In the News

The Gift of Growth: Why Professional Development is Key to Organizational Success As we step into a new year, there’s no better time to reflect on the future of your organization and the people who make it thrive. Investing in the growth and development of your team isn’t just a good idea, it’s one of the most impactful decisions you can make to ensure lasting success. Enter Roaring Fork Leadership’s CoLab, a unique initiative designed to meet the evolving needs of organizations in today’s fast-paced world. What Is RFL CoLab? The name “CoLab” encapsulates its essence: collaboration and laboratory. It’s a [...]

RFL Mastermind is a five-month women’s collaborative leadership program. Starting this January, a group of 12-14 women come together (led by the preeminent coach & facilitator Nancy Fredericks) to support one another, share wisdom, and set new goals. We believe that connecting to ourselves, and our community, is fundamental to flourishing leadership.  The agenda of RFL Mastermind belongs to the participants as we create a career – and life – that thrives today and far into the future. Together we hone our business and personal skills by challenging each other to create goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with honesty, [...]

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we believe that everyone is a leader, and everyone belongs in leadership. This guiding principle fuels our work year-round—and Colorado Gives Day is your opportunity to join us in creating a stronger, more inclusive community.  This year, Colorado Gives Day falls on Tuesday, December 10, but the giving starts early! You can schedule your donation starting now, and thanks to a generous matching fund, every recurring gift up to $100 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your support goes twice as far in helping RFL develop empowered, compassionate, and effective leaders across the Roaring Fork [...]

At Roaring Fork Leadership, we celebrate organizations that embody leadership through service to our community. This month, we’re thrilled to highlight SANA: Safe and Abundant Nutrition Alliance, a remarkable organization chosen as one of RFL Academy’s Civic Impact Projects.   SANA is a coalition dedicated to combating food insecurity and promoting community well-being in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Their mission is to ensure that all families in our community have access to nutritious foods, fostering a healthier and more prosperous community.   SANA tackles the critical community challenge of food scarcity, working to expand access to healthy and culturally relevant food [...]

We're seeking talented, dedicated board members who are passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and shaping the future of our community. Becoming an RFL board member is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to lead, learn, and make a lasting impact.  Current board members share that serving with RFL has enhanced their own personal and professional development, fostered a growth mindset, and supported lifelong learning—core values that are at the heart of leadership. Many are driven by the opportunity to contribute their unique skillsets to meet organizational needs while working toward the greater good of our valley, building a [...]

The RFL Academy 2025 cohort has taken on five impactful projects, each aiming to address specific challenges in the Roaring Fork Valley through community-focused initiatives. Here’s an in-depth look at the selected Civic Impact Projects: Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Dedicated to creating an environment that goes beyond physical accessibility, Aspen Camp is implementing two major components: adaptive community engagement and physical site enhancements. The adaptive approach involves workshops, dialogues, and immersive experiences to broaden the community's understanding of challenges faced by the deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deafblind. The project will engage local leaders and [...]

RFL Alumni Spotlight: Lizz Bailey Development Director at Roaring Fork Leadership We are excited to introduce Lizz Bailey, an alumna of Roaring Fork Leadership (RFL) and our new Development Director. Learn more about her journey, her experience with RFL, and what she’s passionate about in her new role. Q&A with Lizz Bailey Q: What year did you graduate from the Roaring Fork Leadership Academy and how did your experience with RFL impact your career and personal growth? A: I graduated from the RFL Academy in 2020, which was an incredibly impactful time to complete the program as COVID-19 shutdowns began. My [...]

The "Women in the Workplace 2024" report from McKinsey & Co. offers a critical look at the progress women have made in leadership over the past decade. Locally, these findings resonate deeply in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys, where women, especially women of color, remain underrepresented in leadership roles across key industries like hospitality, healthcare, and outdoor recreation. The report reveals a mix of gains and setbacks. While the number of women in leadership has grown, this progress is fragile, with many women facing significant barriers at the managerial level. At RFL, we see these national trends reflected in [...]

Q & A with Chris Hassig, RFL Academy 2024 Alum A few years ago, local artist and RFL Academy 2024 alum, Chris Hassig debuted a work he had been creating for more than 20 years: the fictional city of Ralesis, capital of Saiopor, rendered in a series of beautifully intricate maps. To create something as original and expansive as Ralesis, it would be easy to assume Chris’s life begins and ends with his art, but Chris’s interests and talents extend far beyond the bounds of his studio. On top of being a volunteer radio DJ at KDNK and a passionate telemark skier [...]

Embracing Summer: A Time to Recharge and Reconnect Summer is in full swing here in the Roaring Fork Valley! Days are long and the sun is bright, which means it’s a perfect time to step back from our routines and refresh ourselves — whether that means a weekend backpacking trip in the high country, paddle boarding on the river, enjoying one of our valley's numerous free outdoor concerts, or simply soaking up the sunshine with a good book. Taking the time to recharge and reconnect is also an important part of successful leaders' yearly routine. Read on for some ways [...]