About Us
The Adams 14 Education Foundation was formed in 1996 to address significant K-12 educational challenges. The Adams 14 Education Foundation, a 501(c) 3 corporation, was created by a small group of concerned local businesses and education professionals, to improve literacy among the students in Adams County School District 14 (Adams 14).
We invest in the future of our community by raising and distributing funds to develop tomorrow’s talent in Commerce City’s Adams 14 community.
MEET THE TEAM
Executive Committee
Ryan Blake
Board President
Executive Vice President, FirstBank
Janell Sueltz
Board Vice President
Retired Adams County School, District Administrator
Randall Weigum
Board Treasurer
Deputy Chief of Support Services, South Adams County Fire Department
MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors
Dr. Lynda Duran
Alumni Representative
Terry Hernandez
Operations Director
Commerce City Refinery, SUNCOR, USA
Lisa Nordholt
PRG Strategic Initiatives Supervisor
City of Commerce City Parks, Recreations and Golf
Brian Henesey
Principal, Rocky Mountain Recycling
Viridiana Valdez, J.D.
Adams 14 Scholar
MEET THE TEAM
Staff
Lori Young
Executive Director
Lori received her Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University. She has over 30 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She has been involved in the Adams 14 Education Foundation as a Leadership Commerce City committee member, Board of Directors and most recently Board Chair. She is committed to excellence in her leadership of the Adams 14 Education Foundation.
Charisa Howe
Event & Programs Coordinator
Charisa has lived in Commerce City for 21 years. She is married with three “kids” between the ages of 17 and 23 years old. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Political Science and a minor in Elementary Education. Over the last 25 years she has had the pleasure of teaching in a wide variety of classrooms from preschool through 6th grade, and serving as a registrar/secretary in an elementary school front office. Event planning has been a foundational element in her life from an early age. She is passionate about using her skill set to serve students, teachers and leaders in our deserving community.
MEET THE TEAM
Director Emeritus
Dale M. Mingilton
Director Emeritus
Pat Shipley
Founder, Director Emeritus
(Non-Voting)
OUR VALUES
Respect
We cultivate a culture of respect—respect for ourselves, for each other, the people we serve and for the challenges we overcome together.
Answer-ability
We operate with integrity, trust, and accountability, ensuring that the funds we raise and distribute serve our donors, teachers, students, and leaders.
Connection
We believe in the power of teamwork and deep community partnerships, working together to create lasting impact.
Being Human
We appreciate imperfection because making mistakes leads to success. We value being teachable to demonstrate there is always something to learn and ways to grow.
Fun
We embrace bold ideas, bring energy to our work, and make every event and initiative an opportunity for joy and excitement.
Being Human
We appreciate imperfection because making mistakes leads to success. We value being teachable to demonstrate there is always something to learn and ways to grow.
Fun
We embrace bold ideas, bring energy to our work, and make every event and initiative an opportunity for joy and excitement.
OUR IMPACT
$357,000
in Scholarships this year
125
Leadership Commerce City Graduates
$100,000+
in Teacher Grants