El Pomar Foundation

On this #NewFellowFriday, we welcome Arleth Rodrigues to the Fellowship Class of 2024! Arleth grew up in Wyoming and graduated from Amherst College in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. So far, Arleth’s favorite part of the Fellowship has been the El Pomar community. “Not only do I get to help support and drive high-impact initiatives across the state towards communities I care about, but I am supported in my curiosities and endeavors by all staff and my peers. As a young professional, getting to work alongside kind and passionate individuals is truly meaningful,” says Arleth. In her free time, Arleth loves biking, reflective journaling, and spending time with loved ones. Artleth’s programs include: American Council of Young Political Leaders, Investment Challenge, Regional Partnerships, Central Peaks region, and San Luis Valley region.

Happy #NewFellowFriday Introducing Katy Chapman! Katy grew up in Bad Homburg, Germany, and moved to Swarthmore, Pennsylvania before starting 6th grade. She graduated from Colorado College in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Anthropology. So far, Katy’s favorite thing about the Fellowship has been all the amazing people she has been able to meet: "El Pomar Foundation is filled with so many passionate, knowledgeable, and hardworking people. I can't wait to work with them and expand my network to communities across the state!" In her free time, Katy enjoys taking her neighbor’s dog on long walks, baking, skiing, and thrifting. Katy's programs include: Alumni Relations, Communications, Regional Partnerships, Sally Beck Fund, and Northwest region.

El Pomar is proud to recognize three individuals celebrating 25 years with the Foundation: Connie Rickard, Investment Analyst and Assistant Controller; Mike Buth, Vice President and Director of Historic Properties; and Matt Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer and Board Secretary. Congratulations to these folks on this remarkable milestone and our sincere thanks for their dedication to El Pomar Foundation, and their invaluable contributions to the people of Colorado.

The 2024 edition of “KIDS COUNT in Colorado” by Annie E. Casey Foundation was just released. El Pomar's Regional Partnerships uses this annual report, which tracks the issues facing children and families in Colorado, to help guide strategic conversations and grant dollars across the state. This year’s report highlights the impacts of the ending of pandemic-era policies which supported families and kids.

What an honor to celebrate Gene Keluche last week as the 2024 Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room Inductee at Penrose House. Thank you to the Milton E. Proby Selection Committee, each of our nominators, Gene's family, and all of the attendees who made the night so special. Hear from Gene's family in this Fox 21 interview: https://buff.ly/3SUaBO8 Learn more about Gene Keluche and all of our previous inductees, as well as the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room and Induction Ceremony on our website: https://buff.ly/3YTjviS

Congratulations to Exponential Impact for cutting the ribbon on exciting new innovation space at Weidner Field. We were proud to participate in the ribbon cutting and COS Rising as part of a weekend of events advancing the vibrant Colorado Springs innovation landscape and the RISE grant.

An El Pomar grantee, the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP) develops and enhances the leadership capabilities of individuals committed to the future of Colorado’s agricultural and rural communities. Coaxing a living from the land, providing rural community products and services, agricultural and rural people have significantly contributed to Colorado’s tapestry. CALP enriches this culture through a hands-on, interactive program dedicated to producing graduates with the vision and commitment to lead change and ensure the sustainability of Colorado’s agricultural economies and rural communities. Applications for this immersive program are now open until Sept. 1. Details and application are online at coloagleaders.org.

1st and 2nd Year Fellows recently embarked on a week-long team-building excursion, rafting the Colorado River with Colorado Outward Bound School. The trip gave the group an opportunity to get to know each other, challenge themselves, and prepare as a team for the year ahead supporting nonprofits all over the state through their work as Fellows. Thank you @cobs_org for providing such an exciting and valuable adventure to our Fellows! Applications for the Fellowship Class of 2025 open in November! Watch for more updates coming soon!

As summer comes to a close, we bid farewell to El Pomar’s Internship Class of 2024 - from left to right, Payton Crosby, Sofia Gagliardi, Micah Jacobs, and Lauren Boyd. Interns supported the Investment and Communications Offices, as well as a variety of El Pomar’s programs, including Awards for Excellence and Elevating Leadership Development. Thank you, Interns, for all your hard work this summer! Best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Seats are still available for the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room Induction ceremony, where we will be honoring Gene A. Keluche for his leadership and legacy in Southern Colorado. RSVP to come hear about Keluche's impact in his community and his meaningful legacy!