ALUMNI UPDATES

Stories, resources and news from the Change Makers community

  • Here’s how to ‘Keep Connecting’

    Photo by Samantha Borges on Unsplash

    The Change Makers alumni group is launching a new “Keep Connecting” online series, and you’re invited to join the conversation. The first session, Compassionate Caring, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, and it will explore thoughtful, practical approaches to managing caregiving roles.

    Here is the link to participate. The meeting ID is 97037695337.

    And save the dates for the other two sessions:

    • 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?

    Sessions will be facilitated by members of the Alumni Steering Committee, and participants can expect practical ideas, candid conversation and meaningful connection with fellow alumni navigating the opportunities and transitions of what comes next. 

  • 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.


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