Explore the transformative potential of neurodiversity in America and Routt County. Discover how traits associated with neurodivergence, often misunderstood, can serve as powerful catalysts for innovation and progress across our local industries. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, we’ll dismantle common misconceptions and uncover the genuine workplace advantages of embracing neurodiversity. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of neurodivergent strengths, equipped with actionable strategies to advocate for and implement inclusive practices within their organizations. 

ACEY HOLMES

MS, CCC-SLP, FOUNDER & CEO, BOREDLESS (SHE/HER)

Acey specializes in transforming corporate cultures through the principles of play and flow, emphasizing flexibility, mission, psychological safety, and inclusion. Her engaging workshops and talks inspire creativity and collaboration, making work environments more meaningful and productive. Acey is neurodivergent and has a passion for creating a safer and more inclusive future of work for those who identify as neurodivergent. With a background as a TEDx and 4x DisruptHR speaker, Acey leverages her experience in education and speech-language pathology, along with a deep understanding of neuroscience, to make complex concepts accessible and actionable. Her consulting work has notably enhanced team morale, organization bottom lines, and reimagined workplace cultures. 

Delve into the transformative power of addressing unconscious biases in the workplace. Explore the hidden impact of biases on decision-making and team dynamics, revealing the subtle and non-so-subtle ways they influence workplace culture. Through compelling stories and research, participants will learn strategies to promote transparency and psychological safety, fostering trust and inclusivity within their teams. Learn how to navigate difficult conversations around bias and diversity, emphasizing empathy and genuine care using the D.E.S.C.R.I.B.E. method. Apply this knowledge to cultivate a culture of authenticity and open dialogue, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. 

KALI LOVE

CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER, #LOVEWORK (THEY/THEM)

Queer, trans, and neurospicy, Kali Love has overcome extreme adversity to challenge societal barriers and become a champion of workplace inclusivity, trust, and authentic leadership. They are obsessed with revolutionizing the future of work to be truly human-centric and empowering for everyone. Kali is a speaker, coach, facilitator, author, and poet who has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including Chanel, Bank of America, Shea Homes, the State of Colorado, Quest Diagnostics, Ipsos, and more. As Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer at #lovework, Kali is focused on promoting healthy habits and practicing energy intelligence to enact truly sustainable change. We are most effective and able to create a lasting impact when we are energized together, and Kali is here to help everyone bring their whole selves to work to do the best work of their lives! 

Transform the way you think about and engage in feedback. This workshop is ideal for individuals looking to improve their interpersonal communication skills, team leaders aiming to build a more supportive and collaborative work culture, and anyone interested in the dynamics of effective feedback within diverse groups.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to empower growth through constructive feedback delivery.
• Discover techniques to receive feedback openly and transform critiques into actionable growth opportunities.
• Cultivate an environment of respect for diverse perspectives through language and actions.
• Acquire the skills to enhance understanding through active listening.
• Practice feedback exchanges in a supportive environment. 

EVELYN J. WALTER

FOUNDER AND COACH, NEXT UP LEADERSHIP GROUP (SHE/HER)

Evelyn has cultivated a distinguished career as an executive and leadership consultant, armed with 25 years of experience leading human resources teams in renowned global corporations such as Level 3, Clorox, Vail Resorts, and Cummins. Known for quickly establishing trust, Evelyn guides individuals, leaders, and teams toward authentic self-awareness, leading to organizational and personal transformation. Her engaging presentations open up new possibilities and her coaching style motivates individuals to reach their next level of performance, often in the midst of rapid growth and change in their organization or life. Based in Denver, Colorado, Evelyn finds joy in planning her next adventure while supporting non-profit causes with her family. 

Explore strategies for managing hybrid and remote work, tailored to meet the demands of today's corporate landscape. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to address common challenges including miscommunication, setting performance goals, and fostering company culture. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Learn how to set the tone and communicate effectively to foster understanding and productivity.
• Discover strategies to cultivate genuine connections and a culture of continuous learning.
• Master flexibility while upholding accountability and maintaining performance standards. 

KIM BUTLER

SHRM-CP, OWNER, ALPINE COACHING & HR (SHE/HER)

Kim Butler is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over a decade of diverse experience spanning management, training, and HR program facilitation. With a background in the ski & resort industry, healthcare, and local government, Kim has honed her skills in developing effective training programs and implementing technical solutions to improve service delivery, processes, leadership, and staff performance. Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University, Kim is dedicated to positive change in the workplace through leadership, engagement, and innovation. 

Examine similarities and differences among four workplace generations and dive deeper into understanding the underlying reasons behind their cultural differences. Discover strategies to effectively encourage cross generational collaboration to maximize the impact of your teams.

Key Takeaways: 

• Gain a deeper appreciation for your own generation as well as others.
• Explore how preferred approaches to relationships, work, and communication might be perceived through various generational lenses.
• Develop actionable strategies to bridge generational gaps and enhance collaboration.
• Learn conflict resolution strategies to foster a committed and productive work environment.

WALT MORGAN

FOUNDER & LEADERSHIP COACH, TRANSLATIONAL LIFT COACHING (HE/HIM)

Walt Morgan is a leadership coach and founder of Translational Lift Coaching. He empowers clients to grow into their leadership capacity, helping them make a greater impact in their work, relationships, and lives. He is a professionally certified Integral Coach, who leverages somatic, interpersonal, emotional, and spiritual avenues to human development. Walt's clients represent multiple walks of life, from the C-suite and business owners to middle management and individuals seeking personal growth. His history of service includes 23 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot where he completed five deployments to combat zones and retired at the rank of Commander. After military service, Walt joined a Fortune 200 healthcare company as a full-time leadership coach and facilitator before forming Translational Lift Coaching in 2019. In his spare time, Walt teaches leadership courses at the University of Colorado and serves on the Executive Committee for the CU Center for Leadership. 

This workshop will normalize mental health and provide you with strategies to cultivate a safe and supportive culture of mental wellness for your team. Delve into the principles of trauma-informed care, explore the integral role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within wellness, and discover the transformative power of creativity for stress relief and mental well-being. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Develop an awareness of the workplace significance of mental health, destigmatize it, and understand its impact on both individual and organizational success. 
• Implement trauma-informed care principles to enhance workplace well-being and identify burnout criteria.
• Comprehend the role of DEIB in mental wellness.
• Acquire practical, creative strategies and tools to apply and advocate for mental health awareness and support within your organization.

ASHLEY CORNELIUS

MA, LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR (SHE/HER)

Ashley Cornelius has dedicated the last three years at Denver Health to workplace resilience as the manager of the RESTORE department, providing confidential peer support to all Denver Health personnel. With a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, she developed a Systemic Racism in Healthcare presentation and established Black, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA2 affinity groups. Ashley has also created and conducted presentations on Trauma Resilience Informed Systems, Stress Continuum, and Burnout as part of her advocacy work. She is a multi-award winning, full-time artist and the Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak Region. Additionally, she has won awards including the Prism Award from One Colorado, the Mayor’s Young Leader Award in Creative Industry, and the CBCA EY Next Wave Leadership Award. She continues to champion resilience in the workplace through the lens of creative arts and poetry workshops, keynotes, and consultation across multiple systems, locally and nationally.