biking, meditating, or just enjoying the beauty of nature.
David Portillo is the officer for the Strengthening Neighborhoods and Technical Assistance Programs at The Denver Foundation. Before joining the foundation in 1999, David was director of the local social-change nonprofit, Movimiento Poder. He worked as a union and labor organizer for seven years after working as a public school teacher for five years. His wife, Jennifer, teaches in Denver Public Schools, and his four children – Ana, Xochitl, Graciela, and Samuel – all attended DPS schools.
David studied Creative Writing in college. He has given up on trying to revise those old short stories, but he does practice his Spanish daily in the community.
As an Associate Scholarships Officer, Melissa focuses on building and maintaining relationships with students, donors, and partner institutions to boost access to higher education for all Coloradans. Melissa comes to the foundation with a BA in Psychology and Business Administration, with a focus in Gender and Identities Studies from Saint Martin’s University (SMU). Through SMU, they stumbled into the world of philanthropy, working at another foundation, managing scholarships, grants, and an annual online giving campaign. Melissa recently transplanted to the Denver area with their adventurous dog, Teddy, moving here from their home state of Washington.
A self-proclaimed ‘nerd’ who enjoys board and video games, D&D, reading, and learning, Melissa can also be found venturing outdoors with Teddy to “touch grass.”
Josh joined The Denver Foundation after nearly a decade of working in higher education. As the Reisher Scholarship Officer, Josh believes in the impact of scholarships! He has served as a conduit to uplift and empower students to degree completion. He graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Speech Communications.
He is dedicated to improving access to scholarships and highlighting the interconnected role we all play in student success. Josh is pivotal in the expansion of the Reisher Scholars Program among the several statewide partner institutions. When not working, Josh enjoys hearing the stories of others, hiking, and watching movies.
Taeler was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and just recently moved to the Denver area. She graduated with a B.A. in Art History, and has 10 years of experience in the art world, in both for-profit and nonprofit museums, and art service companies.
For 2.5 years, Taeler worked in the education department at a nonprofit art museum in Dallas. As an educator, one of her main goals was to facilitate programs and tours that would make art more accessible to the public. Taeler knew when she was making her move to Denver that she wanted to continue a career in the nonprofit world in order to be a part of positive change in the community.
She’s very excited to be working at The Denver Foundation, and her hobbies include hiking and camping, going to concerts, and hanging out with her cat, Penny.
As Controller of The Denver Foundation, Robin is responsible for overseeing financial, investment, and fund management activities, complex gift and grant transactions, integrity of financial reporting, and preparation of annual audits. Robin brings experience in multiple financial disciplines from both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Most recently, Sasman served as VP and CFO of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where she was responsible for the organization’s financial operations. She is a native of Colorado and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Robin holds BS degrees in Business and Journalism, a Masters in Finance, and is a Certified Management Accountant.
Come to Julie if you want to open a donor-advised fund, learn more about the Community Grants Program, and explore opportunities to support the Denver community.
As an engaged philanthropy officer, Julie works with individuals and businesses to establish charitable funds that positively impact the community. She also works with nonprofit organizations that align with The Denver Foundation’s funding priorities through the Community Grants Program. Her 15 years of experience include nonprofit work across various sectors, from the arts to children’s causes, higher education, and wildlife conservation. Julie received her B.A. in Art and the History of Art from Amherst College.
She enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting museums, and exploring the Denver food scene.
Come to Gabriela for digital communications strategies, bilingual communication efforts, assistance proofreading written content, and to find out everything there is to know about the tropical Dominican Republic!
As the Bilingual Communications Coordinator, Gabriela Severino plays a vital support role in achieving the communications goals and objectives of The Denver Foundation. With a degree in Communication and Advertising, she believes in the importance of building relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures through the powerful tools of communication strategies.
When not working, Gabriela is an avid reader, self-published author, an enjoyer of a good coffee, and a recent cat mom!
Russ Shaw supports the foundation’s Philanthropic Investment programs primarily with Advisor Managed Donor Advised Funds and its Impact Investing portfolio.
Russ has 25 years of philanthropic experience in wealth and fiduciary management, planned, major, and annual giving, campaign management, special events, organizational leadership, and community board membership. He spent a decade facilitating the financial management curriculum for the Regis MNM program, is active in the cohort selection process for the Institute for Leaders in Development, and serves as a mentor to rising philanthropic leaders. His community board service includes Bicycle Colorado, where he is the current President, as well as past positions with the Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable and Work Options for Women.
He earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University, and held the Chartered Advisory in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation. Russ is originally from Texas but has called Colorado home since 1994. He lives in Central Park, serving on his neighborhood HOA board.
Trenyese is a highly experienced events professional with a B.A. in Communication from the University of West Florida and a portfolio that includes renowned large-scale events such as The Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge, Taste of Colorado 2021, 9NEWS Parade of Lights, and Luxury Travel Experiences, among others. Trenyese has immersed herself in the Denver community, understanding its unique dynamics and needs.
Her globetrotting spirit not only broadens her horizons but also fuels her desire to bring people together for unforgettable experiences and events. Trenyese also enjoys being home in Colorado when not traveling, where she enjoys skiing, snowboarding, hiking, reading, attending concerts, and hanging with friends and her dog.
Come to Andrea if you are opening a Donor-Advised Fund, researching organizations to support through your Donor-Advised Fund, learning about the Community Grants Program process, and determining if your organization aligns with the priority areas in The Denver Foundation’s strategic framework.
Andrea comes to The Denver Foundation with a breadth of nonprofit knowledge having worked at several higher education institutions and community organizations. In her Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer role, she uses that knowledge to bring individuals, businesses, and nonprofits together to maximize their impact in the community. Having spent most of her life in the Washington, DC area, Andrea has a passion for politics and public policy. She has her MPP from the University of Denver and her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond. Go Spiders! When not working, she is spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Schatzi.
Come to Christine for fundraising opportunities, community engagement, and participatory grantmaking.
Christine is our associate engaged philanthropy officer, responsible for developing nonprofit relationships and promoting collaboration between donors and grantees. She also coordinates the housing and environment priority areas for the Community Grants Program. Christine received her Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin.
Meg Franko, Ph.D., has spent the past thirty years working on public policy issues at the national, state, and local levels. She has expertise in early childhood systems, school readiness, and program implementation and has led research and evaluation projects for governmental and non-profit clients in Colorado and across the country. Meg has served in leadership roles with the Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver, was research faculty with the Graduate School of Social Work, and has founded and run her own research and evaluation firm. Meg was born in Denver and raised two (now adult) children here.
Joe Garcia is the Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). Previously, Garcia served as President of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (“WICHE”), Lt. Governor of Colorado, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and President of both Colorado State University-Pueblo and Pikes Peak Community College. He also served on the Cabinet of Governor Roy Romer and as a White House appointee under President Bill Clinton. He was the first Hispanic partner at Holme Roberts & Owen, where he focused on public education law. He is married to Dr. Claire Garcia, and they have four children and three perfect grandchildren.
Jennifer Kilpela has a 20-year career in finance and institutional investment management. She was previously a managing director at Monticello Associates, a large investment consulting firm based in the Denver area. Jennifer also held investment roles at university endowments, including George Washington University and The University of Texas at Austin and started her career as an investment banking analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston. Jennifer earned a BBA from The University of Texas, MBA from Darden Business School at the University of Virginia, and is a CFA Charterholder. Most recently, she earned a certificate in Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems from Harvard University Extension School.
Erika Martinez is the director of communications and engagement at Denver Public Library. She is an established communications and marketing leader with more than 20 years of experience developing and executing multifaceted external and internal marketing and communications plans for the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has served in several communications roles with the City and County of Denver, including at Mayor’s Office of the National Western Center, North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative, and Denver Human Services.
Mark is a co-founder of the Left Behind Workers Fund, which provided $35 million in cash assistance to recently unemployed undocumented workers during the pandemic. He worked with the Colorado Peoples Alliance, the Colorado Fiscal Institute, and other allies to pass the bill that created Colorado’s Benefit Recovery Fund, a permanent employer-funded unemployment assistance program for undocumented workers who are paid as employees. Mark is also a co-founder of AidKit, a technology company that provides software and infrastructure to make cash assistance programs more efficient, accessible, and effective. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of SWIR Visions Systems, Epic River, The Denver Foundation, and Impact Charitable.
Lee Reichert is the Deputy Attorney General – Business & Licensing for the State of Colorado. He previously served as the chief legal & government affairs officer and corporate secretary for Molson Coors Beverage Company. Lee has also served on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations, including as the board chair for the Colorado Children’s Campaign. A third-generation Coloradan, Lee lives with his family in the University Park neighborhood.
Julie Reiskin is the co-executive director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC). In 2010, Ms. Reiskin was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation as the client representative. In 2018, she was elected to serve on the Board of the ACLU of Colorado. She is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver at the Graduate School of Social Work acting as a field liaison and teaching macro practice social work.
Karen M. Robinson, CFA, co-founder of Cook Street Consulting. Prior to starting Cook Street, Karen was an institutional portfolio manager and analyst with Ocean Fund Advisors, LLC (Santa Monica, CA), where she specialized in general market research, portfolio analytics, and risk management. Preceding this, she was an Associate Vice President for Roxbury Capital Management, LLC (Santa Monica, CA). Karen’s experience also includes two years as a Senior Analyst with Monticello Associates, an institutional investment consultancy.
Simone D. Ross, is CEO of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of its foundation. She founded Simone D. Ross, LLC, focusing on change management, and leads SDR Events and Youth United University, fostering inclusive leadership among middle schoolers. Her corporate journey includes pivotal roles at Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental of Colorado, SCL Health, and The Riveter, impacting business development and market expansion. Holding an MA and MBA from Colorado State University, Simone’s accolades include COBiz Gen XYZ Most Influential, Denver Business Journal’s “Outstanding Women in Business” and “40 Under 40”, and recognition as a Top 25 Most Powerful Woman by the Colorado Women’s Chamber.
LaDawn’s 25+ years of work and accomplishments are in the DNA of the modern Denver Foundation. As Executive Director for the Black Resilience in Colorado (BRIC) Fund, she works collaboratively with BRIC’s Advisory Board to support nonprofit organizations that are led by and serve Black communities. LaDawn is an influencer, innovator, and coalition builder. She works to strengthen and expand the pipeline of BIPOC leadership, address social Injustice, and create racially equitable communities. She uses her expertise in community engagement and inclusive emerging leadership practices in all her internal and external work.
Brenna Simmons-St. Onge is the executive director of The Alliance for Collective Action. She has been with the organization since 2015 and was promoted from within. She is a pragmatic visionary with over 19 years of leadership experience, including a decade in Corporate Social Responsibility. Brenna has successfully managed multimillion dollar budgets and led teams from 9-200. As a dynamic change agent, Brenna leads with a nonprofit heart and a business mind leveraging holistic approaches to implement and scale solutions to some of the largest issues humanity faces.
She has received numerous awards over her career. She was named one of the top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals in 2015, the City of Denver’s Community Builder Sustainability Award in 2017, and Outstanding Women in Business in 2023 by Denver Business Journal. Brenna has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, as well as a certificate in Environmental Sciences from University of Hawaii, and is a Certified Fundraising Professional from The Indiana School of Philanthropy.
Carolyn Thornton is the Facility & Operations Manager at Casa Grande, The Denver Foundations’ newest home. She has extensive work experience with local nonprofits, serving on the facility & management committees to maintain property values and improvements. Carolyn’s free time is usually spent anywhere outdoors in Colorado.
Come to Claire to learn how your investment in The Denver Foundation works to strengthen our community for a stronger, more equitable future and to understand why your gift matters!
As Major Gift Officer for The Denver Foundation, Claire works to offer personalized support to make each donor’s philanthropic goals a reality. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising in the Denver Metro area, Claire’s goal is to enhance the community’s philanthropic landscape by inviting all to celebrate in the joy of giving by leaving a lasting legacy to the organizations they love most.
Claire holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
As Senior Director of Information Technology, Brian works to provide efficiency and scalability to business processes at the foundation. His mission is to maximize the effectiveness of our people by leveraging the right technology. He has 14 years of experience in IT leadership, technical staff development, and business leadership in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Brian serves on the board of directors for multiple music performance and music education-focused nonprofits in the Denver area and beyond.
As Senior Special Funds Officer, Julie works with donor-advised fundholders to provide hands-on, personalized support and manages special interest funds that address critical community needs. Julie brings 15 years of work with nonprofits and nearly 20 years working with foundations on both a national and local level to address social justice and equity issues.
In addition to her work as a program officer, Julie has also worked as a consultant building nonprofit capacity and as a philanthropic advisor helping individuals develop their philanthropic interests and priorities. Julie’s experience gives her a unique ability to bridge funder and donor interest with high-quality nonprofits using an approach that emphasizes the importance of relationships and mutuality.
Natalie Waddington (she/her) took on the role of Associate Scholarships Officer and is thrilled to work with Colorado’s past, present, and future Reisher Scholars! With a background in teaching at the university level and college admissions, Natalie is excited to continue her career helping students achieve their goals and passions for their educational and professional futures. She knows the importance of making college affordable for everyone, so this work is one of meaning and passion.
She has an undergraduate degree in English from Montana State University and an MA in English from CU Denver. Originally from the Denver metro area, Natalie loves reading, hiking with her two dogs (Zeppelin and Mabel), vinyl collecting, thrifting, watching movies, and playing board games with her significant other, Adam.
Come to Dace to discuss leadership of the Impact Group, which includes donor services, all grantmaking, impact investing, professional advisors, scholarships, public policy, and evaluation and learning. Dace can also talk with you about the foundation’s community priorities, the business model, the organizational structure, and our racial equity work.
Dace West is the Chief Impact Officer at The Denver Foundation. In her role, she serves as senior leadership and oversees the Impact Group, which brings together all the foundation’s philanthropic activities from work with donors to nonprofit grantmaking. Her portfolio also includes the foundation’s community leadership efforts, serving as a thought partner, engaging in public policy, and supporting evaluation and research. Prior to her work at the foundation, Dace held several leadership positions in the nonprofit and public sectors, working on social issues across the Denver Metro area.
Come to Tim to know more about how we collect feedback, evaluate our outcomes, and learn together.
New to Denver, Tim brings to the foundation 15 years of experience directing learning and evaluation in community and private foundations around the U.S. He works to center the perspectives of those at the heart of our work and to measure and report on outcomes. Tim earned his Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Case Western Reserve University and a B.A. in economics with honors from Eckerd College.
Outside of work, he enjoys reading, writing, coffee shops, volunteering with LGBTQ+ and youth development organizations, and hiking and camping year-round with friends and his dog Maggie.
