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 Pearlman is president and CEO of the Mizel Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a more educated, conscientious and empowered community. Pearlman manages the administration, programming and strategic planning for the Mizel Museum and the CELL, ensuring both centers’ relevance to the community and furthering their missions. Pearlman is the recipient of the FBI Director’s 2012 Community Leadership Award and was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40. She received her MA in International Management and Foreign Affairs from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

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Tom Ruppel

Chief Operating Officer

Tom Ruppel oversees the execution of the Mizel Institute’s strategic plan. He has held a variety of 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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Jordan Clark

Vice President of Outreach & Engagement

Jordan Clark helps provide organizational oversight and spearhead strategic outreach efforts for the Mizel Institute. Jordan has been with the organization since 2012 and holds a B.A. from Colorado State University in International Studies and Political Science and a minor in Spanish.

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Elizabeth C. Johnson

Education & Projects Manager

Elizabeth Cychosz Johnson supports the development of new Mizel Institute educational initiatives, updates existing programming, and assists in the implementation of both digital and in-person programs. She holds an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, a B.A. in both Anthropology and Journalism from Ohio University and is a Certified Associate in Project Management with the Project Management Institute.

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Jacqueline Graham

Writing & Communications Specialist

Jacqueline Graham joined the Mizel Institute in 2022 to support the marketing team. She is an extremely passionate writer who believes in telling stories that empower the community. She holds an MA in Writing from Edinburgh Napier University and a BA in English Literature and Political Science from Denison University.

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Leslie Hamdorf

Manager of Curriculum & Instruction

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

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James Hippensteel

Manager of Education and Programs

James has over 20 years of experience in secondary, higher, and public history education. A proud graduate of the University of Montana, he had coursework in international human rights law and diplomatic history – and taught a History of Terrorism course for several years in North Carolina. James cherishes connecting with students and trainees on a deep, personal level, and he specializes in creating safe, kind spaces for challenging conversations.

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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 (GO COUGS!), a certificate in graphic design from Bellevue College, and a certificate in project management from Cornell University.

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Becci Jacobs

Education & Outreach Specialist

Becci Jacobs, MSW joined the team in 2022 and supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s educational programs. Becci earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver with a specialization in Children and Youth: Risks and Healthy Development. Becci brings her experiences in nonprofit management, mental health, K-12 education, and community engagement to the Mizel Institute team to ensure we are meeting the needs of students, stakeholders, and partners.

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Samantha Jones

Database & Administrative Coordinator

Samantha Jones joined the Mizel Institute in 2021 as the Database & Administrative Coordinator. Samantha believes that accurate data collection and efficient coordination are critical to assisting the organization in fulfilling its goal of developing more educated, conscientious, and empowered communities. In addition to data analytics, she also supports fundraising efforts and donor communications. Samantha holds a BA in English Literature Research from Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO.

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Caitlyn Lauchner

Education & Outreach Coordinator

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

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Rudolf Leyba

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Rudolf is responsible for assisting with research, development, and implementation of new and existing programs across the organization. Rudolf received his M.A in International Security from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the 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 has worked for the Mizel Institute since 2022. She is involved with the database management and administration of programs and events for the museum. She graduated with a B.A. in History from Brigham Young University.

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Magdalena Perez

Education & Special Projects Coordinator

Magdalena Perez recently joined the Mizel Institute and is a part of the education team that delivers impactful messages to all ages and communities. She 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. Magdalena 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 Robbins is an Education and Special Project Coordinator for the Mizel Institute. She is proud to have joined the Institute in November 2019. As part of the educational team, Meg is responsible for providing programming opportunities for elementary and high school aged students, developing engaging curriculum, and building partnerships with fellow educators across the front range. She is passionate about contributing to the museum’s mission of celebrating diversity, spreading messages of equality and equity, and combating 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 Yamshak joined the Mizel Institute in 2022 and is responsible for coordinating a wide variety of events for the CELL, including the CAP and various community events. She recently earned her M.A. in International Security from the University of Denver, specializing in Intelligence and Counterterrorism. Bailey also holds a B.A. in both Criminal Sociology and Psychology from Auburn University. She has been working in the security and public safety fields for 7 years.

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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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