Role: Director of Community Impact & Innovation, CSU
How are you connected to CSU Spur?
As the Director of Community Impact & Innovation, my connection to CSU Spur is multifaceted. I’m proud to bring to life the mission of the Institute for Entrepreneurship to provide a zero-barrier approach to entrepreneurship by offering free programming open to all CSU affiliates and Colorado community members. I’m also privileged to teach our students in the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management program as an adjunct faculty member focused on leadership and teams. Each and every day I’m inspired by our proud community and love spending my days leveraging the resources and opportunities provided by Spur to drive innovation and foster meaningful collaborations within both the university community and the broader Colorado ecosystem.
When did you get involved with Spur and why is it important to you?
My first day at Spur was the same day as the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hydro — not a bad way to start a new job! From an early start, I saw the immense potential Spur has to serve as a catalyst for economic development, innovation, and community engagement across Denver and the region. Spur is important to me because it embodies a unique convergence of diverse disciplines, resources, and expertise — all aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges while nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
What outcomes have you seen or do you expect from work at Spur?
It’s exciting to see the business community respond to the value of having an anchor institution like CSU in the Denver metro area and the benefits we can generate for stakeholders. From the communities we’ve convened at Spur to the events we’ve hosted in the community like our signature series at Denver Startup Week, it’s clear that CSU can be a catalyst for impactful collaborations and unlocking resources that typically get trapped within complex systems. Moving forward, I expect our efforts at Spur to continue expanding research capacity, enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students, and driving economic development across the state and region.
What would you like others to know about Spur?
Spur is not just a physical space; it’s a dynamic ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. From providing free programming and access for all CSU affiliates and Colorado community members to serving as a hub for entrepreneurial endeavors, Spur is committed to breaking down barriers and unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities. Whether you’re a student seeking hands-on learning experiences, a researcher looking to collaborate with industry partners, or an entrepreneur with a bold idea, Spur offers the resources, support, and opportunities needed to turn aspirations into reality.
