ANNUAL REPORT
“I FEEL LIKE I’M AT HOME WHEN I’M IN CLASS. I WILL RECOMMEND EMILY GRIFFITH TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO COME TO DENVER. THIS PLACE HAS GIVEN ME HOPE AND A FUTURE.”
CELEBRATING THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF EDUCATION
Dear friends and supporters,
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for our donors, partners, and the entire Emily Griffith community. Your generosity and collaboration continue to fuel our mission of transforming lives through education.
Most importantly, we celebrate the achievements of our students, whose determination and resilience inspire everything we do. Their success is truly remarkable, with students reaching 85% completion rates, 93% job placement, and for those needing licensure, 100% passed their exams. These numbers reflect not just academic milestones but the transformative power of opportunity and support.
2022-23 SUCCESS RATES
COMPLETION
85% of learners complete their programs
PLACEMENT
93% of learners got career-track jobs
LICENSURE
100% of learners earned a license in their field
We are proud to share that we are meeting the ambitious goals laid out in our multi-year strategic plan. Through increased revenue, robust collaboration with partners, and increasing community awareness, Emily Griffith Foundation is well-positioned for continued success. While the fundraising landscape may be uncertain, we are prepared to navigate it strategically, ensuring that resources are in place to support our students and programs.
A significant highlight of the year was completing a multi-year research project and sharing our report: Learning, Working, Thriving: The Experiences of Emily Griffith Technical College Students. This robust project captures invaluable insights from students and alumni, elevating their voices to inform our data-driven initiatives. The report (see page 10) serves as a critical tool in shaping our efforts to foster equity, access, and success for all learners.
None of this would be possible without you. Your belief in our mission and dedication to our community empower us to keep moving forward. Together, we are creating pathways to opportunity and celebrating the transformative impact of education. Thank you for standing with us and for your unwavering support of Emily Griffith Foundation.
With gratitude,
ROBIN CHALECKI President, Emily Griffith Foundation
SCOTT REICH Board Chair, Emily Griffith Foundation
EMILY GRIFFITH FOUNDATION
WHO WE ARE
Opportunity Within Reach
Emily Griffith Technical College students represent those with the most opportunity for economic advancement.
DEMOGRAPHICS OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) STUDENTS ABOUT
Emily Griffith Foundation is proud to serve as the closest funding partner to Emily Griffith Technical College, a historic and vital institution that prepares students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. The College serves more than 8,000 students annually through transformative education and career training.
Emily Griffith Technical College provides accessible, high-quality education through:
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs;
• English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses and specialized career services tailored for refugees and immigrants;
• Registered Apprenticeship Programs, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world work experience; and
• High School Equivalency (GED) preparation courses.
As a separate 501(c)(3) organization, Emily Griffith Foundation’s work enhances the College’s impact by securing and managing donations, building partnerships, and advocating for workforce education.
The 2024 annual report for Emily Griffith Foundation aligns with our three-year strategic plan launched in 2023, highlighting our strategic pillars of “Fundraising,” “Collaboration,” and “Awareness.”
DEMOGRAPHICS OF APPRENTICESHIP STUDENTS
Multiracial Asian
Hispanic/Latino
White
Unknown
Native American/ Indigenous/ Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander
Black/African American
DEMOGRAPHICS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION (ELA) STUDENTS
Students Come from All Over the Globe
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Sub-Saharan Africa
East & Southeast Asia
Middle East & North Africa
Reza Ramezani, an Afghan immigrant and recent Computer Networking graduate, began his journey at Emily Griffith Technical College with English classes. Inspired by a friend’s success and his caseworker’s guidance, he enrolled in Computer Networking, while his wife, Nasrin Hussaini, completed the Esthetician program. Grateful for financial aid and the support of knowledgeable instructors, Reza plans to build on his six years of experience by earning U.S. certification. He’s passionate about advancing his career, making Emily Griffith a pivotal part of his and his wife’s success in the U.S.
REZA RAMEZANI, Computer Networking Graduate
FUNDRAISING
2ND ANNUAL “A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN TRADES” PRESENTED BY
KEYBANK
Emily Griffith Foundation proudly hosted the sold-out 2nd Annual “A Celebration of Women in Trades” event on April 24, 2024. Attendees were treated to an inspiring afternoon that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of Emily Griffith Technical College’s students and programs.
Guests enjoyed delicious food, heard empowering stories from a panel of three remarkable women students pursuing non-traditional career paths, and received an exciting update from a 2023 panelist who graduated from the College’s Automotive Service program. This event highlighted the profound impact of our work in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women in trades.
A Note from the Presenting Sponsor of
“A Celebration of Women in Trades”
“KeyBank was proud to be the presenting sponsor for ‘A Celebration of Women in Trades’ in 2024. This important event highlighted the support Emily Griffith Foundation is giving to the Colorado community, how it is empowering students, and providing the education and financial support students need to thrive in the trades. KeyBank is committed to helping many achieve career and financial goals and dreams. Emily Griffith is removing barriers and creating a clear path to financial wellness, and for that, we are proud to support this amazing organization.”
CHRIS PICARDI, KeyBank Colorado Market President
TO
THANK
YOU
THE GENEROUS
SPONSORS OF “A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN TRADES”
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Itzel Martinez, a recent graduate of the Welding program at Emily Griffith Technical College, is breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Itzel combined hands-on learning at the College with experience gained from working alongside a local artist who recognized her potential. Inspired by her sister, an Emily Griffith alum, and drawn to the College’s affordability and practical training, Itzel has built a foundation for a promising career in structural welding or pipefitting. As a panelist at Emily Griffith Foundation’s “A Celebration of Women in Trades” event, Itzel shared her journey and emphasized the importance of women’s representation in skilled trades. Confident in the skills she’s developed, Itzel is forging her own path, proving that persistence and passion can create lasting success.
ITZEL MARTINEZ Welding Graduate
FUNDRAISING
New Fundraising Highlights
Emily Griffith Foundation received a mini grant from the Green Workforce team at the City & County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency through its Climate Protection Fund. This funding supports instructor training on hybrid and electric vehicles as Emily Griffith Technical College prepares to incorporate foundational training in these essential skills into its Automotive Service program curriculum.
Emily Griffith Foundation formed a partnership with and received a grant from the Bates Philanthropic Initiative (BPI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support to Colorado’s under-resourced young adults seeking skills-based and technical education. This grant provides non-tuition wraparound financial assistance to in-need high school graduates pursuing Career and Technical Education programs at Emily Griffith Technical College.
WHY I GIVE
SARA REYNOLDS, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Foundation
“The Colorado Energy Foundation is honored to financially support the work of the Emily Griffith Foundation and impact the lives of Emily Griffith Technical College’s students. As a funder committed to removing barriers to economic opportunity, Emily Griffith stands at the intersection of equity and economic mobility, serving the unique needs of the College’s students and providing access to life-changing careers for the next generation of workers. We believe that every student deserves a chance for a promising career and the ability to support themselves and their families – but many times students face economic challenges that prevent them from accessing these programs. That is the ‘why’ behind our partnership. Through Emily Griffith Foundation, students receive additional support with comprehensive wraparound services, such as child care, housing assistance, and more that can make all the difference in that student’s success. The Colorado Energy Foundation is proud to support this critical work and the mission of Emily Griffith!”
Celebrating a Decade of the Emily Griffith 360 Fund
NEARLY $2 MILLION RAISED AND DISTRIBUTED
What began in 2014 with grants from three foundations has grown into one of Emily Griffith Foundation’s most impactful programs for supporting Emily Griffith Technical College students. Over the past decade, the Emily Griffith 360 Fund has raised and distributed nearly $2 million to help students succeed! From providing essentials like gas, food, and utility payments to covering exam fees for occupational licensure, this fund has been a lifeline for thousands of students. It has empowered them to stay in their programs, earn credentials, secure job placements, and build brighter futures.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
CAMILA SANCHEZ Cosmetology Graduate
Camila Sanchez’s journey from Bogota, Colombia, to Colorado highlights the power of determination and access to resources. After struggling to find fulfilling job prospects despite her International Business Management degree, Camila moved to the U.S. in 2023 and enrolled in Emily Griffith Technical College’s Cosmetology program. With the support of scholarships and the Foundation’s 360 Funds, which covered essentials like parking and gas, she has been able to focus on her studies while working part-time. Overcoming language barriers with the help of patient instructors and supportive classmates, Camila completed her program and earned her Cosmetology license in fall 2024. She credits the Emily Griffith community and financial assistance for enabling her success and emphasizes the transformative impact of donations on students’ lives, including her own.
READ CAMILA’S STORY ON OUR WEBSITE CLICK HERE
LEARNING, WORKING, THRIVING
In 2024, Emily Griffith Foundation received generous funding to commission a report from Ednium: The Alumni Collective and a research partner, Education & Community, to learn more about the lived experiences of Emily Griffith Technical College’s learners.
The result is a report titled Learning, Working, Thriving: The Experiences of Emily Griffith Technical College Students , and it is the most comprehensive gathering of feedback the Foundation has commissioned to date about the College’s learners.
This exploration of learners’ perspectives provides incredible insight into the successes of the College and Foundation, and helps us better inform our work going forward.
LEARNING,
WORKING, THRIVING: THE EXPERIENCES OF EMILY GRIFFITH TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS
Highlights
from the Report
LEARNER SATISFACTION:
Approximately 90% of students and graduates would recommend Emily Griffith Technical College to friends and family.
Of all the meaningful data in this report, we’re extremely proud of the indicators of our learners’ satisfaction. There’s overwhelming support for Emily Griffith Technical College’s and Emily Griffith Foundation’s work.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
34% of current students chose Emily Griffith Technical College because of access to scholarships.
29% of graduates chose Emily Griffith Technical College because of access to scholarships.
FINANCIAL SECURITY: OUR ZERO-DEBT GOAL
60% of surveyed graduates completed their programs with no educationrelated or personal debt.
STUDENTS WOULD ENROLL AGAIN
Roughly 66% of current students would re-enroll at Emily Griffith Technical College.
Sponsorship of African
Community
Center’s Refugees First Thanksgiving Event
Emily Griffith Foundation was a proud sponsor of the African Community Center’s Refugees First Thanksgiving event on Monday, November 25, 2024. This annual event celebrates the diversity of our community while welcoming Denver’s newest community members by sharing an evening of food, friendship, and dancing. Nearly 1,000 attendees, including refugees, supporters, and volunteers, enjoyed both traditional Thanksgiving food and globally inspired dishes.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ISSARIANA
CHAFINO Practical Nursing Graduate
Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony
On December 16, 2024, Emily Griffith Technical College celebrated the achievements of 18 students at the pinning ceremony for the Practical Nursing program. Thanks to support from Emily Griffith Foundation, licensure exam fees were covered for all graduates. This crucial support ensures that students can take the required licensure exam promptly after completing the program, reducing the time between graduation and starting their careers as Practical Nurses.
For Issariana Chafino, Emily Griffith Technical College has been a trusted partner on her journey to a fulfilling career in healthcare. After earning her Medical Assisting certificate in 2021, Issariana returned to Emily Griffith to further her education, graduating from the Practical Nursing program in December 2024. Her decision to return reflects her confidence in the College’s reputation and its strong community of support. Balancing her studies with raising two children and working at Kaiser Permanente, where an education leave policy allowed her to pursue her goals, Issariana is now prepared to provide compassionate, bilingual care to Spanishspeaking patients. She is breaking cycles of poverty and building a brighter future for her family while inspiring others to trust in the opportunities Emily Griffith provides.
READ ISSARIANA’S STORY ON OUR WEBSITE CLICK HERE
AWARENESS
Emily Griffith Foundation in the Community
Colorado Energy Foundation Gala
Emily Griffith Foundation was delighted to attend the Colorado Energy Foundation Gala, an annual fundraising event that highlights the energy foundation’s commitment to community impact. Since establishing a partnership with us in 2022, Colorado Energy Foundation has generously contributed $27,500, helping to equip Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeship students with the tools they need for career success.
James
E. Pollmiller Annual Golf Tournament
Since 2022, Emily Griffith Foundation has been honored to participate in the James E. Pollmiller Foundation’s annual golf tournament. To date, Emily Griffith Foundation has received $14,000 in contributions through this meaningful partnership. These funds directly support our efforts to empower students, strengthen programs, and create brighter futures.
Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Connecting Colorado Event
Emily Griffith Foundation President Robin Chalecki was honored to speak as part of a dynamic panel at the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Connecting Colorado event. The session, “Position Your Nonprofit to Reach Wider Audiences and Attract More Funding,” offered valuable insights into amplifying nonprofit impact and reach. From expanding program offerings to forging deeper corporate and community partnerships, the discussion highlighted actionable strategies for organizational growth. Robin’s participation underscores the Foundation’s dedication to innovation and collaboration in advancing our mission to empower students and strengthen community ties.
Alliance of Professional Women’s Annual Luncheon
Emily Griffith Foundation President Robin Chalecki spoke at the Alliance of Professional Women’s Annual Luncheon. During her remarks, she shared inspiring stories of recent scholars—female students at Emily Griffith Technical College who have benefited from generous scholarships provided by the Alliance Foundation. Since the partnership began in 2020, the Alliance Foundation has awarded $42,000 in scholarships, empowering several female students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Jenny Kunches (left) and Lindsay Sandham (right) at the James E. Pollmiller Foundation’s annual golf tournament.
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce State of Women in Business Emily Griffith Foundation staff, board members, and supporters attended the annual Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) State of Women in Business breakfast. This event brought together inspiring leaders and changemakers dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in business. Our work at the Foundation is closely aligned with the CWCC’s work and mission, as both organizations are committed to empowering women, breaking down barriers, and building pathways for equitable success.
WHY WE GIVE
MIMI AND PHILIPP STEPHANUS
“We contribute to Emily Griffith Foundation because we believe in its powerful mission of supporting students with what they need to thrive at Emily Griffith Technical College. The College’s programs provide graduates with skills to successfully enter their chosen field, and Emily Griffith Foundation delivers the critical financial support that makes offering those programs possible. Creating an accessible education system is key to creating an equitable society, and we believe that the College and Foundation provide lifechanging opportunities for students to build the lives and futures they deserve, and in turn raise up the communities in which they live.”
Left to right: Stefanie Jones, Robin Chalecki, Margaret Bachrach, and Linda Appel Lipsisus at the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Connecting Colorado Event.
Left to right: Kerry Hammond, Robin Chalecki, and Lindsay Sandham at the Alliance of Professional Women’s Annual Luncheon.
Robin Chalecki at the Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Connecting Colorado Event.
Clockwise from center: Dianne Myles, Erica McIntire, Renae Bellew, Tisha Chapman, Erin Pepper, Robin Chalecki, Lindsay Sandham, Monica Williams, Angela Davis, and Alea Benedetto at the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce State of Women in Business breakfast.
AWARENESS
Emily Griffith Technical College in the Community
Students in Hospitality, Services, and Multimedia programs frequently participate in community events throughout the year as part of work-based learning requirements in their programs, including standing monthly events at Samaritan House and area nursing homes. Some other events this year included:
• In April, barbering and cosmetology students volunteered their skills at Place Bridge Academy, and in December they gave free haircuts to students at Lake Middle School. From haircuts to braids, Emily Griffith students and instructors jumped right in to help their community while also practicing hands-on learning.
• Massage Therapy students gave free massages to Denver Public Schools and Emily Griffith Technical College faculty this past spring for Teacher Appreciation Day. The enrollment for this program has increased, and is now completely full with a waitlist for future cohorts.
Emily Griffith Technical College received the Spring Intercultural Champion Award from the Spring Institute for its commitment to supporting New Americans in Denver. The College was honored for its work in helping foreign-trained professionals re-enter their fields and providing additional English classes in collaboration with Spring Institute. The ceremony also recognized other partners advocating for intercultural collaboration and language access.
Left to right: Paula Schreifer, Ryan Yates, Linda Van Doren, and Allie Needham at the Spring Intercultural Champion Awards.
New American Hiring Event with Colorado Office of New Americans
A Denver job fair in March connected hundreds of immigrants, mainly from Venezuela and Central and South America, with local employers. Organized by Emily Griffith Technical College, the Colorado Office of New Americans, and the Spring Institute, the event aimed to support new arrivals with work permits by offering assistance with applications and interpreting services. Sixteen employers, including Colorado Barricade, were present, and some companies accommodated Spanish speakers. Organizers hope to continue hosting similar events to aid new immigrants in navigating the U.S. job market.
Celebrating Apprenticeships During National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week was a success! To honor the hard work of apprentices, Emily Griffith Technical College’s Apprenticeship staff delivered goodies to Denver metro area partners and sent care packages to apprentices across Colorado. They also highlighted apprentices’ inspiring journeys through social media interviews and posts. Adding to the excitement, all apprenticeship partners received brand-new Emily Griffith Technical College banners to proudly showcase the collaboration and highlight the opportunity for apprentices to earn college credit as part of their programs.
Since July, Emily Griffith Technical College has expanded its impact by partnering with three new organizations to issue college credit for their apprenticeship programs:
• The Chef Ann Foundation : School Food Specialist registered apprenticeship program
• Fortified Academy: Commercial Truck Driver registered apprenticeship program
• Southwest Carpenters Training Fund: Carpenter, Millwright, and Drywaller registered apprenticeship programs
Emily Griffith Supports Afghan Pilots Program helps refugees train in Colorado to fill pilot shortage (9News)
Afghan pilots soar with help of Emily Griffith (Washington Park Profile, Colorado Community Media)
Sayed Jawad Padshah, a former Afghan pilot, lost his aviation career when the Taliban took over Afghanistan. After spending a year in a UAE refugee camp, he connected with Emily Griffith Technical College’s CAREERS program, which supports refugees in Colorado with career reentry. With backing from the Colorado Refugee Service Program, Sayed has regained his pilot license and hopes to fly commercially again. The program helps skilled refugees rebuild their careers in the U.S., fulfilling Sayed’s lifelong passion for flying.
AWARENESS
Emily Griffith in the News
Hispanic-Serving Institutions empower the futures of Latino students (Commerce City Sentinel Express, Colorado Community Media)
Emily Griffith Technical College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) for more than 11 years, with 40% of students identifying as Hispanic. In a Commerce City Sentinel Express article, Career Navigator Isabelle Melendez shared how HSIs empower students to achieve social mobility and break generational barriers. She highlighted the College’s dedication to inclusivity, saying, “This status just proves that we can walk the talk.” From supporting families navigating admissions to fostering a welcoming environment, Emily Griffith is committed to creating pathways to success for all students.
Project HairCare Goes to Technical College, Engaging Aspiring Barbers and Stylists (Project HairCare)
In September, barbering students at Emily Griffith Technical College participated in training through Project HairCare, a program aimed at equipping barbers and stylists with mental health and wellness skills to better serve their clients. Starting in January, both cosmetology and barbering students will receive this transformative training, furthering the program’s mission to foster mental health awareness and support within trusted community spaces like salons and barbershops.
Student-run businesses open at Emily Griffith Technical College (Fox 31)
Hospitality, Services, and Multimedia programs at Emily Griffith Technical College offer students hands-on experience through its student-run businesses, including a barber shop, salon, cafe, massage clinic, and spa. These enterprises allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings while providing affordable services to the public.
FISCAL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
For the year ended June 30, 2024
*In Fiscal Year 2022, Emily Griffith Foundation received a generous three-year grant which, in compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, was fully recognized as revenue that same year. While $231,905 in related expenses is included in Fiscal Year 2024 expenses, the corresponding revenue is not reflected in Fiscal Year 2024 figures. Please note that this does not indicate an organizational deficit but instead reflects fluctuations due to best accounting practices.
EMILY GRIFFITH FOUNDATION STAFF AND BOARD
Emily Griffith Foundation Team
Robin Chalecki President
Alea Benedetto Development & Scholarships Associate
Lindsay Sandham Grants & Communications Manager
Serena Vandenberg Finance Manager
Our Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Scott Reich, Chair
Senior Vice President of Finance CirrusMD Inc.
Mimi Stephanus, Vice Chair Community Volunteer
Tony Oum, Secretary Executive Vice President FirstBank
Allen Staver, Treasurer Former General Counsel UCHealth
BOARD MEMBERS
Renae Bellew Senior Program Director
Denver Scholarship Foundation
Randy Johnson, Ex-Officio Executive Director
Emily Griffith Technical College
Tisha Chapman, Ex-Officio Vice President of Student Services Emily Griffith Technical College
Sarah McCarthy Chief Executive Officer Global Livingston Institute
Jonathan Munro
Senior Vice President
Regional Retail Leader KeyBank
Mary Nguyen Founder and Chef
Olive & Finch
Elaine Gantz Berman Chair of Trustee Network
Celestina Jimenez Vice President General Counsel RK Industries
Erica McIntire Senior Vice President Colorado Market Executive Bank of America
Paula Sandoval Owner Tamales by la Casita
Dianne Myles Chief Executive Officer Human Focused Media
Bruce Schroffel
Healthcare Consultant