Alert: Microsoft Outage
Microsoft is experiencing a widespread outage impacting Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and other Microsoft 365 applications. Teams Calling is NOT impacted at this time. Microsoft is currently working on restoring services. Visit the ISS/Denver OIT Statuspage for the latest updates.
Learn More
People - CU Denver Change Makers
Change Makers Team
Anne Button, Program Director
Anne Button oversees the University of Colorado Denver Change Makers program as its founding director. Since 2022 she has had the privilege of working with CU Denver faculty and staff, as well as partners in the community, to develop this innovative program for adults in the second half of life to explore possibilities, retool, and renew their purpose.
Janice Branam, Co-Facilitator
Janice Branam is the founder of The Franchise Bridge Builder and a co-facilitator with the CU Denver Change Makers program. Her work integrates more than 30 years of experience in franchise operations, training, and executive leadership with a deep commitment to helping people navigate meaningful transitions. She is a Change Makers alum.
Karen LeFever, Co-Facilitator
Karen LeFever is an educator, leadership consultant, and community builder who's passionate about helping people navigate life's transitions. A Change Makers alum, she now serves as a co-facilitator, creating spaces where fellows can reflect, build authentic relationships, and confidently shape what comes next.
Diane Amdur, Program Associate
Diane Amdur is the founder and president of Amdur Communications and a member of the CU Denver Change Makers teaching team. Her work reflects an integration of strategic communication, consulting, lifelong learning, and community involvement.
Previous Guest Speakers (partial list)
Lisa Armao
Executive Director, Early Childhood Service Corps
Cynthia Barnett
CEO and Founder, Amazing Girls Science
Jackie Davis
Speaker and marketing consultant
Anthony Brooks
WBUR Senior Political Reporter
Karen Brown
CEO, iAging
Richard Eisenberg
MarketWatch columnist, podcaster, and "unretirement" teacher
Chris Farrell
Senior Economics Contributor, Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio
Samantha Farro
Assistant Professor, Division of Geriatrics, CU School of Medicine
Joyce Feustel
Founder, Boomers’ Social Media Tutor
Angelle Fouther
Principal, Kindred Communications
Marc Freedman
Co-CEO and Founder of CoGenerate
B Fulkerson
Lead National Organizer, Third Act
Jan Golden
Owner, Age-Friendly Vibes
Kerry Hannon
Senior Columnist, Yahoo Finance
Barbara Hancin
Co-Lead, Braver Angels Ambassador Program
Margaret Heldring
PHD CEO, Grandmothers for Gun Responsibility
Guadalupe Hirt
Pro-aging advocate and social impact leader
John Krieger
CEO, World Denver
Paul Irving
Founding chair of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging
Dana Kirchmar
From Rocket Scientist to Advocate
Jeanette Leardi
Social gerontologist and author
Steve Leveen
Founder, American the Bilingual project
Todd Matuszewicz
From Waldorf teacher to Historic Preservationist
Damon McLeese
Executive Director, Access Gallery
Leanne Mersman
Manager of Volunteers, Spark the Change Colorado
Mary Ann McNair
Program Director at StoryCenter
Jesse Ogas
Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs at 9NEWS
Yolanda Ortega
Actress, radio show host, community volunteer
Haley Sanner
Healthy Aging Program Manager, Colorado Health Network
Danielle Schulz
Associate Director of Lifelong Learning and Accessibility, Denver Art Museum
Carolyn Stein
Executive Coach
Ken Stern
Founder, Longevity Project
David Thomas
Professor of Play, Executive Director of Online Programs, University of Denver
Traci Townsend
Founder, Fitness with Traci
Janine Vanderburg
Director and Chief Catalyst, Changing The Narrative
Jodi Waterhouse
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Programs, CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging
Kate Weatherbee
Volunteer Manager, ECDC African Community Center of Denver
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox
CEO, 20-First
Community Partners
CMS Login