At Roaring Fork Leadership, we’re not just shaping leaders — we’re amplifying their impact. This is where you’ll find the latest stories, features, and updates that highlight how leadership is transforming our communities. From alumni achievements to civic impact spotlights, media mentions to behind-the-scenes program moments — this is your front row seat to the ripple effects of empowered leadership in action.
Stay curious. Stay inspired. Stay connected.
From the Classroom to the Community: RFL Academy 2027 Civic Impact Projects Selected
Four teams. Three community initiatives. One shared commitment to making a difference. Leadership is learned through experience. And at Roaring Fork Leadership, some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. On October 2, the RFL Academy 2027 cohort took an important step in their leadership journey during [...]
The Stories and Relationships That Bring Us Together
Reflections from Louisville on stories, sustained relationships, and the work Roaring Fork Leadership is continuing to build a more connected community.
Leadership in Action: Meet the Academy 2027 Civic Impact Projects
Leadership is learned in a classroom. But it is developed through practice. That's the idea behind Roaring Fork Leadership's Civic Impact Projects; an essential part of the RFL Academy experience that moves leadership learning out of the classroom and into our community. Each year, Academy participants work in teams [...]
The Pause Between Reaction and Response
How S + R = O Can Change Difficult Conversations and the Way We Lead by Andrea Palm-Porter Leadership often shows up when things don't go according to plan. Someone challenges us. A customer becomes frustrated. A colleague says something that immediately puts us on the defensive. A decision is [...]
The Particpation Paradox
Are We Too Busy… or Are We Simply Participating Less? New White Paper from Roaring Fork Leadership: The Participation Paradox What if the biggest challenge facing our communities isn't a lack of leaders, but a lack of participation? Everywhere we look, communities are asking the same questions. 1 Why is [...]
Erin Hutchings: Lead Facilitator for the RFL Facilitator Program
Introducing Erin Hutchings: Lead Facilitator for the RFL Facilitator Program Roaring Fork Leadership is excited to announce that Erin Hutchings will serve as Lead Facilitator for the RFL Facilitator Program, partnering with Andrea Palm-Porter, Executive Director/CEO, to develop and grow the next generation of leadership facilitators across our region. An [...]
What RFL learned about Nonprofit Leaders
What RFL Learned About the Needs of Today's Nonprofit Leaders What happens when you invite nonprofit leaders to pause, step away from the day-to-day demands of running their organizations, and simply think together? That was the question behind the June 4, 2026 collaborative workshop, When There's No Playbook: Leadership Through [...]
Welcome Tanya to the Roaring Fork Leadership Team
Tanya Van Rickley, RFL Development Director Roaring Fork Leadership is excited to welcome Tanya Van Rickley as our new Development Director. Originally from San Diego, Tanya made Colorado home in 2016 when she relocated with her two teenage children. Today, she proudly calls the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding [...]
Beyond Silos: What Happens When Leaders Learn to See the System?
A Roaring Fork Leadership Civic Impact Project What if the challenge facing our communities isn't a lack of good organizations? What if the challenge is that we struggle to see how those organizations, systems, resources, and people connect? That question became the foundation of Beyond Silos, a Civic Impact Project [...]
Come Together: RFL Unite 2026
Come Together: RFL Unite 2026 Celebrates Leadership, Belonging & Community On May 15, community leaders, alumni, graduates, supporters, and friends gathered at Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for Roaring Fork Leadership’s annual Unite celebration, an evening rooted in one powerful idea: Come Together. This year’s [...]
Welcome Sandi Centofante
Welcome Sandi Centofante, RFL's Program Coordinator. With more than 16 years of experience in Human Services, Sandi Centofante brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her role as Program Coordinator at Roaring Fork Leadership. As an RFL Academy alum and volunteer Advisor, she deeply understands the power of leadership development, connection, [...]
Welcoming Marcus Thackston to the RFL Board of Directors
At Roaring Fork Leadership, we believe leadership is built through experience, connection, and a commitment to community. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Marcus Thackston to the RFL Board of Directors. Marcus is the Owner and Founder of Blend Web Marketing, where he brings a holistic approach to business strategy [...]
ELEVATE 2026: Bridging What Matters Most
On April 10th, more than 50 women and one very intentional man gathered at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs for ELEVATE 2026. And what unfolded wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder. A reminder that when you bring people together with intention, something shifts. More Than a Room - [...]
Alumni Highlight Katie Preston-Higbee
Roaring Fork Leadership took some time to catch up with Katie Preston-Higbee, RFL Mastermind Alum, to learn about what she's up to and how she has taken what she's learned and evolved herself, her purpose, and her career. Here's the Q + A with Katie: Q. Reflecting on your time [...]
Elevate Sponsor Highlight: Holy Cross Energy
Roaring Fork Leadership is proud to recognize Holy Cross Energy as the Peak Sponsor for ELEVATE: A Forum for Women Bridging Passion, Purpose & Community, taking place on April 10, 2026 at Morgrdige Commons in Glenwood Springs. As a member-owned electric cooperative serving communities across Western Colorado, Holy Cross Energy [...]
