PLC Alumni Newsletter

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The March 2026 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:56:46 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The March 2026 Edition Maneesh Gundluru Tue, 03/03/2026 - 13:56

Alumni Spotlights

Angela Thieman Dino

Our first spotlight features Angela Thieman Dino, PLC class of 1988. Ang has built a career rooted in curiosity, justice, and a deep commitment to understanding people. Today, she serves as an instructor in 91��ý’s Engineering Leadership Program (ENLP), where she helps guide the next generation of leaders while continuing her work as a cultural anthropologist.

During her time as an undergraduate at CU, Ang spent much of her early academic career as an open option major, opting to explore a wide range of classes. Through this, along with a bit of mentorship, she discovered an incredible fascination for anthropology, as it was a field that aligned with her passion for people, culture, and global perspectives. She later pursued a master's and a PhD in cultural anthropology while remaining actively involved in international human rights work, working with youth, and volunteering with organizations like Amnesty International and a local center in Denver supporting survivors of torture and genocide. For Ang, anthropology and human rights naturally went hand in hand, as she is driven by a strong sense of justice and service to her community.

Her path eventually led her back to PLC when she was invited to teach the sophomore leadership course. While initially hesitant about returning to the university, the experience quickly became meaningful as Ang found herself drawn to leadership education and the opportunity PLC provides for students to bridge theory and practice while developing interpersonal skills and real-world perspectives.

Looking back, Ang credits her time in PLC for helping to shape many of the relationships and experiences that influenced her career. The friendships she built became lasting connections in her work, and her time as a First Year CA and guest lecturer helped spark her passion for teaching. She also fondly remembers the adventures that came with the program, including road trips to Devil’s Tower and climbing Bear Peak with her fellow PLCers and recitation group.

Like many careers in research and advocacy, Ang’s work has involved navigating challenges. When asked what motivates her, she stated "I have a photo of Rosa Parks doing paperwork during a board meeting, I think it's really important because it's a reminder that meaningful change requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to do the unglamorous work behind the scenes."

Her advice to current PLC students is simple: avoid comparing yourself to others and instead focus on discovering what truly matters to you. Define success on your own terms and let your curiosity and values guide the path forward.

Ben Whitehair

Our next spotlight features Ben Whitehair, PLC class of 2004. Ben is a father, nonprofit leader, activist, and actor who has dedicated much of his life to service and community impact. Today, he serves as the Executive Director of Calling All Crows and previously served as the Executive Vice President of SAG-AFTRA. Throughout his work, Ben has focused on advocacy, community-building, and championing fairness for creative professionals in the arts.

Ben’s path to where he is today was far from linear. When he first arrived at CU, he studied biochemistry and theatre before eventually graduating with degrees in political science and theatre. Like many students, he wasn’t entirely sure what direction he wanted to take. During his freshman year, however, a PLC Community Advisor introduced him to a business opportunity, giving him his first taste of entrepreneurship, and making him invested (pun intended). Around that same time, a fellow PLCer shared a quote that deeply resonated with him: “Ask not what the world needs, but what makes you come alive.” That message encouraged Ben to pursue acting while also exploring entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities, and he moved to Los Angeles soon after graduation.

Over time, Ben launched several companies while becoming more involved with SAG-AFTRA and the entertainment industry. An additional transformational leadership program later in his career helped him realize that leadership is not defined by a title or position, but rather by a set of values and a way of showing up in the world, a perspective that continues to guide his work today.

Ben credits PLC with fundamentally shaping the course of his life. The program opened doors that introduced him to entrepreneurship and strengthened his commitment to service. Just as importantly, PLC created a supportive environment where he could practice leadership and grow alongside others, which he believes is something so invaluable and an experience everyone should have. The program additionally helped him learn the power of community and collaboration, which contrasted from his initial mindset of independence.

Those lessons continue to influence his work today. As the leader of a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of music to address pressing social issues, Ben focuses on building strong teams, supporting others, and creating a community around shared causes. He believes much of leadership involves inspiring people to believe in a mission and helping them feel fulfilled in the work they do.

For current PLC students, Ben offers simple but meaningful advice: Be patient and gentle with yourself. "While the desire to create change is admirable, real impact takes time, and you can't rush that". Over the years, his definition of success has also evolved. Where he once measured success through recognition or large-scale accomplishments, he now sees it as the difference he makes in people’s lives, and whether those around him are better off simply because he was part of their story.

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The January 2026 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:34:56 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The January 2026 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru Sun, 01/25/2026 - 21:34

Hello Alumni and welcome to another exciting edition of the PLC Alumni Newsletter! It’s the start of a new semester, and you all know what that means! New Year, new things happening around PLC. Our year is off to an amazing start and we’re so proud of all the great updates we have to share. Thank you for your continued support of PLCers past and present. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

PLC Alumni Newsletter

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The December 2025 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:08:43 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The December 2025 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru Wed, 12/17/2025 - 14:08

Hello, and welcome to another PLC alumni newsletter! This is our final newsletter for the semester and there's so much to catch you all up on, we can't wait to share what our incredible community and the PLC family has been getting up to since the start of the semester, so without further ado let's get into it!

PLC Alumni Newsletter

Student Initiatives

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The October 2025 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:38:33 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The October 2025 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru Mon, 10/27/2025 - 10:38

Hello and welcome back to another alumni newsletter! As PLCers, we are no strangers to pursuing meaningful impact. Now that we're halfway through the fall semester, it's clear that this semester has been no exception and we have so many fun updates that we’re proud to share. So let's get to it!

PLC Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Spotlights

Abby Robertson '97

Our first spotlight goes to Abby Robertson, class of 1997. Abby has proven to be a strong leader, not only in the workplace, but also as she serves as a co-chair on our board of advocates!

During her time in PLC, Abby recounts how despite being involved in many organizations throughout her time at CU, from being president of a thriving business club to being a sorority member, she believes PLC to be her community. As one of our former staff members, she served as a First Year CA and Community Team Lead. Her work and fondness for the program pushed her to continue volunteering her time even further as an alumni, before eventually joining the board! As she wraps up her third term, she reflects on one of her fondest memories of serving as a fundraising chair for PLC, raising 2.5M dollars. Abby states that the reason she chooses to dedicate so much of her time, talent, and treasure to PLC is because she truly believes that helping a PLCer is helping the world. "The world always needs leaders, in every company, in every industry, and right now the world is starving for leaders." That's why she believes that engaging and helping in PLC is so incredibly meaningful, as according to her "If I can engage with those 50 students at once on track with a network to help change the world, I believe that is the best way to help the world."

Outside of PLC, she's also a successful careerwoman, as she served as a Chief Marketing Officer for Spirit Hound Distillers and currently is the founder of her own consulting firm for alcohol beverage companies. Abby says that a good portion of her career is due to her ambition to help people, serve a community, and to be involved in areas where leaders are needed. When asked about Abby about what makes a good leader, Abby believes empathy is key. It's important to be kind and helpful to others, especially in environments where competition proves to be dominating, it's always important to take a step back and help others to cross the finish line together.

Abby said her key advice, and this applies to both current PLCers and everyone else in general, is to do the things that make you happy. "The world is constantly changing," she says "Your career alone will change at least 7-10 times throughout your life. However, the one thing that will never change is who you are as a person, who you choose to hang out with, and what you choose to do." Abby encourages everyone to continue to be happy, as being happy causes people to do great things. This is a statement that Abby lives by and clearly demonstrates as a proud forever buff and PLCer.

Jasey Chanders '20

We also want to spotlight alumni Jasey Chanders! One of our more recent graduates of PLC from the class of 2020 and a Colorado native, Jasey was a Computer Science major at CU. Jasey found PLC and found it as an unique addition to her degree plan. During her time at CU, Jasey dabbled in a lot of things but became passionate about low level software development. In her free time, she pursued social dance, backpacking, and creating and selling a variety of things through a side business.

Jasey was also recently featured as a guest on our first industry night, our future forward industry night! Talking about her experience, she says, "It's a really cool way to keep PLC connected, connection is something that I really valued about PLC was the connection, so being there and seeing not only new faces, but also getting to see a couple of students that I know, or one of the other panelists, who I actually know, was really cool."

Jasey attributes her current journey to where she is now as a variety of experiences in her life, which helped her discover her passions and interests. She encourages others to take risks and be open minded in all of their endeavors. Jasey also credits this as being one of the reasons she was also thrilled to be a panelist at our industry night. Another reasoning Jasey provides is how during her life, she grew up with a ton of mentors from her everyday life to people on her high school robotics team. "At any one time, you can't look forward and see the pieces of where you're going to go, but you can always look back and see how far you've come. That's why I try to pay it forward and now be a mentor to someone else to help share what I know."

Jasey's current advice to everyone and current PLCers especially is to take control of their situation and do things that are memorable or impactful. "Choose the things that you'll always remember. If I'm watching a movie and a good friend calls me and asks me for a crazy adventure, I'm doing that adventure with a friend. If I have a minor homework assignment that won't change much, but I have another opportunity to go meet this really cool individual to network with, I'm going to remember my interaction and time with them more than I would checking my math on a problem."

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The September 2025 Edition

Maneesh Gundluru — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 23:10:38 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - The September 2025 Edition Maneesh Gundluru Sat, 09/20/2025 - 17:10

Hello PLC Alumni! The Buffs are back for a new school year, which means we're back for a new alumni newsletter! My name is Maneesh Gundluru, and I am the new alumni connections coordinator! I'm now responsible for writing the alumni newsletter this school year, so I can't wait to connect and share stories, experiences, and events happening across PLC both on and off campus!

Before we really dive deep into the new surroundings, I thought I'd take the opportunity to introduce myself first so we can really establish a connection from the start throughout the school year! As stated before, I'm Maneesh. I'm a sophomore studying Aero with a minor in Leadership Studies through PLC! I wanted to join student staff to help contribute to making a difference in the way leadership is instilled while having an opportunity to give back to PLC for everything it has done for me and will continue to do for others.

We've added two new layers that we're excited to share: PLC Family Tree and our new shift to a full community PLC Fall Retreat to kick off the school year! We think these will help PLCers establish meaningful connections sooner, and we're proud of their inaugural launch!

PLC Alumni Newsletter

March Alumni Newsletter 2025

Kerem Gurkan — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:50:57 +0000

March Alumni Newsletter 2025

Kerem Gurkan Sun, 03/09/2025 - 20:50

Alumni Spring Lecture

We’re excited to announce that we are re-launching the PLC Alumni Spring Lecture and invite you to reconnect with the PLC community!

📅 Tuesday, April 1
📍 Miramontes Baca Education Building Room 157
🍽️ 5-6 PM | Dinner & Reunion with fellow PLC Alumni
🎤 6-7 PM | PLC Program Update & Lecture by Dr. Benjamin Teitelbaum

Dr. Teitelbaum is a musician, researcher, and author specializing in the ideology and culture of contemporary radical nationalist movements. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and more.

This is a great opportunity to catch up with fellow alumni, support our graduating seniors, and engage in a thought-provoking discussion.

📌 Registration is live and you can register here. (https://web.cvent.com/event/c58f8807-2786-42ed-b9d4-3b3177edc2f9/)

Feel free to email Kerem Gurkan, PLC's Alumni Relations Coordinator at kerem.gurkan@colorado.edu with any questions regarding the event.

PLC Alumni Newsletter

PLC Alumni Happenings

A Mardi Gras Miracle

Walking into a new workplace can be daunting, but for Alex Napolitan (’14), his first day at Ochsner in New Orleans came with an unexpected connection. As he introduced himself to Jamie Lovitt (’00), one of the clinic’s Family Medicine physicians, she paused and asked him a surprising question: “Did you go to 91��ý? And were you in PLC?” Alex was surprised—he hadn’t met another PLC alum in years, let alone expected to find one nearly 1,300 miles from Boulder. It turns out Jamie had done a quick search when she heard a new PA would be joining the clinic, and upon seeing a familiar PLC photo, she couldn’t believe the coincidence. “I thought maybe Google was just profiling me,” she joked. But when Alex confirmed his PLC background, she knew it was real—a “Mardi Gras Miracle,” as she called it.

Though they had never crossed paths in Boulder and somehow knew none of the same PLC people, their shared experiences in the program immediately created a sense of familiarity. For Alex, having Jamie as a colleague in a new city has been a source of support. “She understands where I’m coming from,” he says. “I view her almost as a natural mentor and friend.” Jamie feels similarly, noting that having a fellow PLC alum in her clinic makes her feel more whole, even amid the daily challenges of balancing work and life. “They call it work for a reason,” she says, “but I love having a new coworker with whom I share this history, even if we were separated by time.”

Their paths to medicine were different but equally shaped by PLC. Jamie originally came to New Orleans with Teach for America, teaching science in public schools before Hurricane Katrina forced all teachers out of their positions. She continued teaching in nearby LaPlace before returning to the city and eventually pursuing medical school.

Alex, meanwhile, started in research at 91��ý, initially planning to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. Realizing that path wasn’t the right fit, he pivoted to medicine and attended Duke University’s Physician Assistant program. His journey took him to Milwaukee, Durham, and finally New Orleans.

For both Jamie and Alex, finding each other in an unexpected place reaffirmed the strength of the PLC community. “PLC alums go to all corners of the world and accomplish incredible things,” Alex says, “but it’s a heartwarming experience to come across each other the way we did.”

Alumni Spotlights

Dr. Cassandra Roeca '03

Dr. Cassandra Roeca exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. Double board-certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI), she works at Shady Grove Fertility, helping individuals and couples build families. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, she also leads groundbreaking epidemiologic and translational research.

Dr. Roeca’s journey into medicine was fueled by her lifelong love of science. During her time in PLC, she was inspired by many from her cohort with their involvement in research and decided to join an Integrated Physiology of Aging lab. Reflecting on her time at CU, she fondly recalls her favorite college class, Developmental Biology, where she modified embryos—a skill she now applies daily in her work. Though she initially gravitated toward more of the research she did in her lab, her internship with Boulder Neurosurgical Associates ultimately solidified her desire to practice medicine. Before attending medical school, she took a short gap period to work in the biotech industry, a transition that reinforced her commitment to applying scientific knowledge in direct and impactful ways.

Surrounded by high-achieving peers in PLC, Dr. Roeca developed an insatiable drive for growth. She credits the program with pushing her to seek out new opportunities and continuously evolve. Today, she embodies transformational leadership, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective success. “I can only be successful if someone answers the phone; draws blood; cultures embryos. I know that their role is just as important as mine,” she explains, underscoring her deep appreciation for collaboration at every level.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Roeca is a dedicated athlete. In college, she was a two-time national triathlon champion. She and her husband recently competed in the Jungfrau Marathon, one of the most grueling races in the world. Her ability to balance the demands of a rigorous medical career with competitive athletics while being a mother of three speaks to her discipline and determination.

Over the years, Cassandra has learned the importance of prioritization. Each week, she assesses which aspects of her life require the most attention, ensuring she stays focused on what truly matters. Her passion for medicine and helping families has made her career deeply fulfilling.

Cassandra likens her career progression to climbing a ladder—steep and relentless at first but gradually leveling out with perseverance and time. Looking back, she finds it both humbling and awe-inspiring to see how far she has come. Her advice to young alumni? Savor the moment. With proper time management, anything is achievable. She also wants to remind them that attitude is contagious—positivity and enthusiasm spread just as easily as negativity and doubt.

Cassandra describes herself as an intensely determined and passionate woman who seeks humor in life, embraces the positive, and balances countless responsibilities. Through it all, she continues to inspire those around her with her relentless drive and unwavering optimism.

Forrest Hobbs '91

Forrest Hobbs’ career has been anything but linear. His journey is one of adventure, self-discovery, and an unrelenting drive to connect with people on a deeper level. From working on crab boats in Alaska to a Hollywood talent agency, from leading high-growth startups to stepping back and re-evaluating his purpose, Forrest’s path is defined by curiosity, courage, and an appreciation for the people who have joined him along the way.

Today, Forrest is an Operating Partner at both Kayne Anderson Capital and Composition Capital, where he helps early-stage tech startups scale and thrive. He is also the Principal Partner and Operator of SaaSEnable LLC, a consulting firm that guides startups through their go-to-market strategies. His work is rooted in the belief that success comes not just from strategy but from truly understanding the people who make up a company. “Transparency, honesty, and directness—even when the news is difficult—are key to strong leadership. The more you read people in, the stronger your team becomes.”

This belief was shaped by his time in PLC, which he describes as “the most influential, memorable, and lasting experience” of his college years. The high caliber members of his cohort challenge he encountered in PLC provided a more real-world education than anything else in his curriculum, and to this day, some of his dearest friends are fellow PLC alumni.

Forrest’s professional rise was marked by both ambition and self-awareness. As a Senior VP at Telesign, he played a key role in the company’s growth, even turning down a major investment offer from Kayne Anderson Capital. That decision, however, wasn’t the end of his relationship with the firm. Kayne Anderson kept tabs on him, and later invited Forrest to take on an advisory role. This opportunity coincided with a major shift in Forrest’s career: he began "sunsetting" the operational side of his work and instead focused on advising startups.

But stepping back from operations wasn’t the same as stepping away from purpose. Over time, Forrest realized that his true leadership style stemmed from enthusiasm, finding what excites him and sharing it with the people around him. He also discovered the importance of recognizing talent and being transparent about the realities of a job. “When recruiting, you’re responsible for whether someone is making a good career decision, not just for your company, but for them. You must be honest about what they’re getting themselves into and clear why you’re there and really sell the job for what it actually is, good, bad, otherwise.”

Despite his success, Forrest credits much of his journey to being in the right place at the right time, but he also acknowledges the moments when he had to make difficult choices—like stepping away from his career to reassess what truly made him happy. “There’s a difference between taking a break and burning out. When you’re on a break, you want to fill your time with what fulfills you. When you’re burnt out, you don’t have the energy or passion to do anything.”

As he returns to the operational side of startups, Forrest brings with him a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what makes a great leader. He likens leadership to his passion for bonsai trees—carefully shaping growth, creating deep resilience through challenge and struggle, and embracing the slow but powerful process of strengthening one’s roots to survive tough times and thrive where others shrink away from the challenge.

“Maybe the courage to pull the ripcord on my career three years ago and focus on the next chapter of my life through the lens of what truly makes me happy… Don’t ask me what that is, though. I’m still figuring it out.”

Alumni Spring Lecture: April 1st

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Winter 2024

Jessie Kasynski — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Winter 2024

Jessie Kasynski Tue, 09/24/2024 - 00:00

A special thank you to our incredible alumni David Davenport (PLC ’93), Natalia Eid (PLC ’21), Krystal Horton (PLC ’19), and Caleb Law (PLC ’10) for sharing their insights at a Monday night panel lecture focused on leadership in the technology sector. You each brought a unique perspective on navigating challenges in such a rapidly evolving industry, offering valuable lessons to current scholars and fellow alumni. Your willingness to give back to the PLC community and share your experiences is appreciated. We are grateful for your continued support in fostering leadership excellence across all fields.

Here’s to the lasting impact you’ve made on the PLC family!

PLC Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Highlights

New Face on the Board: Stacy Baum

Stacy Baum (PLC ’85) serves as the Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement for Catholic Charities of Denver. She plays a crucial role in reaching and uplifting communities across Northern Colorado. She oversees brand, marketing, and community outreach efforts, working alongside parishes, local businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers. Catholic Charities provides essential services that shelter, feed, educate, and support tens of thousands of Coloradans annually.

Reflecting on her journey, she credits the PLC as the foundation of her career. Her PLC walkabout at 9NEWS led to her first job in television broadcasting, and her network of PLC mentors opened doors that shaped her professional path. In one instance, a friend of PLC hired her for a corporate role, saying,

“If you’re a PLCer, we’re hiring you.”

PLC also prepared her for the fast-paced, high-stakes world of broadcasting by challenging her to articulate beliefs and navigate opposing viewpoints. These skills have become invaluable in her current role, where she emphasizes clear communication and compassion in leading her team. Her leadership philosophy centers on enabling others to shine. Inspired by the idea that, “leaders eat last,” she strives to coach her team to find their passion and excel.

As a first-generation college graduate, she has built a life deeply rooted in family, faith, and a commitment to giving back. Her marriage to her husband, Michael—a fellow Buff—has been a cornerstone of her journey. Together, they have built a partnership grounded in mutual support and shared values, providing a strong foundation for her personal and professional achievements.

Her journey has been a testament to resilience, and her achievements are shared with the people she holds closest. Her daughter Julia, a proud PLC alum, has followed in her footsteps, carrying forward the values of leadership and service that PLC instilled. Her son, recently married, brings joy and a new chapter to their family, while her mother remains a central, guiding presence in her life.

New Face on the Board: Rick Wilhelm

Rick Wilhelm (PLC '00), Chief Financial Officer of DW Healthcare Partners—an organization that manages investments in private markets, has seen his approach to making a difference evolve over the years. Once convinced that big changes came from large group initiatives, he now believes real impact happens through daily personal interactions. Most of his work involves meaningful conversations with individual investors and his team. He has found that these day-to-day exchanges can be transformative in ways that he never expected.

Rick’s motivations are simple yet profound: he wakes up each day eager to learn something new, be a supportive husband and father, and continue the everlasting challenge of personal growth. His love for sports remains central to his life. Having grown up playing tennis, Rick believes in becoming more like tennis legend Michael Chang—whose grit and humility left a lasting impression on Rick and the larger tennis community. Chang often won, not with superior skill, but with relentless determination. Rick strives to bring Chang's tenacity and level-headed approach to his own life. Rick now enjoys skiing and finds joy in supporting his kids' athletic pursuits in soccer and gymnastics. Volunteering has also been a meaningful part of his life, especially through his prior work with Ability Experience, where he biked across the U.S., connecting and organizing events for caregivers and persons with disabilities.

A natural mentor, Rick encourages those around him to push their limits and embrace challenges. PLC played a significant role in shaping his approach to life. He found the program’s unconventional structure—diverse readings and discussions that weren’t linear or prescriptive—both challenging and transformative. These experiences taught him to embrace the unexpected, becoming a more thoughtful and compassionate leader. He believes that seeking out diversity and adversity enriches our knowledge and resilience.

Reflecting on his PLC experiences, Rick fondly remembers the experiential weekends that brought him closer to issues and people. One highlight was a session with Breckenridge’s City Council, where he and his fellow scholars learned about balancing community needs with the demands of tourism in a mountain town economy.

Rick’s commitment to lifelong learning, positive connections, and personal growth continues to shape his approach to life. He embodies the values of the PLC community, showing us all the power of curiosity, kindness, and a deep sense of purpose in everyday interactions.

New Face on the Board: Keri Ungemah

Keri Hull Ungemah’s (PLC ‘92) journey through PLC not only shaped her career and values but introduced her to her husband, David Ungemah (PLC ‘91). The two met at a PLC alumni event at The Hornet, a local spot owned by a former PLC Board member. They quickly bonded over their shared love for CU and became lifelong partners. Twenty-five years later, Keri and David remain dedicated fans of their alma mater—even going as far as giving their two children the initials “CU” as a nod to the University of Colorado.

Currently, Keri serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). She leads the Marketing and Communications team, supporting OEDIT’s mission to promote economic growth by helping businesses succeed in Colorado. Keri and her team implement strategic marketing campaigns across various channels, including media relations, social media, and storytelling. Her department’s work helps recruit companies to Colorado and assists small businesses through numerous programs, from tax credits to no-cost training initiatives.

Keri credits PLC as a foundational influence on her leadership style and career. Her time as Co-Director of Recruitment and Selection on student staff provided invaluable experience in interviewing and recognizing talent—a skill that has benefited her throughout her professional journey.

Keri’s favorite piece of advice for her children—“It will be all right”—reflects a deeply personal journey marked by resilience, optimism, and an open-hearted commitment to helping others. For Keri, this isn’t a simple reassurance; it’s a philosophy forged through difficult experiences and triumphs including three miscarriages and a challenging pregnancy with her son, who arrived only after a period of complications. These moments, fraught with uncertainty and anxiety, taught Keri how to confront vulnerability head-on.

In navigating these painful experiences, Keri found herself searching for ways to make peace with emotions society often encourages us to hide. She saw that many people face similar struggles but feel pressured to remain silent. Recognizing this, Keri became passionate about normalizing these difficult emotions, determined to create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their own stories of resilience and hope.

Keri’s approach to life, work, and family is guided by her unwavering commitment to joy, authenticity, and resilience. A futurist and avid problem-solver, she constantly looks ahead, striving to make meaningful changes and leave things better than she found them. Whether she’s exploring the scenic trails of Steamboat, Breckenridge, or Estes Park, traveling the world with her family, reminiscing about her transformative time studying abroad in Spain, or simply chasing the “Genius” level on the New York Times Spelling Bee, Keri brings a sense of purpose and curiosity to everything she does.

Alumni Club News and Events

Alumni Match Program (AMP) - Spring 2025

We’re excited to bring back the Alumni Match Program (AMP) this spring after an overwhelmingly positive response from students this fall!

AMP is a unique opportunity for our alumni to reconnect and give back by mentoring current scholars. This semester-long program fosters leadership growth, meaningful connections, and shared experiences between alumni and students.

With a flexible time commitment, AMP allows you to share your journey, provide guidance, and empower the next generation of leaders—all while strengthening the PLC community and its values of leadership, service, and lifelong learning.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, your story and insights can make a lasting impact. Sign up today to be part of this inspiring program and help shape the future of PLC.

Apply now to become a mentor!

Sign-up for AMP

Bring a PLCer to Work Day Pilot Program: A Huge Success!

We’re thrilled to share the success of our inaugural “Bring a PLCer to Work Day” pilot program! This initiative connects current PLC scholars with local alumni leaders, creating a unique opportunity for networking, mentorship, and leadership growth.

Through 90-minute lunch-and-learn sessions, scholars get a firsthand glimpse into the professional lives of our outstanding PLC Board of Advocates members and their colleagues. From candid insights on leadership to practical advice on navigating the workforce, these sessions are filled with inspiration and wisdom to guide our next generation of leaders.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts for making this program a reality:
Tiffany Anderson at the Boettcher Foundation
Keri Ungemah at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
David Ettinger at Bow River Capital

Your generosity, expertise, and mentorship left a lasting impression on all who participated.

To our scholars and alumni: this is just the beginning! We’re excited to watch this program grow and further strengthen the bonds within the PLC community. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to connect, learn, and lead!

Get Linked to PLC Alumni

The club is also asking alumni to join the LinkedIn Page. The program will be posting next steps for the graduating Class of 2024 and we’d love to see alumni welcome PLCers to their industries and cities.

PLC LinkedIn Group

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Spring 2024

Jessie Kasynski — Wed, 15 May 2024 16:47:32 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Spring 2024

Jessie Kasynski Wed, 05/15/2024 - 10:47 PLC Alumni Newsletter

PLC Alumni Newsletter - February 2024

Jessie Kasynski — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:50:03 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - February 2024

Jessie Kasynski Mon, 01/22/2024 - 10:50 PLC Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Spotlights

Kelsey Page

Kelsey Page is from the cohort of 2007 and is the current Global Digital Director of Givenchy Beauty and Kenzo Perfumes in Paris, France. Kelsey enjoys her job because it is a great fit for her personality and lifestyle. It is creative and strategic and changes frequently, so she is constantly on her toes. Some of the best parts are photo shoots and watching her ideas come to life, seeing her work have an impact on a public scale like content going viral or observing how it affects people positively. She has also been lucky to work with some really amazing people, from many different countries and walks of life who are creative and funny and have made wonderful professional partners.

After graduating from CU with degrees in Spanish Literature and Psychology, Kelsey decided to pursue an unexpected dream of moving to Paris and working in advertising, despite not speaking French, never having taken business or marketing classes, and not knowing a soul in Europe. After a few years in agencies, she was recruited by the L’Oreal group, where she was Global Head of Content for skincare brand Vichy Laboratoires and then Global Head of Social, Media, and Advocacy at Giorgio Armani Beauty. She loved her experiences working at L’Oreal, especially being able to work across global markets like China and Asia, the Middle East, all of Europe, LatAm, and of course the U.S.

In her spare time, Kelsey loves to cook, learn languages (she has recently learned her fourth language, Italian), and practice yoga and meditation. She has also been teaching Master's courses in digital marketing in Paris, and giving back by mentoring college students and young professionals.

When reflecting on her favorite memory from PLC, Kelsey says, “My favorite memory from PLC is by far all of the close friends I made. Especially in our first-year group, I spent every waking minute with other PLCers we felt like family; we would stay up until 2 or 3 am every night ‘studying’ (more like chatting and drinking chai while we told ourselves we were working). I met so many interesting people from very different walks of life with very different dreams, but there was always a strong sense of feeling like we were a tight-knit community who always respected one another, it’s not a feeling one finds commonly or easily. I still see my PLC friends as often as I can.”

Dr. J Reed Caldwell

Dr. Reed Caldwell is from the 2000 cohort and was the first class to go through the four-year PLC curriculum. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with his husband of eighteen years and their ten-year-old English Bulldog. Reed works as the Chief of Service (Perelman Emergency Department) and the EMS Medical Director at NYU Langone Health. He has had a passion for the medical field since the age of five due to his youth and his feeling of comfort with hospitals.

Reed claims he wishes he could have told his college self, “Work on thinking as big as possible.” His goal was to always get into medical school, why wasn’t it to be the Chief Officer at one of the largest hospitals in the United States? He further states, “Allow your goals to zoom in and out. Never limit your dreams. Open as many doors as you can early and then you can decide later not to walk through them. Always have the doors open and in sight.”

When not busy at work, Reed enjoys exercising (specifically spin classes), trying out new restaurants recommended by blogs and the New York Times, and listening to and following DJs around the globe. A few of his favorite places that he has traveled to for DJs have been Ibiza, London, and LA. He hopes to visit all continents in the future, with Australia and Antarctica on his must-visit list.

When Reed thinks of PLC, it takes him back to a warm, difficult, reflective place. Everyone had strong academic backgrounds and were considered leaders. “We were often told we were some of the best.” Yet, in PLC recitation in the late evenings, we were asked challenging questions and forced to reexamine beliefs and disbeliefs, which started to frame thinking and it even baffled him that his parents were wrong about some things. It made him think of the world beyond himself.

Student Spotlights

Carter Galyardt

Carter Galyardt is in the 2021 cohort and is on the PLC Student Staff with LEAD Colorado. Carter works with high school students from the Boulder area to develop their leadership skills. He helps host monthly meetings surrounding values, leadership in everyday life, and understanding what it means to be a leader. We are so lucky to have you, Carter!

Why did you join PLC? What are a few of your favorite memories from the program?

I applied to PLC when an alumni told me, "Without PLC, I cannot imagine what my life would be like today. It was integral in becoming who I am today." Now that I have been in PLC for three years, I can say I completely agree with her, and I can't imagine where I would be without PLC. My favorite memories from PLC are also my favorite from college- I live in a house with PLCers, met most of my best friends through the program, and continue to go on yearly spring break trips with my PLC friends to California.

Describe a success you've had during your time at CU:

Outside of academics and social life, my biggest accomplishment as of late was my survival last semester. When I decided to study abroad in Israel for the fall, I knew I would be in for an interesting time, but I hadn't the foggiest idea what would happen on October 7th. Luckily, I was able to subvert the conflict and return home safely, finishing my classes (Israeli Politics, Islam, Politics + Terror, History of Antisemitism) from Boulder. Though I was disappointed not to go back to Israel, I was glad to be safely learning about such a controversial and topical war in real time, from afar.

What are your hobbies?

I love to travel. I try to leave the US once a year and go somewhere I have never seen before. In 2023, I was lucky enough to make it to 19 countries- an incredible experience in visiting other cultures. I also love to play tennis, I am currently in a league and coach kids tennis on the weekends. When I am not coaching tennis, I love to snowboard - my goal this year is to hit 30 days between my three favorite resorts: Copper, Steamboat, and Eldora. Above all, I am neck-deep in politics, both national and international. If reading Wikipedia pages on the status of Romanian politics, or obsessively checking the New York Times to see who won the latest presidential primary could be considered a hobby, it's definitely high on my list of activities.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, the LSAT. For me, this is a daunting task, but I hope to apply for law school in the fall. Eventually, I hope to work my way through law school, pass the bar, and work in the ever-expanding field of environmental law.

Holly McCollough

Holly McCollough is a part of the 2020 cohort and is the Community Team Lead and Senior Class Coordinator. In the past, Holly has also been the First Year Class Coordinator and the Mentoring Programs Coordinator. Holly has done a great job enriching the PLC experience for so many students!

Why did you join PLC? What are a few of your favorite memories from the program?

I joined PLC because I was excited to learn about the world from many perspectives and meet people who were working hard to create positive change. As for a favorite memory, my freshman year, I had the opportunity to attend the Adventure Weekend with Aaron Roof, where we were challenged to complete obstacle courses, orienteering competitions (shoutout to my teammate Alden for carrying us to victory!), and reflect in a Peak to Peak poetry discussion about the way we carry our past, present, and future as leaders.

Describe a success you've had during your time at CU:

I am very proud of my involvement with the Golden Buffalo Marching Band. The band performed on Big Noon Kickoff, ESPN Game Day, and in front of 54,000 fans. Because of our diligent work over three years, we were well-prepared for the added attention to CU. Most importantly, our group of 16 horn players has developed a very caring culture thanks to our leadership team’s example. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work in Indonesia during the summer after my sophomore year. I analyzed sales data to recommend a marketing plan for a dried fruit company providing high-quality seasonal work to women in poorer villages. I also began learning to speak Indonesian and received valuable training about Islam, ethical development work, cross-cultural work, and more. Last, but not least, I helped lead a spiritual discussion group called Alpha, where we established a safe culture to talk about life’s deepest questions, focused on religion and spirituality. I am thankful for and proud of the caring community I helped create to discuss such important topics.

What are your hobbies?

I love to play games with friends, climb/bouldering, hike, make music each day, and spend time with my four sisters and parents.

How would you describe the PLC community?

PLC’s community is multifaceted and intentional. Every PLCer I speak with is kind, humble and interested in learning more about the world. It is a delight to be in a community with so many different people who desire to care for others and engage with complicated questions maturely and ethically. PLCers are always the most interesting people in the room.

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Special Edition - Get involved in PLC this year

jefo2003 — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:56:40 +0000

PLC Alumni Newsletter - Special Edition - Get involved in PLC this year

jefo2003 Wed, 12/20/2023 - 10:56 PLC Alumni Newsletter

PLC Alumni Newsletter

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Deep Dives

Workshops

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Professional Development Updates

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Industry Nights

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Board of Advocate Members

Upcoming Opportunities

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Spring 2026

Thank You!

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