Colorado For All - Business Showcase and Resource Fair

Molina is an artist, poet, and master of ceremonies and launched a project called Future Town Tour with civic health club Warm Cookies of the Revolution. Future Town seeks to reimagine small towns in the American West, positioning them in the future rather than in the past, building creative rural/urban partnerships, and challenging racial and social divisions. On the strength of this work, Molina is a 2023-2024 Us@250 Fellow with New America.

Adrian is a program facilitator for OEDIT’s Colorado Creative Industries’ Change Leader Program. He leads Warm Cookies of the Revolution’s Future Town Tour program, which received a Colorado Creative Industries’ Arts in Society grant in 2024.

Eve Lieberman was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) in January 2023. She works alongside OEDIT staff across eleven divisions and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state to promote economic growth and long-term job creation through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. Under Eve’s leadership, OEDIT updated its mission to “empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy,” advancing the state’s commitment to building an economy that works for everyone.”

Senate President James R. Coleman was born and raised in the Park Hill neighborhood of Denver and is a resident of the district he so proudly represents: Senate District 33. Coleman served his first term in 2016, serving as the youngest elected official in Colorado’s state legislature at that time. After serving 2 terms as the State Representative of House District 7, he went on to win his election to the Senate District 33 seat in November 2020. Senator Coleman currently serves as the Colorado Senate President, Chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Chair of the Black Coloradans Racial Equity Study Commission, Vice-Chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council.

Richard Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer of RTL Networks

Moderator

Rich Lewis graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and served ten years active duty, as a Communications Officer, serving in various national and international assignments. He transitioned to the corporate world, holding senior roles at companies like Cisco Systems, Qwest, and Avaya; and in 2002, he founded RTL Networks, Inc.  His company is now a nationally recognized, multi-million-dollar business with offices in Denver, California, and Washington, D.C., and staff in over 15 states. Richard is also a devoted father to a now 25-year-old son and has many involvements beyond business, including founding the Chamber Connect Program (now known as ULF Connect) and recently launched the RTL Foundation, and other non-profit, civic, political endeavors.

Panelist

Boris (Buba) Basishvili, Creator/Performer/Artistic Director of Theatre Artibus

He/Him

The creator of dozens of original shows and a collaborator on numerous artistic projects, Buba is a theatre maker and performer from the Republic of Georgia, now residing in the United States. He has an extensive background in theatre, film, direction, and education, having worked in his hometown of Tbilisi and across the globe. Buba founded Theatre Artibus in 2017 alongside Meghan Frank. He holds an MFA in Ensemble Based Physical Theatre from Dell’Arte International in California. For over 15 years he has performed, toured, and taught with the Georgian State Pantomime Theatre. Additionally, he served as a director at Iliauni Theatre and University in Tbilisi. Buba earned his MA in Mime Art from Shota Rustaveli State University of Theatre and Film in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Buba is a former participant in OEDIT’s Colorado Creative Industries’ Change Leader Program.

Panelist

Hillary Harding, Vice President of Development and Communications for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Hillary Harding is Vice President of Development and Communications for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), overseeing both fundraising and marketing directives. Along with President and CEO Malik Robinson, she has served as lead on the organization's facilities expansion program from its inception in late 2018, with the new wing currently projected to open in early 2026. Hillary serves on the board of Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is a 2024 Milton Murray Fellowship recipient. Including her nine years with CPRD, she has worked in the field of nonprofits for over 25 years. Earning a degree from SFSU, she began her career as a dancer, enjoying a brief career as a professional modern dancer in San Francisco.  Now, when not immersed in development strategy sessions, Hillary is an avid capoerista, having trained and refined her skills in both Brazil and here in the U.S.

Panelist

Kelyn Lanier, Black Business Initiative

Kelyn Lanier is a strategist and systems thinker focused on business development, community resilience, and long-term planning. He supports business owners across Colorado through his consultancy, The Alloi Group, and organizations like BBI. With a background that includes co-founding a national pharmacy company, Kelyn brings a steady, practical approach to helping businesses move from vision to execution with clarity and purpose.

Panelist

Jevon Taylor, Chief Executive Office for Green Spaces

Jevon, based in Denver, CO, has dedicated his career to shaping sustainable and inclusive communities. As an advocate for community development, he has amplified the voices of local visionaries through collaborations with businesses, nonprofits, school districts, and his work on the RiNo Business Improvement District and Denver Parks & Rec Advisory Boards. His experience at Green Spaces and Green Dot Coalition further underscores his commitment to fostering sustainability and positive change. With a vision rooted in Denver’s growth, Jevon is a driving force for impactful transformation, blending leadership with sustainable innovation.

Jevon is a former participant in OEDIT’s Colorado Creative Industries’ Change Leaders Program. Green Spaces is a recipient of the Community Building Preservation Program grant.

Panelist

Josh Blanchard, Director of Colorado Creative Industries

He/Him

Josh Blanchard serves as Director of the Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) at Colorado where he is responsible for the strategic planning, direction, management, implementation and evaluation of Colorado’s state arts agency’s operations, programs & services. As CCI Director, Josh works to advance Colorado’s thriving creative economy by strengthening alliances, initiatives and programs involving arts, culture, business and government leaders.

Bruce Borowsky, Boulder County Film Commissioner

He/Him

Bruce has been working with film and video since he was a kid; he’s now an award-winning filmmaker with over 30 years of professional experience, specializing in documentaries and corporate branding videos at his company Pixel Mill Studios. He's lived in Boulder since 1990, and currently serves as the Boulder County Film Commissioner.

Bruce received his MFA from San Francisco State University in Video and Photography, and worked as a full-time assistant to adventure photographer Galen Rowell in Berkeley. After moving to Boulder, he began producing a local Public Access TV series “The Climbing Show” which after one year was picked up by the Outdoor Channel and became the first national television series on rock climbing and mountaineering.

Bruce is very passionate about creating a level-playing field so that all people can tell their stories - by themselves. The programs he’s involved in and helps facilitate focus on teaching underserved audiences how to use the equipment they have on hand to tell their own stories. In addition to the annual Ute Summer Filmmaking Program, Bruce is currently working on a documentary he started filming in the West Bank in 2022, entitled "Voices of Palestine's Future", where he taught young Palestinian men and women professional filmmaking in a one-week hands-on class - the “lab” part of the class was them interviewing each other about their hopes and dreams; it is currently in post-production.

Joey Lopez, Filmmaker

Joey Lopez has worked in the Colorado film industry for the past decade. After his graduation from the Colorado Film School, he pursued a career as a 1st Assistant Director. His credits cover a multitude of genres and budgets ranging from indie shorts to feature length films. He has worked in the Four Corners with the Ute Tribe youth, and young adults, for 7 years, teaching film, and professional development, and looks forward to years to come. 

Jessica Billingsley, Managing Partner of MacArthur Holding Company

Jessica is a seasoned capital markets leader, executive, and innovator with decades of experience in frontier technology. As a seasoned investor, she has demonstrated a strong track record of success in identifying and backing innovative startups in emerging industries and frontier technology. Her experience includes leading successful public and private companies as CEO and serving on multiple boards of directors. Jessica possesses in-depth expertise in private and public capital markets and has successfully navigated complex transactions to drive growth and business transformation.

She is FINRA securities licensed and currently serves as Managing Partner of MacArthur Holding Company and as CEO of its subsidiary MacArthur Strategic Capital. Previously, as Founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO of Akerna (Nasdaq: KERN), a Software as a Service cannabis technology company, she successfully publicly listed, completed multiple accretive acquisitions, maintained market leadership for over a decade, and exited via strategic acquisition.

She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Inc. Top 100 Female Founder and Fortune’s Most Promising Woman Entrepreneur. Her insights and thought leadership have been featured in numerous prominent media outlets, in addition to her active contribution to Entrepreneur and Rolling Stone publications.

Brooke Cohen, Founder of The Live Green Group

Brooke Cohen is a pioneering leader, strategic consultant, board member, and former executive in the regulated cannabis industry. She is known for her early and continued contributions to responsible cannabis business practices, public policy, and industry innovation. Brooke is the former Co-Founder, Chairwoman, and Chief Executive Officer of FGS Inc., Patients Choice of Colorado, and Live Green Cannabis—an industry-leading, vertically integrated medical and adult-use cannabis company with multiple dispensary locations and large-scale cultivation facilities across Colorado. She successfully exited her operating companies through a sale in 2021.

Following the sale, Brooke transitioned to managing a portfolio of personal commercial real estate and private investments, while continuing to serve as a strategic advisor and board member to emerging businesses and mission-driven ventures across regulated industries.

Brooke continues to be engaged at the federal, state, and local levels, advocating for public policies that advance medical and adult-use cannabis access, 280E tax reform, and comprehensive banking solutions for cannabis businesses. Her work remains focused on shaping a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive future for the industry.

Mike Gellman, CEO of ThingVC

Mike Gellman is the CEO of ThingVC, an impact-driven micro-venture capital fund that makes early stage investments in underrepresented entrepreneurs. He's also involved in numerous companies and organizations as a benefactor, booster, board member, consigliere, connector, and/or comrade. Prior to Thing, Gellman was Executive Chairman at Kin + Carta, which acquired Spire Digital, the digital transformation firm he founded and operated since 1998. At Spire Digital, he helped lay the foundation for the modern Internet and developed numerous innovation methodologies that are still being used today. Gellman was also one of the web’s earliest bloggers, publishing his musings online for a daily audience of more than 50,000 readers three years before the term “blog” was coined. This led to his current side hustle as the world’s foremost authority on Dad Rock, influencing thousands of seasoned music fans daily on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @dadrocketc.

Chloe Steerman, Director of Client Success at Small Circle

A strategic communications leader with over a decade of agency experience, Chloe has built a career at the intersection of client success and mass media. She specializes in developing and executing strategies that drive business growth, strengthen client relationships, and empower teams through operational excellence. Named a “40-under-40 Rising Star in Cannabis” by MJ Venture Magazine, Chloe thrives on solving complex challenges—scaling teams, optimizing processes, and fostering long-term partnerships that adapt to evolving industry demands. She believes the strongest, most successful partnerships are built on authenticity, creativity and accountability.

Natasha Lannerd, CEO of Gold Dust Enterprises

Natasha Lannerd is a strategic business development leader with over 15 years of experience scaling innovative consumer and cannabis brands, like PAX, 1906, and Vangst, from concept to multi-state success. She specializes in revenue architecture, go-to-market strategy, and guiding early-stage companies toward rapid growth and industry leadership.

Andrew Livingston, Director of Economics and Research at Vicente LLP

Andrew Livingston serves as the Director of Economics and Market Analysis at Vicente LLP where he has a unique role as an economist, business analyst, and general cannabis policy wonk. Mr. Livingston assists clients with developing and expanding their enterprises across cannabis markets nationally and internationally. A wide variety of marijuana and hemp businesses look to him for help navigating the regulatory intricacies that influence market dynamics, as well as to create sophisticated revenue models and pro forma for investors and to guide strategic decision-making. Mr. Livingston has spent his entire career studying cannabis markets, first working alongside the Vicente LLP team in 2012 on the historic campaign to pass Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana for adults in Colorado.

Patrick Rea, Managing Director of Poseidon Garden Fund

Patrick Rea is a Managing Director at Poseidon, a leading investor in the legal cannabis and hemp industries with over $100 million in assets under management. Poseidon and its affiliates have been active cannabis investors since 2013, deploying capital into nearly 200 businesses across various stages and verticals globally. Patrick previously founded CanopyBoulder, a seed-stage, mentorship-driven business accelerator and investment fund focused on cannabis technology.  Before cannabis, Patrick spent 15 years in the natural products industry. Patrick lives in Boulder, Colorado.

LeVon Terry, CEO of Capfluent Consulting

LeVon Terry is an expert in finance and corporate strategy. He is focused on capital formation, financial modeling and analysis, investor communications, and corporate development across multiple industries.  LeVon leverages his deep experience working directly with clients to create business plans and financial projections, optimize operations, lead investor relations and direct capital raising efforts. LeVon received a BSc in Economics from the University of Dayton.

Ernest Toney, CEO of Toney Endeavors

Ernest Toney is the founder of Toney Endeavors, a consulting firm that delivers government-contracted startup support services—including strategic advising, mentorship, and business development training—to help entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses. He is also the founder of BIPOCann, an organization that accelerates business entry and growth for minority and underserved entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Since 2020, Ernest has focused on helping entrepreneurs overcome business growth challenges, launching nationwide programs and partnerships that have connected hundreds of cannabis startups to resources, mentorship, and education—often at little to no cost. His expertise spans ecosystem development, business development, and strategic communications, which he leverages to guide founders through pitch preparation, investor engagement, and scalable growth strategies. To date, his clients have collectively secured over $2 million in capital and operating grants. Ernest also serves on the Cannabis Advisory Board at MSU Denver, building on a decade of experience that includes leading global marketing at MJBizDaily.

Gary Arnold, Gogi Cannabis Delivery

Gary has a strong belief in the power of teamwork and collaboration. His company Gogi fosters a company culture built on integrity and transparency. We continue to explore new technologies and practices that enhance the cannabis transportation landscape, ensuring that Gogi remains at the forefront of the industry.

Damon Brooks, GreenDoor Box

Damon Brooks is the founder of GreenDoor, a platform simplifying cannabis-friendly travel by pairing curated product boxes with personalized itineraries. With over eight years in tech sales helping brands turn customer insights into measurable growth, he brings deep experience in building solutions people trust. As the first in his family to graduate high school and college, Damon brings a self-made, entrepreneurial drive to his work. He’s passionate about creating economic opportunities for Colorado through thoughtful innovation. Today, he’s focused on making cannabis tourism easier, safer, and more enjoyable for millions of travelers.

Beatrice Carranza, Bacha’Z

Beatrice Carranza is the CEO and Founder of BACHAZ, a Hispanic family owned cannabis brand. She created BACHAZ in 2022 to represent her community through bold, Mexican inspired flavors. With a background in social work, she’s passionate about advocacy and reducing stigma in Hispanic communities. BACHAZ is the first cannabis brand in Colorado with bilingual packaging. Each gummy is made in small batches and tastes like a spicy Mexican fruit cup. Now in several Colorado dispensaries, Beatrice continues to push for social equity in the industry.

José Coto, Soiku Bano

José Coto is the founder and operator of Soiku Bano, a small batch solventless extraction company in Colorado. He oversees all aspects of the business, focusing on producing high-quality products for the connoisseur market. The company is known for its signature cold-cured rosin pearls, consistent quality and community involvement. Jose’s passion for plants and science led him to refine his extraction techniques with the help of a local chemist, eventually teaching the extraction class. His diverse work experience in education, construction, real estate, and retail sales has contributed to his business acumen. Soiku Bano has won several local hash competitions, and has been recognized by the Denver Westword readers’ choice awards, winning Best Rosin Brand in 2024, as well as Best Rosin in 2022 and 2025.

Michael Diaz-Rivera, Better Days Delivery

Michael Diaz-Rivera is the founder of Better Days Delivery, a socially driven cannabis delivery service dedicated to serving underrepresented communities. A social equity licensee and a passionate advocate for economic justice, Michael leverages his lived experience and deep community ties to champion fair policies and business practices in the cannabis industry. As a vocal leader and educator, he has spoken at numerous events and collaborated with grassroots and government stakeholders to advance social equity. Michael’s work goes beyond cannabis; he’s committed to fostering economic empowerment and addressing the harm caused by the war on drugs. He believes that business can be a catalyst for community healing and long-term generational wealth.

Stefani Lucas, Workhorse Global

Having run some of Colorado’s most well-respected edible and concentrate brands, Stefani founded WORKHORSE to focus on solving manufacturing problems and lower the barriers to entry into the Colorado cannabis market. Stefani is passionate about creating and offering high quality products while building a company where people want to come to work. WORKHORSE company culture prioritizes work-life balance and keeping things fun while getting it done. She has loved working with her best friends and family to build WORKHORSE, and is a proud mom to a two-year old. Her favorite product is the og MIXTAPE Chill Gummies.

Ariana Orozco, Xi Farms

Ariana is the founder and owner of Xi Farms, a family-run cannabis cultivation business rooted in organic, sustainable farming. She leads all aspects of business strategy. As a woman of color and social equity license holder, she is passionate about reshaping the cannabis industry through community, access, and education.

Tiana Woodruff, Queen Mary Hospitality

Tiana Woodruff is the CEO and founder of Queen Mary, a wellness-focused cannabis brand known for its award-winning edibles infused with vitamins, adaptogens, and full-spectrum rosin. A CSU-Pueblo graduate with a background in Mass Communications, Tiana has grown Queen Mary into a multi-state brand recognized with multiple Emerald Cup awards and features in national media, including Honeysuckle Magazine’s “Black Gold” series. She serves on the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) Board of Directors, advocating for equity and representation in the industry. Passionate about wellness and community, Tiana is committed to empowering underrepresented voices and setting new standards in cannabis innovation.

Sherrie Lawson, Epiphanie Consulting LLC

Sherrie Lawson is a dedicated educator, leader, and activist with over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including finance, nonprofits, and government. She has spent nearly two decades teaching business and leadership courses and currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Colorado Denver. Her work centers on leadership development, curriculum design, and driving organizational change.

Sherrie holds a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Organizational Leadership, and she has pursued doctoral-level studies in leadership and organizational change. She moved to Colorado in 2016 to work more closely with The Rebels Project, a nonprofit providing resources and support for those impacted by mass violence, where she previously served as Director of Operations. She now works for Colorado PERA providing change management leadership and is the owner of Epiphanie Consulting LLC, a management consulting company focused on organizational effectiveness and strategic leadership.

Beyond her professional life, Sherrie is a certified SoulCollage® facilitator who enjoys attending live music shows, yoga, scenic road trips and traveling internationally with her husband and their rescue cat, Jax.

Aikta Marcoulier, City and County of Denver

Aikta serves as the Chief Business Development Officer for the City & County of Denver, Economic Development & Opportunity Office. Her division supports business recruitment, retention, and expansion. Builds Denver’s capacity to engage with and secure investment from global markets. Leads innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Prior to this role, Aikta served as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Region VIII Administrator, based in Denver, CO. In this role, she oversaw the delivery of the agency’s small business programs and services across South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Montana.

Gisa Simmons, RTD

Gisa McCray Simmons is a dedicated advocate for social impact, equity, and small business growth. As the Civil Rights Outreach Specialist at RTD, she works closely with the Small Business Opportunity Office (SBO) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Office (ADA) to create inclusive opportunities for all, particularly focusing on empowering marginalized communities. Gisa’s passion for fostering equitable environments drives her work in community engagement and outreach. She is honored to serve as a judge for the MBO/Aya Foundation Pitch Competition, where she applies her expertise to support small businesses and ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Dr. Pamela Williams, CEO / President WBEC-West

Dr. Pamela Williamson’s 25 plus  years of senior leadership experience ranges from CEO of a business consulting firm to V.P of a National Behavioral Health Organization.  Dr. Williamson has owned several successful businesses that she has sold and now she serves as the President/CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West.  In this role, Dr. Williamson facilitates mutually beneficial procurement opportunities for WBEs and corporations locally and nationally.  Dr. Williamson also provides corporations with education on developing supplier diversity programs to promote the value of doing business with women.

Dr. Williamson holds a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, an MBA, and 2 Bachelor degrees. Williamson has received several awards, some of which include,  Community Partner of the Year from several organizations, The Phoenix Business Journal Diversity Champion of the year, and the Minority Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been featured in multiple magazines and has written three books on diversity.

Rodney Bates, The All Purpose Group LLC

G. Rodney Bates is a 40-year resident of Denver Co, a Father & Grandfather. Founder, CEO and Executive  Director. Certified mediator in the state of Colorado, and Personal Coach. My purpose is to serve, and my  mission is “To Build Strong Minds and Strong Bodies for a Stronger Future”. As a Personal Coach & community advocate, I have over 30+ years working with youth, young adults  and adults focusing on changing the narrative and the landscape of the community changing the  mindset of the youth life through affirmations. Working with youth my approach is to “Change Your  Story, Change Your Life” which is focused on achieving sustainable personal growth and  development. Working in the schools my mediation training and the implementation of the mentoring leadership program schools have seen a reduction in adversary behavior which leads to  less contact with administration for disciplinary action. This allows students and their classmates  to have a positive in-classroom experience which allows them to have the opportunity to learn. 

Renesha Berry, Urban Seductress LLC

Renesha Berry is a powerhouse confidence coach, visionary entrepreneur, and the fierce creator behind Urban Seductress — a brand that empowers women to step boldly into their sensuality, confidence, and feminine power. With over a decade of experience, Renesha has transformed countless women’s lives through her coaching programs, dance classes, and signature retreats, including her nonprofit, Shades of Brilliance, which focuses on youth and women’s empowerment. Known for blending real talk with transformational guidance, Renesha helps women tap into their soft power, own their voice, and glow from the inside out. When she’s not coaching or creating, she’s a wife, a mom, and a leader on a mission to spark confidence in women globally.

Sentoria Hardiman, Upon Request Virtual SolutionsLLC

Sentoria A. Hardiman is the Founder, Executive Virtual Assistant, and Strategic Business Partner at Upon Request Virtual Solutions, where she leverages over 20 years of high-level administrative and legal experience to empower founders, leaders, and executives to operate at peak performance. Specializing in executive-level virtual support with a strong legal foundation, Sentoria excels in streamlining complex administrative operations, enabling her clients to focus on innovation, growth, and strategic priorities without being bogged down by day-to-day operational demands. Sentoria’s approach blends precision, discretion, and strategic foresight, positioning her business as a trusted partner for seamless delegation and operational excellence. Her vision is to redefine how small businesses and entrepreneurs delegate with confidence, unlocking transformational growth and long-term success through agile, dependable virtual support.

Quondale Lofton, Northeast Nurseries

Quondale Lofton is a seasoned gardening professional with over 13 years of hands-on experience in sustainable landscaping, plant cultivation, and soil restoration. His passion for nurturing the land is matched by a deep commitment to family—he has been married for 20 years and is the proud father of 10 children. Drawing from both his personal and professional life, Quondale brings a grounded, community-oriented approach to gardening that inspires others to grow with purpose and intention.

Rebecca Morgan, Chef Bella B LLC

Rebecca Morgan is a seasoned private chef and the founder of Chef Bella B LLC, a company specializing in creating curated dining experiences that blend fine culinary artistry with intimate, themed events. With over a decade of culinary experience, Rebecca has worked with notable clients, including cooking for celebrity artist H.E.R. and appearing on FOX 31 News. Her passion lies in making luxury dining experiences accessible and engaging, offering both private chef services and immersive pop-up events. As a creative force behind the Table X concept, Rebecca is dedicated to crafting bespoke dining experiences that not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring people together through community-driven, authentic culinary adventures.

Drew Jarvis, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Sunny Period

She/Her

Drew Jarvis is the Co-Founder and CMO of viral brand, Sunny Period, which fuels her passion for earth-friendly products, inclusive and accessible health care, and a drive for global impact. She has most notably been shortlisted for Fast Company's 2023 World Changing Ideas Award, been profiled in Fortune Magazine, and guest starred on the Startup Hustle podcast.

Sunny Period is a recipient of OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Early Stage Capital Retention Grant.

Reilly Williams, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Entirely Well

She/Her

Reilly Williams is a childhood Synovial Cell Sarcoma cancer survivor and seasoned product leader with experience at high-growth automotive startups like Tesla and Rivian. Her journey has given her a deep understanding of health, resilience, and gaps in women’s health solutions. While navigating her own medical challenges, Reilly identified a significant unmet need in vaginal microbiome support—where current approaches either rely on forgettable oral supplements or vague behavioral advice. Combining her background in engineering, product innovation, and sustainable systems, she set out to reimagine how we prevent vaginal infections. Today, she is leading the development of a daily-use, microbiome-supporting formulation that integrates seamlessly into daily routines, creating unforgettable personal care products and improving outcomes.

Entirely Well is a recipient of OEDIT’s Advanced Industries Early Stage Capital Retention Grant.

Samantha Albert, Deputy Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation

Sam is the Deputy Director for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC). Her work supports the office’s mission of inspiring industries and communities to thrive in Colorado’s great outdoors. This is accomplished by focusing on economic development, conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, and public health and wellness.

Libby Barbee, Senior Program Manager of the Colorado Creative Industries

Libby (she/her) joined Colorado Creative Industries as a Program Manager in 2020. She oversees the CO Change Leader program, the Folk and Traditional Arts program, and the CCI Summit. She also serves as co-lead of OEDIT’s IDEA Committee and oversees the implementation of a cross-divisional strategic plan focused on DEIA. Prior to coming to CCI, Libby managed the Arts in Society grant program at RedLine, led non-profit arts education programming, and taught at the university level. Libby holds a BFA in Painting and Art History from CSU and a MFA from MICA. She has participated in multiple artist residencies and her artwork is included in corporate and public collections.

Dalhia Garcia, Program Coordinator of the Minority Business Office

Dalhia Garcia has worked with the Minority Business Office for about two years, where she is passionate about supporting minority, women, and veteran-owned small businesses. She comes from a family background steeped in entrepreneurship. She actively supports aspiring entrepreneurs and  business owners, directing them to essential resources. She engages in community outreach and networking to connect entrepreneurs with valuable resources and opportunities.

Emma Howard, Senior Program Manager of the Business Support Division

Emma Howard serves as a Senior Program Manager in the Business Support Division within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. She oversees the Cannabis Business Office’s grants, loans, and technical assistance programs. In addition, she is a member of the agency’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility committee and leads the Community Engagement Subcommittee. She is a current cohort member of the 2025 Governors’ Fellowship with CiviCO. Howard has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. Before moving to Colorado, she served as a Fulbright Grantee in Malaysia where she taught English to secondary school students.

Azarel Madrigal, Director of the Minority Business Office

Azarel serves as Director of the Office of Minority Business at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. In this role, she is dedicated to improving economic opportunities for minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs throughout the state. Azarel has extensive experience in providing equitable access to capital, business development, entrepreneurship education, community outreach, policy, and program design and implementation.

James Schisler, Special Projects Manager of the Colorado Small Business Development Center Network

James Schisler works with the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network as the Special Projects Manager. In this role, he supports the Community Business Preservation Program, which has provided funding and technical assistance to businesses around the state with special cultural, social, or historical significance in their local community. This includes multiple businesses here in Five Points! He also pitches in on a range of other programs across the SBDC.