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99 West 12th Avenue, Denver, Colorado | EXHIBIT IS CLOSED

Sponsor the CELL

Your support of the CELL allows the community to engage with renowned experts to become educated on the most pressing national and global security issues and helps underwrite critical training to help prevent the next targeted violent attack. By donating today, you are helping the CELL expand its impact, ensuring a safer, more secure future for us all.

Sponsor Colorado Remembers 9/11

Colorado Remembers 9/11 pays tribute to those we’ve lost and recognizes the sacrifices of those who protect our freedoms. We remember the fallen, we honor those who serve now and we pledge to protect the future. To become a sponsor of this unforgettable event, click below.

Donate Now

Sponsor our Future

Gifts to the CELL enable us to provide our one-of-a-kind exhibit, 365 Briefing series events, training initiatives and other programs that educate individuals on how we can all play a role in making our communities safer.  To make a donation, click the link below.

Donate to the CELL

Sponsors

The CELL couldn’t exist – let alone pursue its essential mission of education and empowerment – without the gracious ongoing support of our sponsors. Every person and business listed below has given generously to supplement our efforts to create a safer community for everyone. Thank you so much for your support! 

Presenting ($100,000)

Premier ($50,000)

Leader ($36,000)

Champion ($25,000)

Visionary ($18,000)

Ambassador ($10,000)

Advocate ($6,000)

  • ADVANTAGE SECURITY, INC.
  • TED & MARSHA ALPERT & FAMILY
  • SHARON MAGNESS BLAKE & ERNIE BLAKE
  • ELAINE & BOB BLATT
  • AUDREE & MICHAEL BLOOM
  • BRADBURY COMPANIES
  • Bravada Partners: The Gold,
    Perry-Rest, Michelson, Alpert Family
    & the Steven & JoEllen COHEN Family
  • HERB & ARLENE BUCHWALD
  • THE CHERRY CRICKET
  • THE CHIROSPOT
  • THE CHOTIN FOUNDATION & FAMILY
  • DENVER ART MUSEUM
  • EY
  • BRAD, BRENT & GREGG FARBER
  • DARLYNN & TOM FELLMAN
  • FORTIS PRIVATE BANK
  • JERROLD GLICK & SHANNON GIFFORD
  • PAT & CARLA GRANT
    IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE WESTERN STOCK SHOW ASSOCIATION
  • DR. & MRS. JOHN A. GROSSMAN
  • HEALTHONE
    ROSE MEDICAL CENTER
  • CHRISTOPHER & LAUREN HILLARY
  • JOY & JAMES HOFFMAN
  • HOLLEY, ALBERTSON & POLK, P.C.
  • SIMONE & STUART ISEN
  • KROENKE SPORTS CHARITIES
  • LARRY & JILL DIPASQUALE FAMILY FOUNDATION
  • CONNIE & GARY LEVINE
  • LIBERTY GLOBAL
  • MR. & MRS. GUSTAVE LIPMAN
  • DEBBIE & JIMMY LUSTIG
  • MCGEADY BECHER P.C.
  • CHARLIE & JUDY MCNEIL
  • MILLER FRISHMAN GROUP
  • PETER MITERKO & JOE LIGGETT
    ON BEHALF OF WEALTHPOINT, LLC.
  • NORTHERN TRUST
  • OTTEN JOHNSON ROBINSON NEFF + RAGONETTI PC
  • PAC/WEST STRATEGIES
  • PACIFIC WESTERN BANK
  • PACIFICA CAPITAL INVESTMENTS
  • PBJ REECE FAMILY
  • PERLMUTTER FAMILY FOUNDATION
  • BRANDON & JACKIE PERRY
  • PNC REAL ESTATE
  • CORY & NATHANIEL REDLEAF
  • REGIS UNIVERSITY
  • MARCIA & DICK ROBINSON
  • SUSAN & EDDIE ROBINSON
  • RICHARD ROBINSON & NINA SAKS
  • MICHAEL SALEM, M.D.
  • MEYER M. & GERI SALTZMAN
  • SHANAHAN'S STEAKHOUSE
  • HEDY & NORMAN SILVERMAN
  • JANICE SINDEN
  • SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS (US) LLP
  • PEGI & MICHAEL TOUFF
  • TRI POINTE HOMES
  • TRIPLE B: BELINDA, BARBARA & BIDDLE
  • TRUIST SECURITIES
  • UDC MILLER, LLC
  • VISIT DENVER
  • WESTFIELD COMPANY, INC.
  • WINTRUST BANK, N.A.
  • XCEL ENERGY

Trailblazer ($3,600)

  • BAILEY STANFORD FAMILY FOUNDATION
  • BDO USA, LLP
  • THE BLACKBURN GROUP
  • BLUE PAN PIZZA
  • BOETTCHER FOUNDATION
  • BOUTIQUE APARTMENTS &
    WHEELHOUSE APARTMENTS
    ZVI RUDAWSKY, CEO
  • THE BROADMOOR
  • COLORADO OIL & GAS ASSOCIATION
  • DANA DAVIS
  • DENVER HEALTH FOUNDATION
  • DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
  • DENVER METRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
  • DIAMOND VENTURES, INC.
  • FRIEDSTEIN FAMILY
  • IAN & ANATH GARDENSWARTZ
  • GOODMAN COMMERCIAL
    REAL ESTATE, LLC
  • HENSEL PHELPS
  • HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
  • INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL
  • JEFFERIES LLC
  • JEWISHCOLORADO
  • NORM KAREL
    PEGASUS PRINTING & PACKAGING
  • ALAN & DEB KARSH
  • MIDFIRST BANK
  • MILENDER WHITE
  • MICKY & LOUANN MILLER
  • SKIP & NANCY MILLER
  • MONARCH CASINO RESORT SPA-
    BLACK HAWK
  • NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW
  • NORRIS DESIGN
  • ROBIN & BILLY ORGEL
  • PHIL LONG DEALERSHIPS
  • THE RIFKIN-BENNIS FOUNDATION
  • STEVE ROSDAL
  • ROSE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
  • JOHN M. SEVO AND SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
  • JAMESON & ANNE SMITH
  • STANFORD CARR DEVELOPMENT, LLC
  • STREAR FAMILY FOUNDATION
  • TCW RISK MANAGEMENT
  • TEN STRAWBERRY STREET
  • THREE PEAKS CAPITAL
    SANDY RUFENACHT
  • UCHEALTH
  • MARC UTAY
    CLARION CAPITAL PARTNERS
  • VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA COLORADO
  • THE WEST FAMILY FOUNDATION
  • WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES
    AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
  • DAVID & DEBORAH YOUNGGREN
  • AC DISASTER CONSULTING

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99 West 12th Avenue
Denver, Colorado
303.844.4000

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99 West 12th Avenue
Denver, Colorado

EXHIBIT is CLOSED

P: 303.844.4000

E: vsr@thecell.org

Visit

Education

Cap

Events

About us

Join us

leslie hamdorf

Manager of Curriculum & Instruction

Leslie Hamdorf joined the team in 2023 and supports the educational programs of the organization. Leslie earned her Doctorate in Education from Fielding Graduate University in Educational Leadership and Change and a special focus on her educational theory, Action Leadership for Adolescents. Leslie brings experience in implementing various cross-cultural programs, management of K-12 educational programming, and service work with AmeriCorps to the CELL team. 

 

Caitlyn lauchner

Education & Outreach Coordinator

Caitlyn Lauchner joined the CELL in 2023 and supports the development and implementation of the organization’s education programming, as well as assists with school and community partner outreach. She earned her B.A. in Religious Studies from Linfield University and her M.A. in Peace and Justice from University of San Diego Kroc School. Caitlyn brings experience in educational programming, community engagement, and research to support the CELL’s efforts. 

 

Magdalena perez

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Magdalena Perez recently joined the CELL and is a part of the education team that delivers impactful messages to all ages and communities. She holds an M.A. in International Security specializing in human security and human rights from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. Magdalena also holds a B.A. in International Studies and Italian from the University of Denver. 

 

Bailey Yamshak

Special Projects Coordinator

Bailey Yamshak joined the CELL in 2022 and is responsible for coordinating a wide variety of events for the CELL, including the CAP and various community events. She recently earned her M.A. in International Security from the University of Denver, specializing in Intelligence and Counterterrorism. Bailey also holds a B.A. in both Criminal Sociology and Psychology from Auburn University. She has been working in the security and public safety fields for 7 years.

rudolf leyba

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Rudolf is responsible for assisting with research, development, and implementation of new and existing programs across the organization. Rudolf received his M.A in International Security from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Mexico.

 

 

samantha Neville

Database & Administrative Associate

Samantha has worked for the CELL since 2022. She is involved with the database management and administration of programs and events for the Exhibit. She graduated with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University.

 

cailin shioshita pickett

Associate Database & Operations Manager

Cailin Shioshita Pickett joined the Mizel Institute in 2022 and is responsible for leading reporting and analysis efforts, database administration, and operational support for educational programs and community events. Cailin holds a B.A. in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Colorado Denver and a Master’s of Social Work with a concentration in Health and Wellness from the University of Denver.

 

Jacqueline Graham

Writing & Communications Specialist

Jacqueline Graham joined the CELL in 2022 and is responsible for planning and implementing all marketing efforts for educational programs and events. She is an extremely passionate marketing professional who believes in telling stories that empower and uplift the community. She holds an MA in Writing from Edinburgh Napier University and a BA in English Literature and Political Science from Denison University.

Sec. Condoleezza Rice

66th U.S. Secretary of State

Dr. Rice was the 66th United States Secretary of State and President George W. Bush’s National Security Advisor during his first term. During the administration of George H.W. Bush, Rice also served as Senior Director of Soviet and East European Affairs. While an International Affairs Fellow of the Council on Foreign Relations, Rice served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. She is the current Tad and Dianne Taube Director and Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution, a professor in Global Business and Economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. She is a founding partner of Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel LLC.

MEG ROBBINS

Education and Special Project Coordinator

Meg Robbins is an Education and Special Project Coordinator for the Mizel Institute. She is proud to have joined the Institute in November 2019. As part of the educational team, Meg is responsible for providing programming opportunities for elementary and high school aged students, developing engaging curriculum, and building partnerships with fellow educators across the front range. She is passionate about contributing to the museum’s mission of celebrating diversity, spreading messages of equality and equity, and combating hatred in all its forms.

Caitlin Navratil

Special Projects Coordinator

Caitlin Navratil started at the CELL in 2021 and is responsible for supporting CELL marketing and special projects. She is currently finishing her MA in International Studies at the University of Denver, specializing in Intelligence Analysis. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from Bethel University. Caitlin is a 2021 and 2022 Boren Fellow and a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.

David Engleberg

David H. Engleberg has lived in the Denver area since 1992. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and attended the University of Utah where he earned his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1967 – 1973. He also resided in the Los Angeles area for a number of years. He has held senior executive positions in the health care and insurance industries. For the past 20 years he developed numerous residential and commercial real estate projects in the Denver area. Since 2010, Engleberg has been the owner of Capitol Cigars. Engleberg served on public, private and non-profit Boards, including being Chairman of the Board of National Jewish Health. Engleberg is married and has four children, one in Denver, two in Israel, and one in Portland, Oregon. He currently has six grandchildren. His hobbies include tennis, golf, fly fishing and watching football.

Samantha Jones

Database and Administrative Coordinator

Samantha Jones joined the CELL in 2021. She specializes in data collection and is responsible for tracking attendance for the CELL’s programs and events. Samantha graduated from Colorado Christian University with a B.A. in English Literature Research.

BECCI JACOBS

Education and Outreach Coordinator

Becci Jacobs joined the team in 2022 and supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s educational programs. Becci earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver with a specialization in Children and Youth: Risks and Healthy Development. Becci brings her experiences in nonprofit management, mental health, K-12 education, and community engagement to the Mizel Institute team to ensure we are meeting the needs of students, stakeholders, and partners.

Elizabeth Cychosz

Education and Projects Manager

Elizabeth Cychosz Johnson supports the development of new CELL educational initiatives, updates existing programming, and assists in the implementation of both digital and in-person programs. She holds an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, a B.A. in both Anthropology and Journalism from Ohio University and is a Certified Associate in Project Management with the Project Management Institute.

James Hippensteel

Manager of Education and Programs

James Hippensteel joined the CELL in 2021 and is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s education programs, tours and curriculum. He also helps craft and implement annual school outreach strategies and trains and evaluates exhibit educators. James received both his B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of Montana-Missoula.

Melanie Avner

Director of Communications

Melanie Avner develops, implements, and maintains the CELL’s annual marketing and communications strategy, driving promotional opportunities and initiatives for exhibits, events, training and programs. She has been with the organization since 2016 and holds a B.A. in English from Lafayette College and an M.A. in Public Communication from American University.

Jordan Clark

Director of Outreach and Engagement

Jordan Clark helps provide organizational oversight and spearhead strategic outreach efforts for the CELL. He identifies and establishes key partnerships across the country to implement the CELL’s various educational and public safety initiatives. Jordan has been with the organization since 2012 and holds a B.A. from Colorado State University in International Studies and Political Science and a minor in Spanish.

Heather Olsen

Vice President of Operations

Heather Olsen drives the CELL’s fundraising, outreach and programmatic efforts to ensure the organization meets and exceeds its annual goals and directives. She has served the organization in several roles since coming on board in 2015. Heather has an M.A. in Museum Studies with a concentration on Exhibition Development and Design from The George Washington University and a B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Business Administration from Fordham University.

Tom Ruppel

Chief Operating Officer

Tom Ruppel oversees the execution of the CELL’s strategic plan. He has held a variety of positions with the organization since joining in 2014. Tom received his M.A. in International Security with a Certificate in Homeland Security from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. He received his B.A. in International Relations and Economics from Connecticut College.

Melanie Pearlman

President and CEO

Melanie Pearlman has managed the administration, programming and strategic planning for the CELL since its inception, ensuring the organization’s relevance to the community and furthering its mission. Melanie is a member of the Colorado Thirty Group and serves on the board of the Denver Police Foundation and the Boy Scouts of America. She is the recipient of the FBI Director’s 2012 Community Leadership Award and was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40. Melanie received her M.A. in International Management and Foreign Affairs from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Rick Sapkin

Founder and Managing Principal, Edgemark Development

Rick Sapkin is a Founder and Managing Principal of Edgemark Development, with more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience with a strong presence through the Midwest, Rocky Mountains and western United States. Sapkin has been involved in various real estate developments, including several million square feet of retail development and, more recently, high-end self-storage facilities. He has established a proven track record for entrepreneurial business transactions specializing in commercial development, redevelopment, and urban projects. Sapkin received his B.S. in Business Administration in 1983 from the University of Denver.

Blair Richardson

Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Bow River Capital Partners

Blair Richardson is Chairman and CEO of Bow River Capital and has held executive positions in international sales and trading of public equity and debt securities for nearly 25 years. In 2011, Richardson was named one of the most influential people in Denver by 5280 Magazine (“The 5280 Fifty”). Richardson was with Morgan Stanley and Company from 1987 to 1995, serving as President of Morgan Stanley Japan in Tokyo, Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia in Hong Kong, and Managing Director of the Equity and Fixed Income Department in New York. Prior to forming Bow River Capital, Richardson was Managing Partner of B.E. Richardson Investments, which invested in a variety of industries and real estate throughout North America. Between 1996 and 2002, his company made over 20 private equity investments. Richardson is the founding partner of Bow River Capital, which today manages over $688 million of AUM and is on their 7th fund.

Michael Pollak

Co-Founder, Hyde Park Jewelers

Michael Pollak, co-founder of Hyde Park Jewelers, started by selling turquoise and Native American jewelry after class on the lawn of the University of Denver in 1973, where he graduated with a BSBA. He has spent extensive time in New York, Geneva, Vicenza and Hong Kong, cultivating his skills, knowledge and expertise in gemology, fine jewelry and Swiss timepieces. With more than 40 years in retail management, developing five regional, luxury jewelry stores, Pollak became Chief Executive Officer of Hyde Park Jewelers in 2007. He has received numerous industry awards, including induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2008 and Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” in 1999. Pollack has held board positions with Jewelers of America, Natural Color Diamond Association and the Mizel Institute. He is a co-founder of Diamonds in the Rough, a non-profit organization to support the efforts of youth-based nonprofits and local charities.

Courtney L. Mizel

Director, MDC Holdings, Inc.

Courtney L. Mizel is a Principal at Mizel Consulting, where she has worked for over 20 years. In this role, Mizel advises companies in various industries on matters relating to business management and strategy, including operations, business development, marketing, as well as legal matters. She is also a Founding Director of the CELL. Mizel is involved in a number of non-profit activities, including serving on the Boards of Directors of Zimmer Children’s Museum, Sharsheret National and JQ International. Mizel received her Bachelor of Science in Economics with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law. She is the daughter of the MDC Holdings, Inc., Executive Chairman of the Board Larry A. Mizel, and she joined its Board of Directors in 2017. Her legal and business achievements and diverse-yet-highly-relevant experiences provide the Board with enhanced business, operational, governance and legal perspectives.

Andy Miller

Managing Principal, Miller Frishman

Following graduation from the University of Denver with an accounting degree, Andy Miller worked as a CPA for the international accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand. In 1980, he joined with four other partners as Loup-Miller Development Company, which designed and developed shopping centers, apartment communities, office buildings and warehouses across the United States. After the real estate debacle of the 1980s, Miller co-founded Sevo Miller, Inc., in 1990. Sevo Miller built, managed, marketed, leased and sold commercial real estate for many institutions and third-party owners across the country. In 1993, Miller and David Frishman co-founded Realty Funding Group, a mortgage and finance company that has acted as a mortgage broker and mortgage banker for numerous commercial real estate projects across the U.S. In 2009, Miller and David Frishman founded Miller Frishman Group, which specializes in multi-family apartments and retail shopping centers.

David D. Mandarich

President and Chief Executive Officer, MDC Holdings, Inc.

David D. Mandarich has been associated with the MDC Holdings, Inc., since 1977 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since October 2020. In 1999, he was elected President and Chief Operating Officer, a title he also held in 1996. Mandarich was previously elected Co-Chief Operating Officer in 1994 and Executive Vice President of Real Estate in 1993. He was a Director from 1980 until 1989 and has been a Director continuously since 1994. 

Jimmy Lustig

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Management

A seasoned leader in business, Jimmy Lustig has executive experience at various companies. He has proven himself to have the entrepreneurial spirit that drives new ideas to success while working within the established frameworks of highly regulated industries. Lustig was previously a shareholder and employee of a commercial bank headquartered in Denver, of which his family members were the majority shareholders and which was later sold to Zions Bank. He also founded GEA Entertainment, a music publishing industry consolidator. Lustig balances his professional career with a variety of charitable endeavors. He and his wife run the Lustig Family Foundation, through which they contribute to numerous organizations and institutions that embody their values. Lustig is proud to do his part in supporting educational, cultural, and social endeavors that will shape generations to come.

Walter Isenberg

Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sage Hospitality

Walter Isenberg started Sage more than 30 years ago with partner Zack Neumeyer. As CEO of Sage Hospitality Group, he directs all company operations including management, real estate investment and brand development, with an emphasis on community giving and teaching the next generation of great leaders. Results-driven and creative, Isenberg is a member of the Union Station Alliance, the group responsible for revitalizing Denver Union Station and creating the high-performing Crawford Hotel. He created Sage’s art program which provides locally curated art in newly built or renovated hotels. Isenberg is a member of Marriott International’s Owner Advisory Board and the American Hotel Lodging Association Government Affairs Committee, as well as a board member of Visit Denver, which inducted him into the Denver & Colorado Tourism Hall of Fame in 2010.