Camron (Cam) Wyatt – Co-Emcee: Cam is the EPIC Industry Liaison at Colorado River BOCES and has spent over 30 years in public education as a teacher, principal, coach, and consultant. His passion is developing Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, focusing on work-based learning, community partnerships, and IEP transition goals.
Cam is a firm believer in these four core principles:
- Embrace lifelong learning: Each day is a new chance to grow and discover something amazing!
- Collaborate for success: By building strong relationships and mentoring one another, we open up a world of opportunities.
- Cultivate a growth mindset: I see every challenge as a stepping stone to future achievements!
- Prioritize the 3-Rs: Focusing on Relevancy, Resources, and Rigor ensures our programs are not just successful, but sustainable for the long haul.
Nicolette DiPietro – Co-Emcee: With two decades in the hospitality industry, Nicolette has built a career connecting people, programs, and opportunities. Nearly 15 years teaching and leading in higher education, supported by a master’s and doctorate in education from Drexel University, have deepened her expertise in curriculum development, leadership, and workforce alignment. Nicolette began her work with Colorado River BOCES (CR BOCES) in the CC-LIVE synchronous teaching department, leading a statewide, research-based pilot for the Colorado Department of Education to advance best practices in synchronous teaching and learning. Now in her fourth year with the organization, she serves as Special Programs and Grants Coordinator, working across the CR BOCES region to collaborate with school districts, support Career and Technical Education (CTE) needs through EPIC (Educational Pathways to Innovative Careers), secure funding through strategic grant writing and management, and supports each department within the organization to make data-driven decisions through sophisticated research and evaluation.
Mark Perna – Keynote Speaker:
• Generational expert with 25+ years of insight and impact
• 80+ dynamic, inspiring, and actionable keynotes annually across North America
• 8 awards for Mark’s national bestseller Answering Why
• 250+ radio, television, and podcast interviews on generational and workforce development issues
• 300+ articles and 5 million readers at Forbes.com, where Mark has contributed weekly since 2019
Kristina Freeman: Kris serves as Executive Director of Youthentity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through career exploration, workforce readiness, and financial literacy. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, Kris brings a strong background in sales, operations, and program development to her role. Before joining Youthentity, Kris built a successful career at Xerox and Compucom, where she specialized in sales operations and strategic growth. She also served as a district manager and board member with Junior Achievement, deepening her commitment to preparing young people for success beyond the classroom. At Youthentity, Kris leads efforts to enable youth to be Money Smart and Career Ready through Career Academies and financial literacy programs that now serve thousands of students across Colorado. Kris is passionate about fostering the next generation of leaders and ensuring young people have the confidence and skills to succeed in school, work, and life.
Colin Lacy: Colin has led social entrepreneurial efforts at the intersection of education and workforce development for over 15 years. He is the Founder & CEO of Homegrown Pathways, a nonprofit with a mission to drive economic mobility through regional career pathways for rural youth, including entrepreneurial pathways. He was the Co-Founder & CEO of MakerUSA, a national nonprofit that partners with communities in over 15 states to build stronger career pathways into “maker industries.” He served as the Executive Director of Makers + Mentors Network and had a founding leadership role in the initiative’s launch in partnership with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Colin graduated from Ridgway High School, completed his undergraduate at the University of Colorado at Boulder and received a Master in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was nationally recognized as one of 2022’s “Top 100 Entrepreneurs and Innovators” by Top 100 Magazine. Colin lives with his family in Ridgway, CO, where he grew up.
Nathan Perry, PhD: Dr. Perry is a Professor of Economics in the Davis School of Business at Colorado Mesa University. His research focuses on regional economics and monetary macroeconomics. He has led numerous studies on the Western Slope, covering economic impact, public lands, and energy, and published on deficits and debt, inflation, and the Great Depression. Dr. Perry writes quarterly economic newsletters for Mesa, Montrose, and Delta Counties and semiannual newsletters for Garfield, Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Routt Counties. He frequently presents on Western Slope and national economic conditions. Dr. Perry serves on the Governor’s Revenue Estimating Advisory Committee (GREAC) and teaches Money and Banking, Econometrics, and Macroeconomics.
Brittany Romano: Brittany is the Executive Director of Startup Colorado, where she leads initiatives that expand access to capital, resources, and networks for rural entrepreneurs. With a track record of scaling organizations, building statewide partnerships, and designing accelerator programs, Brittany works at the intersection of economic development, entrepreneurship, and investment. She is passionate about bridging urban and rural opportunities and creating ecosystems where founders can thrive.
Marcus Weathersby: Marcus is a Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with the CO Apprenticeship Hub, focused on helping rural and resort communities on Colorado’s Western Slope grow their own skilled workforce. He is partnered with local workforce agencies, higher education institutions, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and employers to create apprenticeship programs that deliver hands-on training and real career opportunities right where people live. With over 20 years of experience in workforce and community development, Marcus has supported hundreds of businesses and nonprofits, managed major workforce grants, and launched apprenticeship programs across diverse industries. He is passionate about strengthening local economies and opening doors for the next generation of workers, helping communities thrive from within.
Tinker Duclo: Tinker is a dedicated educator, community advocate, and higher education leader. From her 2006 start as a Coal Ridge High School teacher and speech and debate coach, to her current role as Vice President and Campus Dean at Colorado Mountain College, she has worked to ensure that education is a force for connection and opportunity in the Colorado River Valley. Her CMC Rifle team has partnered with K–12 districts, first responders, health care providers, skilled trades professionals, nonprofits, and local government, helping to expand educational possibilities and build bright futures. When she’s not on campus or in the community, you’ll probably find Tinker reading, exploring a mountain, or moving through a body of water.
