Colorado Leadership Stories

Hosted by Boettcher Foundation

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Aug 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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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 YouTube | 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 FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee 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 FoundationSee 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 FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee 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 FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee 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 FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 202643 min

Becky Kourlis: A Life Shaped By Place & Purpose

Meet Becky Kourlis, a former Colorado Supreme Court justice, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, and Foundation Trustee. From her upbringing in the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion to building a life in rural Colorado, Becky's journey reflects the powerful influence of place on perspective and purpose. Tune in to hear how she approaches leadership through listening, collaboration, and commitment to using the law as a tool to strengthen and improve communities.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 16, 202635 min

Josh Blanchard: Creating Through Place

Meet Josh Blanchard, director of Colorado Creative Industries and former Summit County Commissioner, whose work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: place matters. From community theater to county leadership to statewide arts advocacy, Josh has spent his career partnering with rural communities to shape vibrant, creative places where people and ideas can thrive. Tune in to hear Josh's story and how he bolsters art as economic development.Learn more about the Colorado Tourism Office: https://oedit.colorado.gov/colorado-tourism-officeListen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 2, 202637 min

Brock Leach: Leaning Into Passion

In today’s episode, Dr. Brock Leach reflects on a career spanning business, ministry, and nonprofit service.A 1976 Boettcher Scholar, Brock shares how his early years in Colorado shaped a lifelong commitment to service and led him from PepsiCo, where he served as CEO of Frito-Lay, to spiritual leadership, teaching, and social justice work.He offers insights on innovation, purpose, and leadership that helps others grow, including one memorable story about how a simple question sparked an idea that helped Tostitos salsa became a billion-dollar brand.At the center of the conversation is a clear belief: leadership is not about charisma, but about creating the conditions for people to discover what they do well, what they love, and what matters to them, and apply those strengths to something larger than themselves.Watch this episode on our YouTube page.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow 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.

March 12, 202626 min

Dr. Lisa Roy: Assets Over Obstacles

In this episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie Kramer sits down with Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, to explore her remarkable leadership journey and the transformative work shaping Colorado’s youngest learners.From her deep family roots in education to her personal experience navigating the high cost of child care as a young mother, Dr. Roy shares how her life experiences fuel her commitment to expanding access, advancing universal preschool, and strengthening early childhood mental health supports statewide.She reflects on launching a new state department, elevating Colorado from 27th to 3rd in national preschool access in just one year, and building bipartisan momentum around family-friendly policy. Grounded in a passion for equity, community voice, and paying it forward, Dr. Roy offers candid insights on leadership, resilience, rural innovation, and why the early years matter most for Colorado’s future.Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!Find more information:This platform is the source for help raising healthy, thriving Colorado kids: raisingcoloradokids.comColorado Department of Early Childhood: cdec.colorado.gov | 1-800-799-5876Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher FoundationFollow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookSee 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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