Join Katie as she sits down with 2022 Scholar Yahir Chairez-Salazar to hear his powerful story of resilience, determination, and purpose. The summer before his sophomore year, Yahir lost his leg in a devastating car accident, but fought his way back—both academically and as a collegiate wrestler. His journey from hospital bed to wrestling mat is nothing short of remarkable. Now, the Colorado School of Mines junior is sharing his message of hope and perseverance. In this conversation, he opens up about finding light in the darkest moments, what keeps him moving forward, and the incredible milestones he’s achieved in the face of adversity.

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Join Katie as she sits down with Luis Benitez—six-time Everest summiteer, policy innovator, author of "Higher Ground,” and outdoor industry trailblazer— to explore how he went from a boy battling severe asthma to one of the most influential voices in Colorado. Born to a Southern educator and Ecuadorian engineer, Luis grew up deeply curious with a foot in two cultures. From overcoming childhood illness to forging a love of high altitudes, Luis discovered his purpose as a climber, guide, advocate, and policymaker. His journey has taken him from guiding expeditions in the Himalayas to helping found the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, where he sparked a national movement linking economic development, public health, and conservation. Now working in the private sector, Luis reflects on risk, resilience, and redefining what it means to lead.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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In this episode, Katie sits down with Aaditya “Aadi” Pore, the 2025 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year, as awarded by the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. Inspired by his mom’s lessons in humility and service, the CU Boulder senior opens doors for fellow students interested in STEM careers while serving as a campus-wide leader. For Aadi, true leadership means building on the support he’s received from mentors to make a difference at the intersection of science, policy, and leadership.

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Colorado Leadership Stories is a podcast presented by Boettcher Foundation

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.