News Article

The Future Is in Good Hands: Reflections from the Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium

Jessica Follett — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:24:01 +0000

The Future Is in Good Hands: Reflections from the Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium Jessica Follett Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:24 Dr. Stefanie Johnson

I spend a lot of my time thinking about student leadership.

As Director of the Center for Leadership at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder, I have the privilege of working with extraordinary students across campus. We believe deeply that leadership potential exists within us all and universities have a responsibility to help students discover it, develop it, and decide what they want to do with it.

But spending so much time focused on leadership at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder, I sometimes forget just how much extraordinary student leadership exists beyond our campus.

The Greenhouse Scholars Summer Symposium was a very good reminder.

Every August, Greenhouse Scholars brings together more than 120 exceptional college students for four days of learning, connection, and leadership development. These are students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds who aren't simply preparing for successful careers. They are thinking seriously about how they can use their talents, experiences, and education to make a difference in their communities.

I was invited to speak with them about something I have been thinking about a lot lately: how to lead with optimism through change and uncertainty.

And I walked away actually feeling more optimistic about leadership.

A Generation Built for This Moment

We often talk about how difficult it is to be a young person today. Students worry about political polarization, technological change, economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and fundamental questions about what the future of work will look like. And we grown-ups worry that all of this uncertainty has left young people less prepared for the future. What if the opposite is true?

What if it has been preparing them to lead?

That was one of the central ideas I shared with the Greenhouse Scholars. Resilience isn't the absence of hardship. It is adaptation in the presence of hardship. The strongest people aren't those who never bend; they are those who learn how to bend without breaking and charge forward.

Greenhouse Scholars and Ģ��Ӱ�� Buffs have already had a remarkable amount of practice. They have lived through challenge and proven to themselves and others that they can overcome and keep on leading. We may be tempted to tell this generation to slow down, wait their turn, pay their dues, or lead the way previous generations have led. But I think we should get out of their way.

Give them the tools. Give them the opportunities. Give them support and coaching. Challenge them. And then let them go. Because they are going to be fierce. And I think they might just rule the world in a more just, humane, and sustainable way than those of us who came before them.

Leadership Doesn't Begin With a Title

One of the final questions I asked the Scholars was: When did you become a leader?

Research suggests that people answer that question in very different ways. Some believe leadership is something they've always possessed. Of course, we know that leadership can be developed.

Others point to the moment they received a formal position or when others started to see them as a leader. This is a problem because while you are waiting for permission to lead, you could have been changing the world.

The last common answer is that you become a leader when you start behaving like a leader. So let’s start with that. You behave as leaders in how you engage with one another, the questions you ask, the ambitions you share, and the way you support your communities.

Greenhouse Scholars is doing exactly the kind of work our world needs—finding remarkable young people, investing in their potential, surrounding them with a community that believes in them, and then trusting them to lead. And if the Greenhouse Scholars are any indication, the next generation isn't waiting for the future.

They are already leading it.

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Introducing the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative, A Brand-New Program Pairing Students with the Community Coming Fall 2026

Jessica Follett — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 19:36:14 +0000

Introducing the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative, A Brand-New Program Pairing Students with the Community Coming Fall 2026 Jessica Follett Fri, 08/07/2026 - 13:36

Today, we are ecstatic to announce the kickoff of the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative pilot program, launching in Fall 2026 with a cohort of six outstanding students.

Designed to empower students to become catalysts for positive change, this immersive program bridges academic theory and civic action. This program supports highly motivated students to address complex civic challenges through community-informed projects. Students are equipped to bridge leadership theory with practice, utilizing their unique skills and interests to create sustainable, valuable projects that bring lasting impact to communities.

Over the past spring and summer, our team conducted extensive benchmarking research, met with programming partners across Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and the Denver-metro higher-education community, and established a campus-wide working group of directors to ensure this program delivers deep, mutual value to both Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and our broader community.

Interested in learning more about the donation that made this program possible? Read more here.

Program Overview

Ethical, mutually beneficial civic engagement is at the heart of the Wagner Initiative. To uplift community voices, we invited community partners to identify priority needs within their organizations. Students then will co-create and collaborate directly with these partners to ideate, propose, and implement innovative, sustainable solutions together. What makes this program special is that students bring their unique perspectives, creativity, and innovation to address these priorities.

Throughout the year, student scholars will receive dedicated resources to ensure their success — including funding, mentorship, and hands-on leadership practice. By partnering with local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses, students gain real-world experience while delivering meaningful results to the Boulder community.

The program will run from the beginning of Fall to the end of the Spring semester.

Program Objectives: The goal of this program is to…

Guide students through developing an asset-based solution to a community-raised priority

Cultivate civic awareness and help students develop an ethical civic engagement mindset

Coach leadership skills and frameworks to address real, community-identified priorities

Guide students in developing and delivering a formal proposal, implementation plan, monthly progress reports, and a final presentation

Strengthen relationships between Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder and the Boulder community

Student Outcomes: At the end of this program, students will be able to…	Community Partner Outcomes: At the end of this program, community partners will have received…
Build their confidence in articulating career and leadership goals while strengthening communication, networking, and interpersonal skills	Highly motivated students guided by Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder academics, advisors, and the Center for Leadership focused on building a thoughtful project to address a community-raised priority
Develop practical leadership and project management skills through hands-on ideation, critical thinking, and project implementation	Participation in mentoring the next generation of leaders and opportunities to identify potential future employees
Deepen their sense of belonging and contribution within the Boulder community through direct partnerships with local organizations	A relationship with Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder that could result in other partnerships
Foster a commitment to ethical community involvement and responsible civic leadership	Funding potential for the student’s work and project through the Center for Leadership

Who is eligible to participate in the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative?

Students: The prerequisite to apply to this program is the Center for Leadership’s Newton Fellowship Program. Ideal candidates are those who want to lead sustainable, collaborative projects that create civic impact in the Bouder Community.

Community Partners: Local government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses interested in hosting a scholar, partnering on a project, and serving as a co-educator are encouraged to connect with us.

2026-2027 Wagner Civic Impact Initiative Cohort

We are proud to partner with exceptional local organizations for our inaugural year, including:

The Sundance Film Festival, Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s collaborative Sustainability Initiative

Boulder Farmer’s Markets

City of Boulder, Climate Initiatives and Communications and Engagement Departments

City of Boulder, Parks and Recreation

Boulder Police Department

Calvin Hawks

Majors: Computer Science and Creative Design & Technology
Leadership Program: Engineering Leadership Program

Marissa Khan

Major: Integrated Design Engineering with a Mechanical Emphasis
Minor: Multicultural Leadership Studies
Leadership Program: Multicultural Leadership Studies

Jaka Jacklin

Majors: Astrophysics & Creative Technology and Design
Minor: Leadership Studies Minor
Leadership Program: Leadership Studies Minor

Michel Jarjour

Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Spanish, Sports Media, and Biochemistry
Leadership Program: Ģ��Ӱ�� GOLD

Yasmin Mohamud

Major: Political Science
Minor: Business
Leadership Program: Student Academic Success Center (SASC)

Hyma Jujjuru

Major: Computer Science
Minors: Business and Mathematics
Leadership Program: Engineering Leadership Program

Happy Phatak

Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minors: Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology, Business, and Leadership
Leadership Program: Leadership Studies Minor

What’s Next?

This fall, our inaugural cohort will match with their partner organizations to begin project ideation and plan finalization. Final project deliverables and outcomes will be presented at the Center for Leadership’s Spring Leadership Summit (date to be announced).

Interested in Learning More or Partnering?

For questions regarding the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative, please contact the Program Coordinator for Civic Impact, Chloe Nicklas, at chloe.nicklas@colorado.edu.

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Continuing the Legacy of the Newton Fellowship with the 2026–27 Cohort

Jessica Follett — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:47:37 +0000

Continuing the Legacy of the Newton Fellowship with the 2026–27 Cohort Jessica Follett Mon, 04/06/2026 - 15:47

The Center for Leadership is excited to announce the 2026–27 cohort of Newton Fellows, continuing the momentum and legacy established by the program’s inaugural year. Launched in 2025, the Newton Fellowship was created to recognize and support Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s most promising student leaders through a yearlong experience centered on coaching, experiential learning, mentorship, and community. As the program enters its second year, we are enthusiastic about both the continued impact on students and the evolution of the fellowship itself.

Over the past year, members of the first Newton Fellows cohort have shared how transformational the experience has been. Students cited the value of one-on-one coaching, the strength of the cohort model, and the opportunity to step outside their disciplinary silos to learn alongside peers from across campus. Many reflected that the fellowship helped them clarify their leadership values, grow their confidence, and better articulate how they want to show up as leaders in their academic programs, organizations, and communities. Just as importantly, Fellows emphasized the sense of belonging and connection they felt through relationships built with one another, their coaches, and Center for Leadership staff.

Building on that strong foundation, the 2026–27 Newton Fellows cohort brings together another group of exceptional student leaders drawn from Center for Leadership affiliate programs across campus. New this year, the cohort also includes four graduate students as part of a pilot effort to intentionally integrate undergraduate and graduate learners into a shared leadership development experience. This addition reflects the Center’s ongoing commitment to innovation and inclusion, and to creating rich learning environments that benefit from diverse perspectives, academic contexts, and lived experiences.

As with the inaugural class, the 2026–27 Newton Fellows will participate in a carefully designed sequence of coaching sessions, leadership workshops, experiential intensives, and community-building opportunities. Throughout the year, Fellows will be challenged to reflect on their purpose, practice inclusive and values-driven leadership, and apply what they are learning to real issues they care about on campus and beyond. The fellowship continues to honor the legacy of Quigg and Virginia Newton by investing in students who are committed to strengthening their communities and leading with integrity, creativity, and care.

We look forward to welcoming the second cohort of Newton Fellows and to continuing this important work with students who are shaping the future of leadership at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder. As the program grows, we remain grateful to our campus partners, coaches, and supporters who make the Newton Fellowship possible, and we are excited to see how this next group of Fellows builds on the legacy established in the program’s first year.

Meet our 2026-27 Newton Leadership Fellows!

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Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus

Jessica Follett — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:33:39 +0000

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus Jessica Follett Thu, 02/12/2026 - 10:33

Chancellor Justin Schwartz delivered his annual State of the Campus address on Feb. 10, highlighting the university’s 150th anniversary and encouraging students, faculty and staff to submit ideas for transforming the future of Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s societal impact.

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Malala Yousafzai to speak at Conference on World Affairs in April

Jessica Follett — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:22:12 +0000

Malala Yousafzai to speak at Conference on World Affairs in April Jessica Follett Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:22

In partnership with the Center for Leadership and the Center for Asian Studies, we’re honored to announce Malala Yousafzai as the closing speaker for the Conference on World Affairs.

From speaking out for girls’ education at just 11 years old to becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Yousafzai’s courage has helped shape a global movement for education, equality and human rights. Her story—and her ongoing work through Malala Fund—continues to demonstrate the power of one voice to drive meaningful change.

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NOLS + University of Ģ��Ӱ�� + American Rivers Partnership

Jessica Follett — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:49:09 +0000

NOLS + University of Ģ��Ӱ�� + American Rivers Partnership Jessica Follett Thu, 01/22/2026 - 15:49

This past summer, twelve University of Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder students left the classroom for a week on Utah’s Green River. The River Conservation Leadership Expedition—organized by Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s Center for Leadership in partnership with American Rivers and NOLS—combined backcountry training with lessons in environmental leadership.

Over the course of the trip, students practiced paddling and river safety skills, but the focus extended beyond technical training. Through daily leadership rotations and structured discussions, they examined how water rights, climate change, and Indigenous perspectives are shaping the future of conservation in the American West.

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From Choice to Change: Gigi Pritzker on Leadership, Storytelling, and Taking the Leap

Jessica Follett — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:35:24 +0000

From Choice to Change: Gigi Pritzker on Leadership, Storytelling, and Taking the Leap Jessica Follett Thu, 01/22/2026 - 15:35

BOULDER, Colo. — At the latest installment of the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, Emmy-award-winning producer and CEO Gigi Pritzker offered a compelling and unconventional perspective on leadership—one rooted in personal choices, creative courage, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Hosted by the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder Center for Leadership, Pritzker’s talk on November 17 in Macky Auditorium brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members eager to learn from one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders. Pritzker, the founder and chief executive of Madison Wells Media, is known for producing acclaimed films, theater works, and television series that challenge conventions and elevate diverse voices.

Redefining Leadership as Decision and Direction

Pritzker began her remarks by reflecting on her own journey and what it reveals about leadership. She thanked Chancellor Emeritus Phil DiStefano for his leadership and for inviting her to speak, grounding her remarks in gratitude and connection to the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder community.

Rather than equating leadership with titles or hierarchy, Pritzker offered a more democratic view:

“Each decision is a choice… and each choice we make leads us down a road.”

In her telling, every pivotal moment in her life—from studying anthropology in Nepal to embarking on a career in film—stemmed from decisions that weren’t always clear or conventional. Leadership, she said, starts with leading yourself by making intentional, sometimes risky, choices.

Her story highlights that leadership often unfolds in nonlinear ways, a message especially resonant for students and early-career professionals navigating uncertainty.

From Anthropology to Hollywood: Trusting the Unexpected

Pritzker recounted how her initial plan to earn a master’s degree and return to global humanitarian work fell apart when credits weren’t accepted by her university. Rather than deterring her, this disruption opened space for new possibilities. After presenting her thesis, a professor told her:

“You are too creative… don’t get a master’s in anthropology, you should go to film school.”

At first stunned, Pritzker embraced this unexpected encouragement, ultimately enrolling in a film program in New Mexico—a choice she describes as fueled by “the power of youthful ignorance.”

Her narrative underscored how openness to new paths and willingness to act—especially when guided by thoughtful advice—can shape a life of meaningful impact.

Producing as Leadership

One of the evening’s most powerful reframes was Pritzker’s linkage of her profession to universal leadership principles. She shared a common definition of leadership that includes communication, vision, alignment, and motivation, and then offered this twist:

“Replace the word ‘leadership’ with ‘producer’ and you have the definition of what it takes to produce film, TV, or theatre.”

This insight brought to life the idea that producing is a leadership practice—one that requires navigating complexity, guiding creative teams, and building shared purpose. Pritzker’s career exemplifies that leadership extends beyond corporate titles and into the arts, media, and culture.

Her work at Madison Wells Media illustrates this principle in action: the company intentionally champions stories about underrepresented voices and people who push boundaries, using film, television, theater, and immersive media to spark cultural conversation and social impact.

Storytelling as a Force for Change

Throughout her career, Pritzker has used storytelling as a vehicle for broadening perspectives and fostering empathy. From globally recognized films to theater productions celebrated on Broadway and beyond, she emphasized that stories have the power to move audiences, provoke dialogue, and inspire action.

Her own early research into the role of folk tales in cultural transmission foreshadowed a lifelong belief in the power of narrative—a belief she carries into every project she champions.

Pritzker’s talk offered university stakeholders a powerful message: leadership is not reserved for the few at the top, but begins with reflective choices, the courage to explore new directions, and the commitment to create and share stories that matter. Her insights resonated with the Center for Leadership's philosophy—that leadership potential exists within us all and can be nurtured through experience, connection, and purposeful action.

BOULDER, Colo. — At the latest installment of the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, Emmy-award-winning producer and CEO Gigi Pritzker offered a compelling and unconventional perspective on leadership—one rooted in personal choices, creative courage, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.

Hosted by the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder Center for Leadership, Pritzker’s talk on November 17 in Macky Auditorium brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members eager to learn from one of Hollywood’s most influential leaders. Pritzker, the founder and chief executive of Madison Wells Media, is known for producing acclaimed films, theater works, and television series that challenge conventions and elevate diverse voices.

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14 Students Recognized as Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder's Graduating Leaders of the Year

Jessica Follett — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:29:10 +0000

14 Students Recognized as Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder's Graduating Leaders of the Year Jessica Follett Tue, 01/20/2026 - 10:29

The Center for Leadership is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Graduating Leaders of the Year Award, celebrating the outstanding contributions of Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder’s student leaders. This prestigious award honors individuals who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.

The Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder Graduating Leaders of the Year are nominated by their campus leadership programs, and are recognized for their:

Academic excellence and curiosity
Exceptional support for and innovation within campus leadership programs
Outstanding service to the community, either on campus or in the Boulder metro area
Exceptional character and personal resilience
Exemplary embodiment of the Ģ��Ӱ�� Creed

These exceptional students will be honored at the Spring Leadership Summit on April 2, 2026 and will be recognized with a court-side shoutout during the Men's Basketball game on February 25th. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s awardees and look forward to recognizing their continued impact on the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder community and beyond.

For more details about the award criteria and past recipients, visit the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder Graduating Leaders of the Year page.

Melisa Arellano Ramirez is a Political Science and Ethnic Studies major with a minor in Multicultural Leadership from Boulder, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as inspiring others to pursue shared goals while remaining open to learning. A first-generation Mexican American student, she has demonstrated this philosophy through sustained leadership in the Multicultural Leadership Scholars Program, serving as a peer mentor and the program’s first community-building intern. In these roles, she fostered inclusive spaces and guided difficult conversations, earning recognition for her critical thinking and authenticity. Melisa plans to attend law school and continue advocating for her communities.

Jamison Barcelona is a Chemical Engineering and Engineering Physics major from Thornton, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as helping others realize and achieve their potential. A McNair Scholar researching polymer physics and quantum field theory, he brings intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking to his work, with interests spanning philosophy, literature, and ethics. He co-founded and serves as Vice President of the Engineering Leadership and Literature Association, where he uses literature to address ethical gaps in engineering education and foster inclusive community. Jamison leads with empathy, intellectual rigor, and a belief in the transformative power of education.

Beauregard Cave is a Computer Science major from Denver, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as connection—finding common ground and building upward together. They have embodied this philosophy through sustained leadership in the Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder Learning Assistant Program, progressing from Learning Assistant to Lead LA Mentor while collaborating with faculty, mentoring peers, and advocating for inclusive learning environments. Known for thoughtful listening and intellectual humility, Beauregard also applies their technical skills to develop apps supporting people living with PTSD and c-PTSD. They lead with curiosity, care, and a deep commitment to service-driven impact.

Autumn Christeson is a Leadership and Community Engagement and Sociology major with a minor in German from Denver, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as a practice rooted in community awareness, inclusivity, and knowing when to step forward or step back. Her academic and leadership work centers on designing learning environments that foster belonging, intersectional identity development, and social‑emotional learning. As an honors thesis student, she explores alternative and experiential learning spaces that increase accessibility and academic self‑efficacy. Across her scholarship, classroom engagement, and global experiences studying and working abroad, Autumn leads with authenticity, care, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where all people can thrive.

Saylee Didolkar is a master’s student in Engineering Management from Akola, Maharashtra, India, who defines leadership as a continuous journey of learning and self-growth grounded in curiosity, humility, and purpose. With a background in software engineering, she brings a people-centered approach to leadership through her roles as President of Administration for the Graduate and Professional Student Government and as a Course Facilitator for the Engineering Management Program. Through this work, she builds community, leads teams, and advances initiatives focused on meaningful, long-term impact. Saylee leads with authenticity, resilience, and a strong commitment to service.

Luke Dry is a Computer Science and Finance Integration major from Highlands Ranch, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as inspiring and helping others become the best versions of themselves. He exemplifies this philosophy as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he has united student-athletes across teams, launched new programming, and elevated SAAC as a strong voice on campus. Luke also represents Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder in Big 12 SAAC and has contributed to university leadership through service on the athletic director search committee. Through his work with Scripps Leadership & Career Development and community service initiatives, he leads with integrity, empathy, and resilience.

Michael Ellis is a Computer Science major from Ģ��Ӱ�� Springs, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as fostering creative, collaborative teams while prioritizing wellbeing and mission success. He exemplifies this philosophy as an Air Force ROTC cadet, serving as Cadet Wing Chief of A-Staff for a 285-cadet organization, where he synchronized senior staff, strengthened communication with cadre, and advised wing leadership on operations. Michael also led community and engagement initiatives that raised nearly $40,000 for cadet programs and expanded officer candidate exposure through partnerships with the U.S. Air Force. He leads with discipline, service, and a strong commitment to helping others thrive.

Sahithi Govardhanam is an Integrative Physiology major with a minor in Korean from Thornton, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as nurturing inclusive, empathetic spaces where diverse voices can thrive. She has embodied this philosophy through her leadership with New Student & Family Programs as a Journey Leader and Journey Leader Mentor, supporting students and families in their transition to Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder while co-teaching leadership coursework and strengthening team cohesion. Known for balancing critical thinking with empathy, Sahithi creates welcoming environments where others feel valued and heard. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in healthcare, bringing compassion and a strong commitment to service.

Sena Kavi is a Business Administration major with emphases in Finance and Business Analytics, a Spanish minor, and a Global Business Certificate from Superior, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as fostering harmony and positive change through humility and empathy. Sena has made a lasting impact as a Teaching Assistant for the Leeds Scholars Program, Vice President of Engagements for the Leeds Consulting Group, and intern at the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility. Through mentoring students, leading consulting projects for organizations such as the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and advancing ethics-driven business initiatives, Sena leads with integrity and optimism. After graduation, she will join McKinsey & Company in Denver.

Andrew Marsh is a Strategic Communications major with a Business minor from Highlands Ranch, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as prioritizing the collective success of the team. He has demonstrated this philosophy as Professional Development Chair for the Herd Leadership Council, where he coordinated a yearlong curriculum, organized high-impact events, and helped launch the Herd’s first “Board in Training” session to strengthen accountability and engagement. Beyond leadership programming, Andrew serves as a Student Facility Manager at the Koenig Alumni Center and as a photographer for Ģ��Ӱ�� Athletics. He leads with professionalism, collaboration, and a strong commitment to community.

Kalen Sieja is a Political Science and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology major with a Leadership minor from Denver, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as fostering excellence and growth in others through accountability and values-driven authenticity. He exemplifies this philosophy as Co-Curator of TEDxĢ��Ӱ��, leading a team of 50+ students to produce an annual event for more than 2,000 attendees and create a platform for diverse ideas and voices. Kalen’s passion for civic engagement extends beyond campus through fellowships and internships with organizations and elected officials at the state and federal levels. Across his work, he leads with humility, resilience, and a deep commitment to equity and empowerment.

Sam Thompson is an Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics & Data Science major from Centennial, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as empowering and uniting people around a shared mission. He has exemplified this philosophy through extensive leadership in the Leeds Consulting Group, serving as Vice President of Operations and later as President, where he expanded signature programs, launched the Rocky Mountain Case Competition, and strengthened the organization’s strategic vision. Sam’s leadership is grounded in mentorship and collaboration, guiding peers in high-impact environments. After graduation, he will return to McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst, continuing his commitment to building strong, purpose-driven teams.

Camden Sharkey, John Masulit, and Gianna Guido served together as the Tri‑Executives of Ģ��Ӱ�� Student Government, leading with collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to strengthening student voice. Camden is a Dance and Political Science major from Ģ��Ӱ�� Springs, Ģ��Ӱ��; John is an International Affairs and Political Science major from Littleton, Ģ��Ӱ�� with minors in French and Geography and a certificate in European Union Studies; and Gianna is a Spanish and Political Science major from Lafayette, Ģ��Ӱ��. Together, they define leadership as deeply relational—rooted in listening, empathy, and shared responsibility—and guided Ģ��Ӱ�� Student Government through complex initiatives that strengthened transparency, coalition‑building, and collaboration across shared governance. Their collective leadership expanded student access to decision‑making and civic engagement, leaving a legacy of inclusive, values‑driven impact at Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder.

Tvishi Yendamuri is a Biochemistry major with minors in Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, and Business from Highlands Ranch, Ģ��Ӱ��, who defines leadership as bringing out people’s best qualities and leveraging diverse perspectives toward a shared purpose. Guided by a passion for medicine and service, she launched MediVox through the Dalai Lama Fellowship—a multilingual platform that improves access to physical, social, and mental health resources for underserved communities across Ģ��Ӱ��. Through this work, Tvishi demonstrates determination, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity in healthcare, creating inclusive environments where collaboration leads to meaningful impact.

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Peace Corps Panel Discussion

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:30:00 +0000

Peace Corps Panel Discussion Anastasia Gall… Wed, 11/12/2025 - 19:30

Join for refreshments and a conversation with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who are also members of Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder's Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience community. They will share how the Peace Corps impacted their lives, including their professional development & career paths.

Location: Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC), S372AB

If you cannot make it in person, this is a hybrid session. Be in touch (peacecorps@colorado.edu) if you want to join the conversation by Zoom.

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Peace Corps Career Pathways in Service Panel & Networking

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:09:53 +0000

Peace Corps Career Pathways in Service Panel & Networking Anastasia Gall… Tue, 11/04/2025 - 22:09

The Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the United States to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, community economic development, agriculture, the environment and youth development.

Through their Peace Corps experience, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today’s global economy.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in over 160 countries worldwide.

As a Volunteer, you immerse yourself in a new experience — building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations.

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion and networking event featuring City Year, the Peace Corps, and Teach For America (TFA).

Hear firsthand from Ģ��Ӱ�� Boulder alumni, who have degrees from the College of Arts & Sciences, how they turned their passion into purpose through service. Learn how YOU can launch a meaningful career, make a difference, and gain valuable skills after graduation.

Meet recruiters, ask questions, and explore your next adventure! Don’t miss this chance to connect, get inspired, and take the first step toward a career that matters.
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 3:45pm to 5:30pm. In Eaton Humanities, 135

https://calendar.colorado.edu/event/career-pathways-in-service-panel-networking-8745

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