Courtney Mizel

Founding Board Member

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. 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.

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Melanie Pearlman

President & CEO

Melanie manages the administration, programming, and strategic planning for the Mizel Institute’s two centers – the Mizel Museum and the CELL. She has been with the Institute since 2008. Melanie’s vast accomplishments include receiving the FBI Director’s 2012 Community Leadership Award and being 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.

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Tom Ruppel

Chief Operating Officer

Tom ensures proper execution of the Mizel Institute’s (including the Mizel Museum and the CELL) strategic plan. He has held various 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.

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Elizabeth C. Johnson

Education & Projects Manager

Elizabeth supports the development of new educational initiatives, updates existing programming, and assists in implementing digital and in-person programs. She has been part of the team since 2017. Elizabeth holds an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego and a B.A. in Anthropology and Journalism from Ohio University. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management with the Project Management Institute.

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Jacqueline Graham

Writing & Communications Specialist

Jacqueline supports the marketing team’s planning and implementation of educational programs and events. She joined the team in 2022. Jacqueline is a highly passionate writer who believes in telling stories that empower the community. She holds an M.A. in Writing from Edinburgh Napier University and a B.A. in English Literature and Political Science from Denison University.

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Leslie Hamdorf

Manager of Curriculum & Instruction

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

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James Hippensteel

Manager of Education and Programs

James develops and teaches education programs, tours, and curricula. He has been with the team since 2021. With over 20 years of experience in secondary, higher, and public history education, James brings vast expertise to the organization, including international human rights law, diplomatic history, and teaching a college-level History of Terrorism course. James is a proud graduate of the University of Montana-Missoula, where he received both his M.A. and B.A. in History.

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Libby Hodgin

Associate Communications Manager

Libby plans, develops, and implements marketing and communications strategies. She joined the organization in 2024 and has a proven track record of making meaningful contributions to the nonprofit sector through marketing, project management, graphic design, and events. Libby holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Oregon State University, a B.S. in Economics from Washington State University, a certificate in graphic design from Bellevue College, and a certificate in project management from Cornell University.

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Becci Jacobs, MSW

Education & Outreach Specialist

Becci supports developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs. She has been with the team since 2022. Becci brings her experiences in nonprofit management, mental health, K-12 education, and community engagement to the organization to ensure we meet the needs of students, stakeholders, and partners. Becci earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver, specializing in Children and Youth: Risks and Healthy Development.

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Samantha Jones

Database & Administrative Coordinator

Samantha specializes in fundraising efforts, administrative efficiency, and data collection. They have been with the organization since 2021. Samantha spearheads communication with the Board of Directors, manages fundraising efforts, provides oversight of program and event operations, and executes administrative and personal support for the CEO and other senior leadership. Samantha graduated from Colorado Christian University with a B.A. in English Literature Research.

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Caitlyn Lauchner

Education & Outreach Coordinator

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

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Rudolf Leyba

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Rudolf assists with the research, development, and implementation of new and existing programs across the organization. Rodolf joined the team 2022. Rudolf received his M.A. in International Security from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of New Mexico.

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Samantha Neville

Database & Administrative Associate

Samantha supports database management and administration of programs and events. She has been with the organization since 2022. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University.

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Magdalena Perez

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Magdalena delivers impactful messages to all ages and communities as part of the education team. She has been with the organization since 2022. Magdalena 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. She also holds a B.A. in International Studies and Italian from the University of Denver.

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Megan Robbins

Education & Special Projects Specialist

Meg is essential to the education team, providing programming opportunities for elementary and high school-aged students, developing engaging curricula, and building partnerships with fellow educators across the front range. She joined the team in 2019. She is passionate about the work to celebrate diversity, spread messages of equality and equity, and combat hatred in all its forms.

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Andy Stanley

Database & Administrative Associate

Andy helps ensure the organization is operating at its best. He has been with the team since 2023. Andy has a passion for helping others and a drive to make change a reality through his roles in the financial, service, and nonprofit sectors. Taking the skills and knowledge gained from his experiences, Andy hopes to help improve the lives of those in his community.

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Bailey Yamshak

Special Projects Coordinator

Bailey coordinates various events for the organization, joining the team in 2022. She has years of experience in the security and public safety fields. Bailey holds an M.A. in International Security from the University of Denver, specializing in Intelligence and Counterterrorism. She also has a B.A. in Criminal Sociology and Psychology from Auburn University.

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Hannah Haebig

Special Projects Intern

Hannah supports all areas of the organization, joining the team in 2024. She is a first-year graduate student at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. Hannah is working on her Master’s in International Studies, focusing on conflict in the Middle East.

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