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
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair
Board Treasurer
Board Secretary
Senior Scholarships Officer
Foundation Services Coordinator
Accountant
Controller
Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Gift Administration Associate
Senior Scholarships Officer
Grants Administrative Associate
Bilingual Receptionist
Assistant Controller
Information Technology Analyst
Senior Communications Officer
Special Funds Officer
Accountant
Senior Director of Special Funds & Scholarships
Communications Director
Executive Assistant
Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Director of Operations
Director of Engaged Learning
Director of Operational Excellence
Senior Accountant
Grants Administration Associate for Donor-Advised Funds
Vice President of Communications
Director of Engaged Philanthropy
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships & Learning
PT Communications Specialist
Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Gifts & Grants Specialist
Accounting Specialist
Senior Director of Philanthropic Investments
Senior Gifts & Grants Officer
Strengthening Neighborhoods & Technical Assistance Officer
Associate Scholarships Officer
Foundation Services Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Associate Engaged Philanthropy Officer
Planned Giving Officer
Vice President of Talent & Culture
Executive Director of the BRIC Fund
Advisor Relations Officer
Facilities & Operations Manager
Major Gifts Officer
Operational Excellence Analyst
Senior Director of Information Technology
Senior Special Funds Officer
Chief Impact Officer
Javier Alberto Soto is 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.
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.
Peter Kirsch is a Partner at Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell.
Lisa Zúñiga Ramírez is a community volunteer with more than twenty years of experience as a portfolio manager and financial advisor.
Sean Kenney is a consultant and co-founder of Project Deviate.
Michelle Adams, founder of Hello Legacy, and the Law Office of Michelle Adams, LLC.
Charmaine Brown, Senior Scholarship Officer, stewards a portfolio of scholarship opportunities that help students access higher education. 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 is in pursuit of her M.B.A. from Colorado State University. She brings her 15 years of higher education experience to philanthropy with hopes to create new possibilities.
Come to Raquel for questions about our online portals, ways to get involved with the foundation, or guidance on who to contact. Raquel is always available to answer your questions in English or Spanish.
Born and raised in Colorado, Raquel recently completed a BA in Latin American Studies and is part of the Operational Excellence Team as the Foundation Services Coordinator. Her passion for grassroots and community organizing allowed her to work with the Hispanic/Latinx populations in Western Colorado and Utah. She has worked to amplify the voices of immigrant families and first-generation students to help them become leaders in their respective communities.
When not at work, Raquel is in the mountains with her family, reading, or visiting art museums.
Mark recently came to The Denver Foundation with 25 years experience as an accountant in the for-profit world. He is excited to bring that experience to The Denver 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 Coloradoan 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 Controller of The Denver Foundation, Courtney is responsible for overseeing our financial, investment, and fund management. She leads the Accounting and Gifts and Grants team to ensure accurate financial transactions, audit and tax compliance, and strong internal controls. 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 a Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer, 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 acknowledgements.
Lichelle (Dedie) Cornett is 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 set up of all of our funds. Dedie enjoys music, 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.
Come to Phuong for information about DESCI Community Housing program and talk about photography!
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 DESCI Community Housing program and talk about photography!
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 healthcare industry.
Ember serves the Denver Foundation as our Information Technology Analyst. Her focus and personal mission are diligent, warm, and engaging technology support for the foundation, its staff, and its members. She has 13 years of experience as an IT specialist, graphic designer, and manager. She has a strong passion and background in a diverse array of social change organizing and has previously supported and served as a member of organizations like Wyoming Equality and several regional LGBTQIA+ and transgender-specific support organizations. Her passions also include music, film, street art, and her beloved chihuahua Bohdi.
Come to me for strategic communications, storytelling, multi-platform promotions and recommendations for authentic Mexican food spots.
As a Senior Communications Officer, Sonia helps the organization with multilingual and multicultural communication strategies. With over a decade of journalistic experience, Sonia knows how to reach communities where they are. She’s done award-winning work for Univision, Telemundo, News19 in South Carolina, 9NEWS, and Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver, Colorado. Sonia now uses her skills as a reporter to storytell for The Denver Foundation.
Alisha Brown is the Senior Vice President at The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities.
Come to Kayla if you are interested in competitive grant processes and finding ways to support the Denver Metro community through special handling funds, and if you need a true crime podcast recommendation (she’s a Crime Junkie stan!) or a fun summer travel story.
Kayla Hardin-Lawson is the Special Funds Officer at The Denver Foundation. Reach out to Kayla for funds with special handling needs, as well as designated funds and designated scholarships. She has professional experience in various foundation and nonprofit structures, community philanthropy, affordable housing /homelessness, and grassroots NGO organizing. She is passionate about social justice & the inequities surrounding race, gender, and sexuality; as well as sustainable international development, and human rights. Kayla holds a B.A. in International Affairs from CU Boulder, and an M.A. in International Development from The Josef Korbel School of International Studies at The University of Denver. She is a Denver native, that enjoys spending time with close friends and family.
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 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 Special Funds and 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 MA 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.
Amy Hendricks works as the Executive Assistant at the Foundation, providing high-level support to the CEO and the Board of Trustees. She has several years of experience in both nonprofit and startup settings and is excited to invest in the Denver community through her work at the Foundation. Before moving to Denver in 2020, Amy completed a Ph.D. in Classics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Outside the office, you can find her cooking, reading, and seeking out new breweries and wineries wherever she goes.
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; get outside hiking, camping, and biking; and play guitar.
Come to Rob to talk about new employee onboarding, the foundation’s independent contractor process, the work that went into creating the office environment, and the best podcast recommendations.
As the Director of Operations, Rob is passionate about creating an environment to help people do their best work. He does this by overseeing the facilities operations and executing different aspects of Human Resources. Rob joined the Foundation in 2016 and is driven by identifying ways to help TDF achieve its mission. Prior to working in philanthropy, Rob spent his career leading teams in the automotive manufacturing sector in South Carolina and Alabama. He spends his free time writing, reading, hiking, and listening to music. Rob is passionate about creating an environment that helps people do their best work.
Come to Jill for questions about the foundation’s approach to learning and evaluation, information related data collection activities, stakeholder feedback methods, to discuss the foundation’s efforts to apply an equity lens to all projects, and to explore and reimagine the impact of a community foundation.
As the Director of Engaged Learning, Jill is leading the learning and evaluation strategies across the Foundation through translating the Foundation’s vision for social change into an evaluation framework that contributes to a better understanding of progress and impact. Jill identifies as an analytical idealist and has more than 14 years of research, evaluation and planning experience within academia, nonprofit and government. Jill holds a B.A. and M.S. in Psychology and a PhD in Social Psychology. When not working, she enjoys traveling, finding opportunities to watch sports and chasing her young daughter around parks.
Come to Sachi if you want to discuss the implementation of best practices to do our work effectively and efficiently.
Originally from the Chicago-land area, 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!).
As a member of the Foundation’s Finance and Accounting team, Yewande participates in overseeing the accuracy and integrity of our accounting systems. She works closely with the Impact team to support the growth, maintenance, and management of Advisor Managed Funds and Impact Investments. Born and raised in Denver, Yewande has a passion for helping others. A mother of two, Yewande and her daughters enjoy going on hikes, spending time at the 16th Street Mall, and visiting the city’s museums.
As 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, 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 me for my 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.
Genevieve’s passion is inviting all to philanthropy – working with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to realize their full impact. Whether it’s a giving circle grants meeting, a company’s giving strategy plan, or a nonprofit’s moment of seeding their new endowment, she feels so honored to be a part of these special moments. She has a MA in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, an MPA in Nonprofit Management from IU, and a CSR Certification from the CU Leeds Business School. She is an avid baker and cook, using both passions to honor her Mexican, Black, Spanish, and British roots. Her personal energy is focused on LGBTQIA+ rights, special needs advocacy, and higher education access for BIPOC individuals.
Come to Genevieve if you have questions about the Community Grants Program, if you’re opening a new fund or need current fund support, if you have giving circle questions, or if you’re looking for a great recipe (baking is her specialty) or science fiction novel recommendations.
Dan Lee is the Chief Financial Officer at The Denver Foundation, where he is responsible for the Foundation’s overall financial management, including investments, accounting, and gifts/grants processing. Dan joined the Foundation in 2000. Prior to the Foundation, Dan spent almost twelve years in finance and business development leadership roles at Operation Able, the Joffrey Ballet and Ernst & Young, all located in Chicago. Dan also spent 5 years in financial analysis and planning at Abbott Laboratories.
Outside of work, Dan loves to travel (especially throughout Asia) and enjoys tennis and hiking. Dan received his BS and MS in biology from the University of Illinois Chicago and his MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
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.
Shannon Love works as the PT Communications Specialist at the foundation. Shannon joined The Denver Foundation in 2019, working on the Colorado Health Access Fund team. Prior to joining the foundation, she worked with nonprofit organizations, lobbyists, and government contractors on programs that served Colorado’s medically underserved populations. Shannon holds a master’s degree in social work.
Come to Maureen to discuss family philanthropy and multi-generational giving as well as participatory grantmaking and community wealth-building.
As a Senior Engaged Philanthropy Officer, Maureen works directly with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to create charitable funds and achieve impact in the community. Maureen also coordinates the economic opportunity and transportation priority areas for the Community Grants Program.
Maureen has spent over a decade working in philanthropy. She started her career as a major gifts fundraiser in New York City and then supported personal philanthropy at a private family office in Denver. She holds a B.A. in Art History and Economics from Mount Holyoke College and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University. When not working with grantee partners and donors, Maureen can be found hiking, obsessively reading about interior design, and traveling whenever possible.
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.
Amanda Newell is an Accounting Specialist for The Denver Foundation. Amanda is from Colorado and received a B.S. from the University of Colorado at Denver and M.A. from the University of Denver. Recently transitioning out of the field of education, Amanda has spent her career supporting and advocating for families and community members throughout the Denver metro area. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, playing and growing the game of Australian Football, and spending time enjoying the beautiful state of Colorado.
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 to 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 an UN-affiliated University in Costa Rica. She has experience working side-by-side in 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 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.
He recently joined The Denver Foundation after nearly a decade of working in higher education. As an Associate Scholarships 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.
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, writer, and an enjoyer of a good coffee!
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 to determine 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 non-profit 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.
Carey Dobbertin is the former CFO and treasurer at Gary Community Investments.
Mira J. Finé is a tax consultant with over 30 years of professional experience providing tax planning and compliance services.
Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).
Ismael Guerrero is President & CEO at Mercy Housing, Inc.
Erika Martinez is the Director of Communications and Engagement at Denver Public Library.
Mark Newhouse is an impact and venture investor.
Christina Raya is Senior Vice President and Managing Director for PNC Asset Management.
Lee Reichert, Deputy Attorney General – Business & Licensing, State of Colorado.
Julie Reiskin is the executive director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC).
Randy Roberts is a partner with Tributary Real Estate.
Karen M. Robinson, CFA, co-founder of Cook Street Consulting.
Come to Christine for fundraising opportunities, community engagement, maximizing endowment funds, and contributing to nonprofit partner sustainability.
Christine is our associate engaged philanthropy officer, responsible for developing nonprofit relationships and promoting collaboration between donors and grantees. She received her Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin.
This Texas transplant enjoys outdoor activities and working on some type of creative project, among other hobbies. She sometimes feels her hobby is having too many hobbies.
Brenna Simmons-St. Onge, Executive Director of The Alliance Center.
Rachel Spory-Leek supports the Foundation’s efforts to engage professional advisors and their clients to create meaningful, impactful philanthropy that benefits our community. Joining the Foundation in 2021, Rachel brings nearly a decade of non-profit development expertise, including five years in Gift Planning program management. She is passionate about helping donors ensure their philanthropic legacies extend beyond their lifetimes. Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel has lived in Colorado since 2011. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Mennonite University and an M.A from the University of Denver. Rachel and her husband, Drew, live in Highlands Ranch with their young daughter, Naomi, and a golden retriever named Ladybug.
Come to Jason to discuss the foundation’s cultural framework, and for human resources questions.
Jason Stoddart is the Vice President of Talent & Culture at the Foundation. In this role, he leads our talent and culture strategies and oversees our Human Resources function. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2020, Jason built his culture and HR experience over many years in both nonprofit and corporate roles. He moved to Denver (via Chicago) from Canberra, Australia, after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Management and HR Development at the University of Canberra.
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. Using her expertise in community engagement and inclusive emerging leadership practices in all her internal and external work.
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.
Come to Amanda for assistance with online portals or to get connected with the right staff member at The Denver Foundation.
Amanda is the Operational Excellence Analyst for The Denver Foundation, and she makes sure staff and visitors have what they need to be successful. Before moving to Colorado in 2020, Amanda worked in the supply chain in Milwaukee and Chicago. Answering the call to join the nonprofit world, Amanda is so excited to support the foundation as the Operational Excellence Analyst. In her free time, you could find her hiking with her husband and two dogs, making art, caring for her plants, or organizing anything she can get her hands on.
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.
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.