Celebrating 10 years of Scholar Summit

Join us for a dynamic career networking session designed for Scholars to connect with professionals from the Denver metro area. This event offers the opportunity to meet individuals working across a wide range of roles and industries, including tech, healthcare, finance, marketing, and more. Whether you’re exploring career options or seeking advice, this is a great chance to build valuable connections, ask questions, and learn about potential career paths from experienced professionals in the local community.

About Sara

Born in Denver and raised in Fort Collins, Sara’s passion for working with and engaging the community began at an early age. After years of volunteering with multiple nonprofits, she took her interests with her to CSU where she received a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and a minor in Ethnic Studies. Determined to continue her education, she decided to go back to school for her Master of Social Work at DU, concentrating in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice. While in graduate school, Sara spent a year as a College Access Graduate Intern at DSF, supporting students at West High School. That year, as well as her following year interning with Children’s Hospital’s Medical Career Collaborative program, validated her passion for supporting students achieve and succeed in higher education. Sara is excited to have returned to DSF as the Corporate Relations and Volunteer Manager where she works to build partnerships with organizations to support programming and scholarships. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and family. 

This session will introduce you to the concept of networking, helping you recognize existing networks in your life, and understand their role in career advancement. You’ll learn about the significance of networking as it relates to the following career industries: Business, Education, Engineering & Architecture, Hospitality, Community & Human Services, Industrial, Healthcare, Technology & Multimedia Design, as well as Public Safety. You will connect with fellow Scholars with the intention to leave with an expanded and more effective network to support your professional growth.

About Kevin

Kevin McNulty is from various places in the United States but has called Colorado home for the past 14 years. Kevin received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Kevin served as a City Year Corps Member at North High from 2011-2012 and then taught 7th grade Social Studies at Noel Community Arts School as a teaching fellow from 2012-2013. Kevin went on to earn his Master’s in Education from the University of Colorado-Denver. He taught for 2 years at PREP Academy in DPS. Kevin also has worked as Career Coach for CDLE and most recently assisted in running a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor 2.0 program at Englewood High School.

Kevin’s passion for educational advising stems from his desire to empower students to challenge systems of power and privilege and navigate a 21st century world so students can continuously design the life of their dreams. Outside of work Kevin enjoys skiing, hiking, live music, traveling, and learning about new cultures. Kevin also has deep passion for environmental and social justice, career development coaching, history, and simply learning.

About Ryan
Ryan Burton is a Doctor of Education Leadership candidate at Harvard University, completing a year-long residency at DSF. Ryan decided to have a career in education after pursuing a year of service at an urban middle school through City Year Boston. During that year, he experienced the impact community-based organizations can have in addressing opportunity gaps that affect performance in the classroom, inspiring him to continue supporting students through nonprofit leadership. Before starting his doctorate, Ryan was the Success Program Director at Bottom Line, a college completion nonprofit supporting over 2,000 first-generation students across Massachusetts. Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Ryan is also an alum of the fellowship program at El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs and is excited to be back in his home state.

Designed for the digital age, this session will equip you with tools to confidently navigate professional spaces, whether online or in-person, and turn casual encounters into impactful career opportunities. Let’s master the art of modern networking by blending authentic rizz (charisma) with strategic connection-building skills! You will learn how to project main character energy and make memorable first impressions, identify green flags in professional relationships to cultivate valuable connections, and practice no cap networking by staying genuine and adding value. 

About Miguel

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Miguel is a proud Denver Public school alumnus graduating from CEC Early College. He attended Colorado State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication studies and will be completing a master’s in Public Policy and Administration. His passion for serving students stems from learning about equity in education and his own experiences as a first-generation scholar. The unconditional support he received from the Denver Scholarship Foundation as a scholar inspired Miguel to continue to do work around college access. He currently serves as a college advisor for John F. Kennedy High School where he strives to be a mentor for the future leaders of Denver!

In this two-part session, you’ll explore the art of authentic storytelling and learn how to confidently answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Through interactive activities, you’ll reflect on your identity, connect with your cultural roots, and craft narratives that truly represent who you are. Guided by YEBO’s unique approach to intergenerational storytelling, this experience will help you gain confidence in sharing your voice and inspire pride in your journey. 

About Cristina

Cristina Chacon was born and raised in Southwest Denver, Colorado. She has been in the education/non-profit fields for the past 13 years as an educator, coordinator, and director. Cristina is passionate about inspiring others to find a path of well-being to be their most authentic selves. She enjoys eating yummy foods with family and friends, yoga and sound baths, wandering cities like Paris, and sharing her voice through off-pitch singing and podcasting! 

About Cory

Cory Montalvo was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. His passions for writing and media-making inform his work in education and the arts. Before founding YEBO, Cory was a K-5 teacher, college instructor, and editor. His career in education and social entrepreneurship spans 15 years and includes experiences teaching in Colombia and South Africa, where he traveled in 2014 as a Fulbright Scholar. Cory graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado Denver with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing and a minor in Ethnic Studies. You can find him stargazing or nose-deep in a sci-fi novel when not on the mic.

About Isaura

Isaura Ibarra Ramirez is from the Montbello community in Denver, Colorado. She has worked in advocacy her whole life, working in policy change and community organizing. Isaura strives to be as unapologetically herself as possible and is passionate about creating a space to help others do the same, as showcased in her podcast Unapologetically Isaura. When not working on podcasting, you can find Isaura enjoying good food, spending time with her people, and binge-watching a show. 

Join us for a dynamic career networking session designed for Scholars to connect with professionals from the Denver metro area. This event offers the opportunity to meet individuals working across a wide range of roles and industries, including tech, healthcare, finance, marketing, and more. Whether you’re exploring career options or seeking advice, this is a great chance to build valuable connections, ask questions, and learn about potential career paths from experienced professionals in the local community.

About Sara

Born in Denver and raised in Fort Collins, Sara’s passion for working with and engaging the community began at an early age. After years of volunteering with multiple nonprofits, she took her interests with her to CSU where she received a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and a minor in Ethnic Studies. Determined to continue her education, she decided to go back to school for her Master of Social Work at DU, concentrating in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice. While in graduate school, Sara spent a year as a College Access Graduate Intern at DSF, supporting students at West High School. That year, as well as her following year interning with Children’s Hospital’s Medical Career Collaborative program, validated her passion for supporting students achieve and succeed in higher education. Sara is excited to have returned to DSF as the Corporate Relations and Volunteer Manager where she works to build partnerships with organizations to support programming and scholarships. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and family. 

This session will introduce you to the concept of networking, helping you recognize existing networks in your life, and understand their role in career advancement. You’ll learn about the significance of networking as it relates to the following career industries: Business, Education, Engineering & Architecture, Hospitality, Community & Human Services, Industrial, Healthcare, Technology & Multimedia Design, as well as Public Safety. You will connect with fellow Scholars with the intention to leave with an expanded and more effective network to support your professional growth.

About Kevin

Kevin McNulty is from various places in the United States but has called Colorado home for the past 14 years. Kevin received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Kevin served as a City Year Corps Member at North High from 2011-2012 and then taught 7th grade Social Studies at Noel Community Arts School as a teaching fellow from 2012-2013. Kevin went on to earn his Master’s in Education from the University of Colorado-Denver. He taught for 2 years at PREP Academy in DPS. Kevin also has worked as Career Coach for CDLE and most recently assisted in running a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor 2.0 program at Englewood High School.

Kevin’s passion for educational advising stems from his desire to empower students to challenge systems of power and privilege and navigate a 21st century world so students can continuously design the life of their dreams. Outside of work Kevin enjoys skiing, hiking, live music, traveling, and learning about new cultures. Kevin also has deep passion for environmental and social justice, career development coaching, history, and simply learning.

About Ryan
Ryan Burton is a Doctor of Education Leadership candidate at Harvard University, completing a year-long residency at DSF. Ryan decided to have a career in education after pursuing a year of service at an urban middle school through City Year Boston. During that year, he experienced the impact community-based organizations can have in addressing opportunity gaps that affect performance in the classroom, inspiring him to continue supporting students through nonprofit leadership. Before starting his doctorate, Ryan was the Success Program Director at Bottom Line, a college completion nonprofit supporting over 2,000 first-generation students across Massachusetts. Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Ryan is also an alum of the fellowship program at El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs and is excited to be back in his home state.

Designed for the digital age, this session will equip you with tools to confidently navigate professional spaces, whether online or in-person, and turn casual encounters into impactful career opportunities. Let’s master the art of modern networking by blending authentic rizz (charisma) with strategic connection-building skills! You will learn how to project main character energy and make memorable first impressions, identify green flags in professional relationships to cultivate valuable connections, and practice no cap networking by staying genuine and adding value. 

About Miguel

Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Miguel is a proud Denver Public school alumnus graduating from CEC Early College. He attended Colorado State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication studies and will be completing a master’s in Public Policy and Administration. His passion for serving students stems from learning about equity in education and his own experiences as a first-generation scholar. The unconditional support he received from the Denver Scholarship Foundation as a scholar inspired Miguel to continue to do work around college access. He currently serves as a college advisor for John F. Kennedy High School where he strives to be a mentor for the future leaders of Denver!

In this two-part session, you’ll explore the art of authentic storytelling and learn how to confidently answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” Through interactive activities, you’ll reflect on your identity, connect with your cultural roots, and craft narratives that truly represent who you are. Guided by YEBO’s unique approach to intergenerational storytelling, this experience will help you gain confidence in sharing your voice and inspire pride in your journey. 

About Cristina

Cristina Chacon was born and raised in Southwest Denver, Colorado. She has been in the education/non-profit fields for the past 13 years as an educator, coordinator, and director. Cristina is passionate about inspiring others to find a path of well-being to be their most authentic selves. She enjoys eating yummy foods with family and friends, yoga and sound baths, wandering cities like Paris, and sharing her voice through off-pitch singing and podcasting! 

About Cory

Cory Montalvo was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. His passions for writing and media-making inform his work in education and the arts. Before founding YEBO, Cory was a K-5 teacher, college instructor, and editor. His career in education and social entrepreneurship spans 15 years and includes experiences teaching in Colombia and South Africa, where he traveled in 2014 as a Fulbright Scholar. Cory graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado Denver with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing and a minor in Ethnic Studies. You can find him stargazing or nose-deep in a sci-fi novel when not on the mic.

About Isaura

Isaura Ibarra Ramirez is from the Montbello community in Denver, Colorado. She has worked in advocacy her whole life, working in policy change and community organizing. Isaura strives to be as unapologetically herself as possible and is passionate about creating a space to help others do the same, as showcased in her podcast Unapologetically Isaura. When not working on podcasting, you can find Isaura enjoying good food, spending time with her people, and binge-watching a show.