Favorite Quote:

"If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid." 

– Albert Einstein

...If it were my quote, I would add: “And the world would miss out on all the unique gifts the fish has to offer."

What I Love About PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I love the people; the leadership, the participants, and the people who work at the agencies we serve. I have met so many people that I would never have had an opportunity to know. I have been inspired by them, learned from them, worked alongside them, and feel my life has been enriched in new and unique ways.  

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A Little About Me:

Being a Co-Founder of PROJECT OUR TOWN has been the highlight of my professional life. It has also had a significant impact on me personally. I don’t think I have ever worked so hard or learned so much (other than parenting), and the culmination has been life-changing and continues to leave me wanting more.

Most of my professional career has been in communications and operations. I have also co-written and published two books (one is a national book award winner). Like PROJECT OUR TOWN, both books were labors of love.

I have two truly extraordinary adult children, my almost perfect husband Rob, and we have seven grandchildren between us! It is a gaggle of 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Denver natives. If you are from Denver, odds are you are related to one of us!

Fun Fact:

I am a retired swimsuit model, a Jeopardy champion, and an elite athlete. Not really, but just something fun for those who read to the end!

Favorite Quote:

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." 

- Oscar Wilde

Why I LOVE Project Our Town:

I first encountered the PROJECT OUR TOWN team during a corporate event at my company. From the moment we met, I was struck by their passion for creating a stronger, more connected community. It was clear that their leadership is genuinely committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that mission.

A Little About Me:

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from CU Boulder and an M.B.A. in Strategic Management from Regis University.

My career has been dedicated to the credit union industry, which, like PROJECT OUR TOWN, emphasizes community-focused initiatives. I’m passionate about making a positive impact through personal financial education and breaking down financial barriers for underserved communities.

Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler, a dog lover, and a die-hard hockey fan (…go Avs!).

Fun Fact:

I have been known to be quite a klutz – if you aren’t stumbling, then you’re not moving forward, right?

Favorite Quote:

Whatever you do won’t be enough, I heard their voices say. Try anyway.  

- Obama

I love PROJECT OUR TOWN because:

I love that PROJECT OUR TOWN provides ways to help a lot of organizations and people all at once. 

A Little About Me:

I am a serial volunteer who loves board meetings, project planning and helping people. Whether it’s with PROJECT OUR TOWN, Denver CASA, or the Colorado Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Precention Council, I focus on programs that support and help young people in need. I’m proud to have raised four young men who love helping the community, too. 

Fun Fact: 

I’m the author of multiple books. 

Favorite Quote:

“I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody.”

-Lily Tomlin

I love PROJECT OUR TOWN because:

There’s something for everyone! No matter your age or ability, PROJECT OUR TOWN has something that you can help with. Whether it’s making black bean soup, writing cards to the elderly, or making toys or kits for animal shelters, PROJECT OUR TOWN offers a variety of ways to help our community. And I love that PROJECT OUR TOWN will work with community partners of all sizes and needs; there is no cause too great or too small for PROJECT OUR TOWN. It’s such a dynamic place and brings all kinds of people together in the name of service.

A little bit about me:

I am originally from Ohio, but spent time in New England, on Colorado’s Western Slope, and in the mid-Atlantic before moving with my family to Colorado fifteen years ago. I have a bachelor’s degree in geology and a master’s degree in education. I have taught in various settings including as an environmental educator, a classroom teacher and a home/hospital instructor. My husband and I have two nearly launched amazing kids-

one is in Washington, DC and one is here in Colorado. I love skiing, hiking, wildflowers and gardening and have recently become a Colorado Native Plant Master.

Fun fact about me:

I was a DJ in Gunnison, Colorado in 1998.

Favorite Quote: 

I'm going to go old school here and say the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It's timeless.

Why I love PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I love giving back to my community. For years, I have organized a clothing exchange party where my friends can clean out their closets and go home with a “new” outfit or two.  Then we donate the remaining clothes to a local women’s shelter. PROJECT OUR TOWN has so many great projects that my boys and I can do together. It feels great to work together to make a difference.  

A Little About Me:

I was born and raised in Denver along with my two older brothers. We were definitely not the easiest kids to raise, but luckily our parents taught us about unconditional love from a young age. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Accounting, I worked for several years at KPMG before becoming the Controller of Fisher Capital Partners in 1997 (through present). I am the blessed mother of two sons who are my world. As they are now off at college, I get to devote more time to my passion - helping others.

I am also a huge dog lover with a soft heart for rescue dogs. My friend made me promise not to get another dog after adopting my third dog, Brody, who had been homeless for years, was deaf, blind, and also had cancer.  I’m so happy to say Brody lived out his remaining years very loved. 

Fun Fact:

I got to kiss the brother of my famous crush!

Favorite Quote:

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

– Jane Goodall

I Love PROJECT OUR TOWN because:

Inspiring action and providing opportunity are fundamental in creating an organization that can bring so many amazing people in the community together. PROJECT OUR TOWN exceeds these traits and meets you where you are in your journey to help other community members in need.

A Little About Me:

I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, business owner and volunteer! I have lived in Denver for over 30 years with my incredible husband Brent where we have raised our three children. Lately you can find me hiking, playing tennis, trying to walk my very lazy dog, or trying to keep up with my very speedy husband on my road bike.   

My career has been focused in fashion hard-goods manufacturing, product design and development. I have had the great fortune to learn and work in corporate America as well as co-found a 16 yr old consulting company and launch my own personal fashion brand.  

Fun Fact:

I can still do the splits... truly! 

Favorite Quote:

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover the reason why."  

– Mark Twain

I love PROJECT OUR TOWN because:

PROJECT OUR TOWN has something for everyone! I didn’t grow up in a family that did volunteer work so the task of finding something to connect to always felt overwhelming. At PROJECT OUR TOWN it doesn’t matter how much time or experience you have... you are always welcome!

A Little About Me:

I am a proud Colorado native who wouldn’t want to live anywhere else! I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. A few years after I returned to Colorado, I began working as a funeral director at my family’s business, Bullock Mortuary. I consider this profession the greatest gift I could have. I learned so much about life and compassion. It was an honor to help the community and to be a small part of that sacred space for the families I served. Besides contributing in my family’s business I’ve also worked as an environmental educator, a project manager for a non-profit, a preschool teacher and a graphic designer.

I’m married to my incredible husband, R.D. Sewald (also a Colorado native) and have three fantastic boys. 

Fun Fact:

I grew up with a squirrel named Louie that my animal-loving mom rescued as a newborn.

Favorite Quote:

"You must be the change you want to see in the world." 

- Ghandi

Why I Love PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I love PROJECT OUR TOWN because we make it easy for those that want to volunteer to connect with those that need help. 

Volunteering is magical. Positive energy is created when someone does something to help another, not because they are getting paid or because they are told to, but because they want to make life a little better for someone else. That energy infuses not only the recipient but also the volunteer to change them both for the better. 

A Little About Me:

I lived in Europe when I was in middle school. Being a part of a different culture, taught me that not everyone thinks the way I do, does things the way I do, or believes in what I believe. It gave me fresh eyes to see things from a different  perspective. 

I have a fabulous husband and two wonderful children who have been brought up knowing the value of volunteering.  

Fun Fact:

My family races cars in the 24 Hours of Lemons Endurance Race. We are two-time first place winners with our Poorshe. (You can only spend $500 on your race car.)

Favorite Quote:  

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” 

- Albert Pike

Why I Love PROJECT OUR TOWN:

Giving back to the community has always been important to me. As my kids were growing up, it was not always easy to find a project we could do together or they could do on their own or with their sports teams. PROJECT OUR TOWN is that “easy” button - they connect people and non-profits in a meaningful way. There is something for everyone.  

A Little About Me:

I am the daughter of a career Navy officer and have lived around the world. I attended the University of Southern California on a Navy ROTC scholarship and graduated with a degree in International Relations. Upon commissioning as an Ensign in 1991, I moved to Washington, DC.  During my stint in the Navy, I served as the first female Honor Guard officer and then moved into Public Relations at the Pentagon. I loved working with various agencies to help promote positive relationships between Navy service members and their communities.

I moved to Denver in 1996 and worked as a recruiter in the telecommunications industry for 4 years until I gave it all up to stay home with my children. My new focus was to find ways for them to volunteer together, with their sports teams, and as individuals, finding their own passions and giving back to their community.

I am married to Richard Russell and have three beautiful daughters and two goofy labs.  

Fun Fact:

I love fly fishing and have caught an 18” brown trout in Montana. Best day ever!

Favorite Quote:

Actually a saying or mantra... "An apple a day!" A great reminder that the little things, done consistently, are the key to success in any endeavor.

Why I Love PROJECT OUR TOWN:

The mission of empowering people to help others speaks to me. PROJECT OUR TOWN fills a void that has existed between worthy organizations needing help, and the general public not knowing how to make an impact. Being leaders in making the community a better place to live is powerful, and I love being a part of it.

A Little About Me:

I'm a Colorado native and proud graduate of Colorado State University, with a degree in mathematics. I've owned numerous businesses over the past 30 years, and enjoy implementing new technology, business/product innovation and system building. I'd usually rather be golfing, or fly fishing.

Fun Fact:

I never set an alarm.

Favorite Quote:

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. 

- Lao Tzu

Why I love PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I love how many organizations PROJECT OUR TOWN touches and how volunteers are able to give back to their community in the most seamless way. I’ve learned about so many impactful non-profits through PROJECT OUR TOWN that I may never have been exposed to otherwise. I also love the way PROJECT OUR TOWN steps up when there is a significant need in the community.

A Little About Me:

I am passionate about gardening, and I will talk about it anytime I have the opportunity. I enjoy trying new recipes using my fresh veggies and herbs, and I love gathering with friends, family, and neighbors to enjoy a meal together. My dog, Bubba, loves to bask in the sun while I garden and also loves to play fetch in alpine lakes. Outside of gardening and cooking, I enjoy crocheting, painting, and other creative projects that spark my interest. 

I went to school to become a teacher, and I spent nine rewarding years teaching elementary school. My career journey took a three-year stop in the finance world and now I am working in the non-profit sector and looking forward to this new adventure. Outside of PROJECT OUR TOWN, I volunteer for Denver Food Rescue bringing fresh produce from donors to no-cost grocery programs in the food deserts across the Denver Metro. While I’ve only lived in Denver for the last five years, I’ve been in Colorado since 2001 and wouldn’t dream of leaving the community I have built here in this great state.

Fun Fact:

People are sometimes surprised to learn that I swing dance. Social dancing has brought a lot of music, fun, and cardio into my life!

Favorite Quote: 

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.” 

- Maya Angelou

What I Love About PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I love how PROJECT OUR TOWN's mission and work uplifts and supports so many local organizations that are doing important work in our community. We bring people together to take action through hundreds of projects each year.

A Little About Me: 

I'm a Los Angeles local new to Denver with 6 years of experience in film and TV development and production and 3 years in impact marketing with various non-profits. I graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor’s degree in film production and emphasis in directing. I'm so excited to work as the Marketing Manager with PROJECT OUR TOWN because I can combine my love of storytelling with my passion for non-profits that affect meaningful change.

Fun Fact: 

I'm a shamelessly-extra pet parent! When I'm not working, I'm cuddling with my 3 cats and 1 dog at home.

Favorite Quote: 

“For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.” 

– Amanda Gorman

What I Love About PROJECT OUR TOWN:

I have felt so welcomed into the community since I was a freshman, and I am grateful for the incredible people I have met through PROJECT OUR TOWN. Volunteering at PROJECT OUR TOWN is an enthusiastic, exciting, and impactful experience. I love walking into a project where people are smiling, music is playing, and people of all ages are together, making an impact across Colorado. PROJECT OUR TOWN has shown me that volunteering brings together the best kind of people. 

A Little About Me: 

I was introduced to PROJECT OUR TOWN as an eager freshman who decided I wanted help with their social media. When I reached out and proposed my ideas to Abby and Cindy, I was beyond enthused to learn they wanted my help. Since then, I have loved growing closer to them and the community at PROJECT OUR TOWN. 

Outside of PROJECT OUR TOWN, I advocate for change and started Students Demand Action at South High School. PROJECT OUR TOWN has always been there to support me with my aspirations and inspire me to work hard. I plan to attend college next year with the support of my incredible mom, dad, and younger brother.

Fun Fact: 

I am the only non-Colorado native in my family; I was born in Alexandria, Virginia.  I also spent two weeks in Guatemala learning Spanish for 5 hours a day through Ixchel Spanish School in 2023. I have been inspired since and plan to minor in Spanish to continue connecting with cultures worldwide.