Welcome to the CU Denver Change Makers Alumni website

This newly designed space helps you connect across cohorts with other like-minded individuals who have also completed the fellowship program. We hope you’ll visit regularly to stay informed about future events, learn more about your fellow alumni and stay connected with the Change Makers community.

Explore the site
This site offers a range of features aimed at building connection and community. These include:

  • Events: Stay informed about upcoming events
  • Forum: Engage with other Change Makers alumni through general dialogue or topic-driven exchanges
  • Directory: Access information and profiles about your fellow Change Makers alumni
  • Volunteer: Volunteer with fellow alumni to strengthen connections and help others continue their Change Makers journey

These features will appear as Tabs at the top of the screen after you’ve registered as a site user. To do this, scroll down to the “How to Get Started” section below.

Stay up to date
You’ll also notice posts on the home page to the right of this welcome section. These will be updated regularly to include alumni profiles, inspirational quotes, links to timely resources and updates on the Change Makers program. We encourage you to check back often to stay in the loop.

Note: This is a private site for CU Denver Change Makers alumni. Access to the directory, forum, and other features is available only to registered alumni users

How to get started
To access and use all the site’s features, you’ll need to first register and log in.

  • Register by clicking on the “Login” button in the top right. On the Login page, click “Register” and create a username and password for logging into the site.
  • Build your profile: After logging in, you’ll be taken to a user page where you can add a photo and provide a little information about yourself by clicking on the gear button.
  • Access your account: Once complete, you’ll see your name and photo appear at the top right
  • Return home: To get back to the home page, click on “CU Denver Change Makers Alumni” at the top.

And if you’re looking for information about the Change Makers program itself, visit https://www.ucdenver.edu/change-makers

ALUMNI UPDATES

Stories, resources and news from the Change Makers community

  • Keep growing. Keep connecting.

    Photo by Chris Montgomery for Unsplash

    The Change Makers conversation will continue with an exclusive fall online series for alumni designed around real-life topics that extend beyond what we explored during the semester-long fellowship program. Each of the sessions will be held on Zoom, and participants can expect practical ideas, candid conversation and meaningful connection with fellow alumni navigating the opportunities and transitions of what comes next.

    Sessions will be facilitated by members of the Alumni Steering Committee and will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. MT. Dates and topics for the fall 2026 series are: 

    • Thursday, Sept. 17 — Compassionate Caring: Explore thoughtful, practical approaches to managing elderly parent care.
    • Wednesday, Oct. 28 — You’re Retired, But Your Spouse Is Not: Navigate changing routines, expectations and connection when partners enter retirement at different times.
    • Thursday, Nov. 19 — What’s FUN in Retirement?

    Registration details and Zoom links are coming soon, so be sure to check back on the Change Makers alumni website and save these dates on your calendar.

  • Getting to know Wendy Wadas

    This is an ongoing series of Change Makers alumni profiles — a chance to get to know one another a little better through stories, reflections and glimpses into life after the program. We’re looking for more alumni to feature, so if you’re willing to be profiled in a future post, please reach out to our site editor, Lisa Schlichtman, at lschlichtman@gmail.com.

    Q. What are your hobbies and interests?

    A. Gravel and mountain biking, pickleball, kayaking and hiking. 

    Q. What’s something meaningful you’re currently working on or are involved in (professionally or personally)?

    A. Being a mentor for the Professional Mentor Program at CU Boulder; being a professional mentor for CSCMP (an organization for supply chain and procurement professionals); being a grandma to five (soon to be seven) grandchildren.

    Q. What is something about you that would surprise people?

    A.  I started cycling and kayaking in my 60s and love it.

    Q. What about Change Makers had a lasting effect on you?

    A. Many aspects of the program had a lasting effect, but here are a couple of that stand out:
    • Live life with curiosity.
    • Don’t limit yourself; try new new things every day.
    • Utilizing the many resources that were offered to us during the program.
    • Gained new friends and colleagues that last long after the program has ended. • Invested in a restaurant, entertainment, pickleball venue in Denver. Moodswing just opened in January.


  • Another NOCO event planned

    NOCO Change Makers alumni and friends are invited to a social gathering from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20 at East & Co., 2100 Central Ave. in Boulder. The informal event will offer conversation, connection, ideas and fun. It’s open to all alumni but is geared toward those living in the northern Colorado and Boulder area.

    Questions? Reach out to: Wendy Wadas, 312-350-3128 or wadaswendy@gmail.com; Jeanette Marquess, 303-956-8025 or jsmarquess430@gmail.com; Michelle Johnston, 970-445-2102 or johnston.michelle@gmail.com; or Jennifer Smoot, 920-246-6530 or jsmoot90@gmail.com.

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