Our People

J.R. earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut with a major in economics. He has worked in the financial field as a financial analyst and has an extensive background in working with youth previously as an Executive Director for a 501c3 non-profit organization and was instrumental in growing the program. He has worked as a volunteer in schools working with students, providing additional academic work on reading comprehension, writing, math skills and special projects. As a volunteer coach, J.R. has a passion to help develop the overall well being of kids and has been able to bridge the gap with numerous community organizations to provide programming to youth throughout the state of Colorado.

Tim’s passion for the natural environment, conservation and education originated at an early age through exploration of the outdoors. By combining his passion with degrees in natural and social sciences, he strives to engage individuals and communities through outdoor education and recreational pursuits. Tim is an avid fly fisherman and has worked in natural resources, education and outdoor recreation for municipal, private and non-profit organizations for over a decade. From 2012-2013, he received the Inspire By Example award, along with the Youth Engagement award from the City of Boulder for his positive youth development and leadership efforts. Tim’s passion originates in bringing communities together to expand natural resource awareness, stewardship and involvement, while improving equity in accessing outdoor resources.

Pamela is the CEO of Always Ready Hauling, which was founded in 1997. As a successful business owner, she is passionate about ensuring that young women understand that their dreams can be realized as well. She spent the first part of her professional life as small business owner; during this time she was able to help other minority business owners start their businesses as well. She continues to serves as a mentor and takes great pleasure in helping others realize their potential. Recognizing the potential and passion teens have to become leaders, she is enthusiastic about the opportunity to support young girls through the Nizhoni Program. As a mother of two, she hopes to use her experience and love of working with young people to inspire the next generation to make a difference in the world. Her desire to empower at risk youth led her to the program that she is currently in. Pamela is passionate about horses and focused on providing youth and teen girls with life enhancing skills through equestrian training.

Andrew is a native Coloradoan but went to high school and college in the northeast. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut with a major in Business Management and a minor in Finance. He has worked in the nonprofit field since his sophomore year of high school at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. While at Cushing, Andrew was a three-year varsity letterman in ice hockey and lacrosse. Andrew has an extensive background in fundraising, previously working for Denver Kids Inc., Denver Health Foundation, New Haven Reads, and Smith Richardson Foundation. He currently volunteers with additional Colorado nonprofits Denver Urban Scholars, Project Angel Heart, Dawg Nation, Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable, and Colorado Adaptive Sports. Andrew also coaches hockey at Hyland Hills Hockey Association in Westminster, Colorado in the evenings for ages 9-12. As a volunteer, Andrew has a strong desire to help develop the overall well-being of youth with the goal of giving every Colorado child the opportunity to succeed regardless of income, background, and circumstances.

Sid is President and CEO at A Private Guide, Inc. For more than twenty years, Sid has been in the leisure, travel & tourism business. A Private Guide has become one of the largest and most respected tour companies in Colorado. He has served on many boards and currently serves on the boards of Visit Denver, the Denver Zoo, the Aurora Plains Conservancy and the Denver Public Library. Sid’s contributions to the tourism industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, Sid Wilson and A Private Guide, Inc. was inducted into The Denver & Colorado Travel Hall of Fame.

Nate has been an educator with Brighton Public Schools since 2009. He holds a masters degree in Botany and Plant Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), form the University of Phoenix. He has top skills in curriculum development, lesson planning, public speaking, educational leadership and staff development, to name a few.

Beale is a Trial Attorney with Crane & Tejada, P.C. and opened their Denver office, which focuses on Criminal Defense, Workers Compensation, Personal Injury and Employment Law. He currently serves on the statewide board of governors for the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association (CCDB). He directed fundraising efforts for El Pomar Foundation, and has run numerous charity events. Beale has served as the Class of 2012 Class President in law school along with conducting numerous leadership programs.

Alton has more than 20 years as a communications professional. He has previous experience as a talk show host, anchor, reporter and former sportscasts producer. He previously served as Press Secretary and a Senior Aide responsible for U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. His specialties are as a Spokesperson and Media Strategist.

Allan Smith is the founder and owner of multiple enterprises with activities in several international locations. As an independent management consultant of his own firm, Invictus Management Consulting Ltd. he has directed the conception and successful completion of several multi-million-dollar luxury residential and commercial development projects. Prior to founding Invictus, Allan was Director of Gaming and Hospitality Division for a large Las Vegas based general contractor. Allan has also served in several senior management positions for other general contracting, development and construction management firms in Las Vegas and Colorado, completing projects in commercial, residential, healthcare, and educational markets for both public and private clientele.

Rita has 35 years of experience in the financial services industry with prestigious firms such as Merrill Lynch, UBS (National Director for State and Local Governmental Affairs – UBS, Washington D.C.), and Prudential Securities focused on governmental affairs and public finance. She owned and operated an investment advisory firm, Dominion Capital Group for 13 years, and is presently with Loop Capital Markets, the largest minority owned investment bank in the United States. Her client base includes the City and County of Denver, Denver International Airport, Regional Transportation District, Denver Public Schools, State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.