Colorado Leadership Stories

Hosted by Boettcher Foundation

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast series presented by Boettcher Foundation that tells the stories of everyday courageous leaders who have made transformational impacts in their communities and are building a better state for everyone. Join us for conversations with Coloradans from industries and communities throughout the state as we explore the idea that “Leadership is an activity that anyone can do.” Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! ]]>

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60 recent

October 12, 202635 min

Shelby Rockwell: The Job Collector

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, 2022 Boettcher Fellow and self-described “job collector” Shelby Rockwell shares how her connection to Wray has shaped her entrepreneurial path and commitment to strengthening her community. Shelby takes us inside the Space, a nonprofit arts hub she helped revive after experiencing its impact firsthand as a teenager. She reflects on launching her first business in high school and how her passion for civic engagement has guided the many roles she’s taken on since. Through it all, Wray remains at the center of her story: the place she chose to return to and invest in for the future, both for her family and her community. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 29, 202632 min

Jeanne Gang: Building Places That Belong

What makes a place feel like it truly belongs to its community? In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Boettcher Foundation President and CEO Katie Kramer sits down with Jeanne Gang, renowned architect and founding partner of Studio Gang , to explore how thoughtful design can strengthen communities and connect people with the natural world. Through the lens of the Boettcher Foundation’s 2026 theme, Power of Place, Jeanne shares the thinking behind her work in Colorado, including Populus and the transformation of Civic Center Park’s historic Greek Theater. The project is especially meaningful to the Foundation, whose connection to the park stretches back more than a century and continues through support of the Civic Center Next 100 planning effort and a $150,000 grant for the Colorado 150 Pavilion project. Jeanne also reflects on designing for the future and how listening, curiosity, and collaboration shape her approach to leadership. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 26, 202619 min

Dominic DiSanti: Rooted in the Land

For Dominic DeSanti, leadership lessons started in the passenger seat of his dad’s old Chevy pickup, riding across the fifth-generation family farm he now leads in Pueblo. In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, the 2005 Boettcher Scholar digs into the realities of farming in Colorado, from navigating drought to building a stronger identity around the Pueblo chile. Along the way, Dominic shares what generations on the same land have taught him about adapting to change and investing in the future of Colorado agriculture. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! To learn more about DiSanti Farms, visit https://www.facebook.com/DiSantiFarms/ . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 18, 202623 min

Andrea Wiesenmeyer: The Place Where Colorado Comes Together

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Colorado State Fair General Manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer takes us behind the scenes of a tradition deeply connected to Pueblo and generations of Coloradans. She reflects on the fair as a gathering place where people from across the state come together, make memories, and celebrate the agriculture, traditions, and sense of community that make Colorado distinct. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! The Colorado State Fair takes place Aug. 28 to Sept. 7, 2026. Learn more and purchase your tickets here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 6, 202631 min

Dr. Rhonda Epper: Building Opportunity Through Education

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie Kramer sits down with Dr. Rhonda Epper, president of CSU Pueblo, to discuss expanding access to education and leading through change. From workforce development and first-generation student success to the future of higher education in Colorado, Rhonda shares thoughtful insights on creating opportunity, building trust, and investing in communities. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! To listen to the Dana Crawford episode referenced at 14:40, please click here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 23, 202635 min

David Miller: Building Places Where People Belong

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories , Boettcher Foundation Trustee and Barton Institute for Community Action CEO David Miller shares how the places that shaped him, from Denver neighborhoods to community institutions, inspired a lifetime of service. As he reflects on his formative relationships and experiences, David explores why creating places of opportunity and connection is essential to community-building. His perspective reminds us that investing in places of belonging helps people and communities thrive. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation Follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn and Facebook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 9, 202638 min

Kyle Clark: Anchored In The Current

Note: This conversation with Kyle Clark was recorded and released in 2024. It is being republished as part of the Boettcher Foundation's YouTube archive. As the anchor at 9News and the managing editor of Next with Kyle Clark, Kyle has been at the forefront of delivering insightful commentary and fostering civic engagement. Learn about his innovative approach to journalism and his creation of "Word of Thanks," a groundbreaking micro-giving campaign that has raised over $11 million to support small to mid-sized nonprofits in Colorado. From his East Coast upbringing to his pivotal moments in broadcast journalism, Kyle shares candid insights into his experience with leadership. Discover the challenges and rewards of bridging partisan divides and emphasizing shared values in community discourse. 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 .

June 25, 202637 min

Angie Paccione: When Place Activates Potential

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, 2026 9News Colorado Leader of the Year Angie Paccione shares how place and opportunity have shaped her leadership journey as an educator, legislator, and higher education leader. From the South Bronx to Stanford University and leadership roles across Colorado, Angie reflects on the experiences and mentors that helped activate her potential, and why creating opportunities for others remains at the heart of her work. Listen on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music , Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation Follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn and Facebook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

June 11, 202647 min

Chairman Melvin Baker: Preserving Place & Purpose

Join Boettcher Foundation Chair Michelle Lucero and President & CEO Katie Kramer for a conversation with Melvin Baker, who served as Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for nearly 15 years. In his last public interview before resigning due to health reasons, former Chairman Baker reflects on tribal sovereignty, cultural preservation, economic development, and the values that guide leadership in the Southern Ute community. From protecting land and language to investing in future generations, this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories explores how respect, partnership, and a deep connection to place continue to shape the tribe’s purpose and vision for the future. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation Follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn and Facebook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

May 21, 202635 min

Susana Cordova: Leading Through Learning

Meet Susana Cordova , Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and former Denver Public Schools superintendent, whose lifelong connection to Colorado public schools has informed her approach to leadership, learning, and service. A Denver native and DPS graduate, Susana’s deep Colorado roots continue to guide her dedication to public education across the state. Tune in to hear how her experiences as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and statewide leader continue to influence her work supporting educators, students, and families. Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts! Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation Follow us on Instagram , LinkedIn and Facebook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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