Board of Directors
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Karen Blumenstein, Board ChairKaren is a Project Developer for THF Realty and responsible for all aspects of land acquisition and development at THF's shopping center developments. Trained as an attorney, Karen represented public REIT's and counseled private real estate and corporate ventures. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business from Michigan State University and a law degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University. Passionate about leading a life engaged with nature, Karen is an avid cyclist and enjoys hiking and snowshoeing. She has been an advocate for homeless youth and was an outreach volunteer with Chicago's GLBT youth community.
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Peggy Robbins Weiner, Vice ChairPeggy began the Denver interior design firm of Robbins Weiner Design over 17 years ago, specializing in custom residential design projects throughout Colorado. She has a special interest in promoting environmentally responsible design solutions. She has been a volunteer for TWWI and is the mother of a girls' course graduate. She has been an active volunteer for several historic restoration community projects. Her interests include hiking, crosscountry skiing, painting and photography. "I am inspired to be a Women's Wilderness board member because our mission is powerful, healing, and a joyful opportunity to help bring into our greater community."
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Gary Gomulinski, TreasurerGary is a Vice President for Vectra Bank of Colorado. Gary has over fourteen years experience working as an executive consultant helping Fortune 500 companies with their growth objectives, cost-benefit modeling and the development of business plans. He is a Rotarian, serving as a board member with his club and is involved as a volunteer with The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County. He was appointed a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for his volunteer efforts related to outdoor recreation. Kentucky's highest civilian honor. Gary is an avid outdoor enthusiast whose interest includes mountain biking, skiing and triathlon. "I am inspired by the strong women in my life and believe the world needs many more. By being a board member I hope to help continue the great work TWWI has done and hope they can expand to reach many more women and girls."
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Erin Howe, SecretaryErin has taught in a variety of schools in Denver that all have one thing in common: opportunities for real-world learning. Currently a teacher at The Denver School of Science and Technology, she teaches English and helps students develop authentic senior capstone projects. During college, she led multi-day backpacking, caving, climbing, and kayaking trips for the Gettysburg Recreational Adventure Board, an experience that was life-changing and led her to her current career. Other passions include reading, quilting, graphic design, triathlons, hiking with her dog, and learning to telemark ski.
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Pamela BuderusPamela is Founder and President of Argus Advisors, Inc., a multi-family office that works with high-net worth individuals managing their financial, charitable and philosophical goals. Pamela holds a Batchelor of Science in Accounting from George Mason University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Pamela started her career as a tax accountant at Arthur Andersen in Washington D.C. and then moved on to internal auditing at Burger King Headquarters before starting Argus Advisors, Inc. Pamela has a passion for the outdoors. Her interests include triathlons, telemark skiing, skate skiing and sailing. She lives in Louisville with her husband, Jim.
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Cindy ChristensenCindy is currently the owner of Christensen Consulting, LLC, a full service consulting firm that specializes in community outreach, strategic planning, public involvement and facilitation, particularly in relation to economic development, transportation and the nonprofit industries. Prior to forming Christensen Consulting, Cindy worked for more than 10 years in economic development and transportation at the Downtown Denver, Partnership, Inc., directing business and retail recruitment activities, along with research, and transportation advocacy. Cindy holds a master's degree in organizational management and a bachelor's degree in sociology, a minor in journalism and has worked extensively in public relations, marketing and communications. She is a volunteer with the Women's Bean Project in Denver.
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Dawn DotyDawn Doty is a Vice President with Linhart Public Relations, a national corporate communications firm based in Denver. She has more than 20 years of experience building brands and corporate reputations. Dawn has handled crises at one of the world's premiere ski resorts, led a team that generated 837 million media impressions for a start-up company in its first week and managed prestigious clients at the foremost and largest PR firms in the country including Ketchum and Burson-Marsteller. Her impressive skill set includes strategic counsel, crisis communication, media relations, marketing communications and cross-functional integrated approaches to brand building. Companies and organizations on Dawn's career roster include Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Crocs, Chipotle, Vail Resorts, Inc., Orbitz, Rudi's Organic Bakery, the former Wild Oats, McDonald's Corp., Motorola, P&G and the Tiger Woods Foundation. Dawn and her husband, Matt, live in Boulder.
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Peter GowenPeter has been a Colorado attorney since 1986. He also has a technical background in water quality hydrology and environmental conservation dating back to the 1970's. He has been legal advisor to numerous local government boards, and has also served on several governmental and non-profit boards and committees. He is active with the Colorado Mountain Club, leading hiking and ski trips, also serving on the CMC State Board, and Boulder Group Council. He also serves as an instructor of outdoor recreational skills classes and mountain leadership. He has been a part-time commercial whitewater raft guide since 2003. "I am inspired to be a TWWI board member because the world needs more strong, grounded women."
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Talissa KoziolTalissa Koziol has over 10 years of experience in event planning and marketing having coordinated events ranging from small meetings to large association conferences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the Metropolitan State College of Denver and is a Certified Meeting Professional. In 2008, Talissa moved from a full-time career in the events industry to managing her father's business. This career change gives her an amazing work life balance allowing time for hiking, climbing, yoga, volunteer work, and her side project Cupcake Mafia.
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Connie McArthurConnie holds masters degrees in Social Work and Business Administration. She is a partner with Kaplan DeVries Inc, and operates a private consulting practice which provides Executive Development and Human Resources consulting services for businesses. Connie speaks regularly on issues related to leadership, the role of highly effective teams in organizations, the issues faced by executive women, and managing change. Connie is the co-author of "Genders Unspoken Role in the Leadership Evaluations published in Human Resources Planning in the fall of 2007. She travels extensively and loves being in the outdoors - hiking, biking, or golfing. She is passionate about giving all girls and women a helping hand to build a stronger community, workplace, and world.
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Isabel McDevittIsabel McDevitt has over 12 years experience working in workforce development and social enterprises. She is the founder of two ventures employing homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals in the fields of pest management and biodiesel conversion. Most recently, Isabel is implementing a plan for the national expansion of the New York City-based Ready, Willing & Able transitional employment and housing program. Isabel moved to Boulder in 2006 with her husband, an elite Ironman triathlete, and has two children ages 2 and 4. Isabel is an active member of Social Venture Partners of Boulder County and an avid runner.
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Whitney PainterWhitney brings more than 15 years of experience in journalism, politics, activism and a range of nonprofit organizations focused on women's issues, youth advocacy and environment. Her work includes several years focused on innovative educational opportunities for "high risk" youth as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Small Schools Initiative. Currently, she owns a small renewable energy business, designing and installing solar electric (PV) systems for homeowners and businesses throughout the state. Some of her other passions include mentoring teens, skate skiing, running, swimming, backpacking and tandem cycling with her husband. "I am inspired to be a TWWI board member because the culture is only as strong as its women, and the world is only as peaceful as the individual lives of all its people."
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Brenda PorterBrenda Porter brings more than 20 years experience working for outdoor education organizations, such as the Girl Scouts, county parks districts, and currently as education director for the Colorado Mountain Club. She has a MS in nonprofit management and a BS in biology education and is active in the Association for Experiential Education. A native of Colorado, Brenda speaks Spanish and is an occasional adventure travel guide. She is the president of her HOA board and co-director of the new Golden Community Garden. She is passionate about helping all people experience the natural world and currently loves to watercolor sketch outdoors, do yoga, backpack, hike and snowshoe.
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Susan StantonSusan works for CLC and is responsible for business development in the Rocky Mountain region. Before joining CLC, Susan served as president & CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation. While she was in this capacity, Brighton was recognized by USA Today and the Gadberry Group as one of the seven most notable high growth communities in the United States. Prior to that, she worked with DIA from ground breaking to completion. Susan spent ten years with the DIA Partnership working to develop the area around the new airport. During her tenure in economic development, Susan helped companies make new investments in Colorado including L'Oreal, CAE Aviation Services and Boeing Aerospace as well as new retail and hotel projects throughout the Northeast quadrant of metro Denver.
Stanton holds memberships with ULI, NAIOP and ICSC and is a board member for the Metro North Chamber of Commerce. She is a former president of the Economic Developers Council of Colorado - a statewide organization representing over 100 cities and counties throughout Colorado.
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Trish ThomasTrish founded Akamai Consulting in 2005 and the firm specializes in strategic growth and marketing solutions for mid-size companies. A consultant for 8 years, her prior history included over 10 years of corporate managerial experience. She holds a BS in Computer Information Systems and a MBA in Management and Strategy, and serves on non-profit Boards for the Better Business Bureau, the Other Side of Everest Educational Foundation and the University of Denver Women's College. Trish is a nature-lover to the core, spending her free time hiking, backpacking, gardening and working with animals. With a 14 year old daughter and two young nieces, the mission of the Women's Wilderness Institute is near and dear to her heart.

