Spotlight on the Pathways Program
Did you know that in addition to strategic planning, evaluation, grantwriting, board development, and DEI consulting – we also do program design and implementation? This month, we are really excited to highlight our partnership with the Barton Institute for Community Action and our work with it on the Pathways Program. This initiative began early in 2024, when the Barton Institute engaged our team to facilitate community listening sessions with social change leaders who identify with marginalized identities. In total, we talked to 50 people and heard that:
Leaders with marginalized identities are seeking connection and support.
Leaders with marginalized identities are burned out and exhausted.
Funders are less committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion-centered efforts and to the growth and stability of leaders with marginalized identities.
Current funding and philanthropic support rarely acknowledge or address intersectionality (race, gender, sexual orientation, language, immigration status, disability, etc.) within communities and experiences.
The sector as a whole needs to engage in education and coaching about the challenges facing social change leaders and their organizations.
Leaders need space and time for community and connection; for hyper-individualized, intensive, identity-based mentorship; and for ongoing capacity building and sustainability support for themselves and their organizations.
Based on these findings, we co-designed the Pathways Program in order to: support leaders as they set goals and made progress toward achieving them; increase the presence, engagement, and skills of professional mentors with historically marginalized identities in the Denver social change sector; and expand social and professional networks for leaders and mentors. Our inaugural cohort includes 10 leaders and 10 mentors who have been engaging in an intentional mentorship program throughout 2025. Mentors and leaders were thoughtfully paired – with substantial input from the leaders – and the cohort has been engaged in training, 1:1 sessions, and quarterly Cohort Learning Sessions this year. It’s been an honor and privilege to facilitate this program and to watch these incredible leaders and mentors grow together.
If you are a Denver-based, mid-career social change leader with at least three years of experience, we invite you to learn more about the program and consider applying! Just last week, one of our leaders said this program has been life-changing. If you are looking for a community of support and access to some of the most brilliant brains in the social change game, please think about joining us. Leaders with marginalized identities will be given special consideration, but all are welcome to apply. Click here for more information or to access the application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on Sept. 15, 2025. Applications received after Sept. 26, 2025, will not be considered.
