By: DJ Whetter, CEO, CiviCO
As 2024 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and impact at CiviCO. It’s been a year where we embraced change, celebrated milestones, faced challenges head-on, and remained steadfast in our new collective purpose: to ignite and unite cultures of leadership for a better Colorado.
This year was particularly special because it marked our first full calendar year as one united organization under the CiviCO umbrella. The combination of CiviCO and CTLF brought together incredible people, programs, and resources, amplifying our ability to fulfill our mission. Together, we are building a community where leadership is a way of life—grounded in humility, engagement, authenticity, regeneration, and being true service.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the launch of the Leadership Accelerator, a program designed to equip participants with the tools and insights they need to create meaningful change in their organizations and communities. This pilot asks organizations to meet one of its gaps: young professional development. In 2025, it’s our goal to run this program three times to engage at least 75 more young professionals across the front range. Long-term we’d love to take this program around the state! Our initial pilot experience brought together 15 leaders from diverse backgrounds who were eager to learn, connect, and put their leadership into action. The Accelerator taught us as much as it taught its participants, challenging us to think bigger and refine our approach to leadership development.
Throughout the year, we also hosted Purpose Hours, gatherings where members and alumni explored pressing issues such as how to amplify change for the better with Gary Dixon, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB), and Corporate Civic Responsibility. These conversations not only expanded our understanding but also reminded us of the power of curiosity and the courage it takes to tackle complex challenges. As we head toward 2025, it’s our goal to create a calendar of monthly Purpose Hours that drive activation and ignite leadership pathways for all we invite!
At CiviCO, we believe leadership isn’t just about work—it’s about community. This belief was front and center at our Summer Social, where we came together to relax, reconnect, and recharge under the Colorado sun (and unexpected downpour).
And earlier this month, we wrapped up the year in style with our HEART for the Holidays event at Great Divide Brewery. This gathering combined fun and purpose: building bikes for kids, supporting Wish for Wheels, and celebrating the leaders who inspire us all. This year, we recognized two incredible individuals with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and honored the winners of our HEART and Leadership Ignition awards. These moments remind us of the extraordinary people in our network and the values that bind us together.
Of course, 2024 wasn’t without its struggles. We disagreed. We got frustrated. We faced setbacks. But through those challenges, we grew stronger. We learned to listen more deeply, clarify our priorities, and push forward with even greater resolve. These moments taught us that progress isn’t always smooth, but it’s always worth it.
Organizational and Civic leadership is hard work, but it’s also the work that matters most. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to double down on our commitment to building a better Colorado.
I want to personally thank the CTLF Board of Advisors for their work in 2024. This group shares its time and resource to help make our programs possible. We held a wonderful retreat focused on 2025 strategies early in November. We left more energized and focused on the work ahead. It’s our goal to grow and refine programs, increase participation and introduce a better member experience moving forward.
As we close the chapter on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I have a call to action for each of us: Let’s imagine what’s possible.
Our small but mighty staff team is committed to continuous improvement, but the work of igniting and uniting cultures of leadership across Colorado is not ours alone. It belongs to all of us—our members, alumni, supporters, and friends. It will take all of us leaning into our shared purpose, supporting one another, and calling on others to join this movement.
2025 promises to be a pivotal year. With your imagination, dedication, and partnership, we will deepen our impact, expand our reach, and inspire even more leaders to make a difference in their communities.
So, as we reflect on the year that was, let’s also dream about the year ahead. Let’s commit to supporting one another, supporting CiviCO, and calling others into this important work. Together, we can create the kind of leadership culture that ensures Colorado’s brightest days are ahead.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to the road ahead—and to all the ways we’ll ignite and unite in 2025.
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