Strat Labs

Sonya Ulibarri

Sonya Ulibarri is the Chief Impact Officer for the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC), a state-wide philanthropic foundation that builds influence, equity, and opportunity for all Latino Coloradans. Prior to joining LCFC, Sonya was the President & CEO of Girls Inc. of Metro Denver for 11 years, where she advanced their mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Sonya has also served in previous leadership roles as the Executive Director of YouthBiz and the Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training.

She is a seasoned executive and successful fundraiser with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. An active leader in the community, Sonya is the President of the Denver Public Library Commission and has served on over a dozen boards and commissions. She is a Bonfils Stanton Foundation Livingston Fellow, NYU Women of Color Policy Institute Lead the Way Fellow, Latino Leadership Institute Fellow, and Hispanas Organized for Political Equity (HOPE) Bi-National Fellow. Sonya is a Colorado native, CU Denver alumna, and mother of two who speaks frequently on issues that include: racial and gender equity, leadership development, fundraising and philanthropy, social enterprise, and youth development.

Wanda L. James

Wanda L. James is a dynamic and accomplished leader who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a University of Colorado Regent. With a background in business, military service, political consulting, and entrepreneurship, she has been a trailblazer in multiple industries. Her election to the Board of Regents marks a historic moment, as she is the first Black woman elected to the board in over 44 years.

Regent James is a Naval ROTC graduate of CU Boulder and served as a naval officer for four years. She has worked for two Fortune 100 companies, managed political campaigns, and along with her husband, Scott Durrah they became the first African Americans legally licensed to own a cannabis company in America. She has been recognized as an influential leader, appearing on the covers of multiple magazines and being named to Ad Week’s 2021 Trailblazer list alongside VP Kamala Harris, Kim Goodwin, the president of ABC News, and Tracee Ellis Ross.

In addition to her business accomplishments, Regent James has been an active member of the community, serving as a former president of the National Women’s Political Caucus LA, a gubernatorial appointee to the Colorado Tourism Board, and a member of the CU Alumni Board. Her passion for social justice and her commitment to education make her a valuable asset to the Board of Regents.

Esther Lee Leach

Esther Lee Leach is the Vice President, Development & Fundraising at Downtown Denver Partnership. At the Partnership, Esther leads the Corporate Sponsor Program, and also oversees fundraising across the organization, matching corporations with initiatives that highlight their focus areas and needs. Her previous role was Director of Membership Development, Events & Partnerships at Clayton Members Club & Hotel. She is also the Publisher & Editor in Chief of Cherry Creek Fashion Magazine, a digital style publication focused on building an inclusive community and showcasing diverse voices and talent. Esther grew up on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia and has now settled in Cherry Creek after living in San Francisco, New York and London. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Fashion Journalism from the University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion, and has experience as a journalist, fashion editor, photographer, television host, film/television producer, community builder and event planner.

Esther is a board member of Biennial of the Americas which creates connections and builds community across the Americas. She is also on the board of Cherry Arts; its nonprofit mission provides access to art experiences and supports arts education via the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, and statewide art education programs. Esther third board appointment is the Cherry Creek Chamber of Commerce, and was recently awarded the Gervasini Community Leader of the Year Award for Cherry Creek by the Chamber of Commerce.