Leadership Is For Everyone (LIFE)
LIFE
22nd Annual LIFE Event
April 15, 2025.
Since 2004, this annual leadership development and networking event, open to the public, explores timely, socially relevant topics to provide applicable training to a diverse community of professionals.
Registration closes April 4.
April 15, 2025
Westminster, CO
LIFE is RIHEL’s annual event focused broadly on professionals in the health, environment, public and private sectors, but is open to all. The day-long program delivers timely leadership development and effective networking opportunities.
- Develops leadership skills
- Stimulates dialog on leadership issues
- Fosters connectivity and community
2025 LIFE Program - Storytelling and Leadership
Presenter: Paula Stone Williams
Presenter: Paula Stone WilliamsRLT Pathways
More about Paula Stone Williams
The Leadership Lessons Hidden in Our Own Stories
If we pay attention to the narrative of our lives, we already have what we need to move to the next level. We just have to remove the obstacles stopping us from getting there. By looking at one ancient story, Paula will show how you can find the nuggets in your own story that will unleash your potential as a leader.
As a woman whose TED Talks have had over 9 million views, Paula Stone Williams knowledge of gender equity, leadership, and resilience will be at the center of her talk.
RIHEL is delighted and honored to have Paula return to the LIFE stage after her outstanding keynote at the 2024 LIFE event. This will surely be another not-to-be-missed session.
Presenter: Julissa Soto
Presenter: Julissa SotoCEO and Founder, Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting
Leading Beyond Borders: Julissa Soto’s Legacy of Impact and Advocacy
Julissa Soto’s journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and transformative leadership. Growing up with the desire to make a difference, she has navigated challenges, developed deep self-awareness, and cultivated skills that have allowed her to lead with both empathy and authority. Her path has been shaped by a commitment to inspiring others, fostering growth, and creating spaces for voices often overlooked to be heard.
When people come to Julissa’s session, they can expect a dynamic, engaging experience that pushes them to think deeply and act boldly. Her leadership style is rooted in authenticity and emotional intelligence, ensuring that participants feel seen, heard, and supported. Attendees will leave with tangible strategies to apply to their own leadership journeys, whether that’s fostering more inclusive environments, building resilience in the face of adversity, or honing the skills needed to lead with purpose and passion.
In her session, Julissa will challenge individuals to step into their power, align their values with their actions, and equip them with practical tools to lead from a place of clarity and conviction. Expect an interactive experience that blends real-world stories, personal reflection, and actionable takeaways that can create lasting change.
Exploring AI as a Tool in Leadership and Storytelling
AI is transforming how we lead and communicate. This interactive workshop will explore its role in storytelling, messaging, social media, and grant writing. Participants will engage with AI tools, discuss workplace policies, and examine ethical considerations. Through hands-on examples, attendees will learn to use AI and explore its potential to enhance personal narratives, professional communication, and support leadership impact.
Presenters:
Dannon G. Cox, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Colorado School of Public Health at University of Northern Colorado
Molly J. Gutilla, MS, DrPH
Associate Professor, Colorado School of Public Health at Colorado State University
RIHEL is proud to produce LIFE in partnership with Colorado Environmental Health Association.
AGENDA
8:00AM – 4:00PM (MT)
| 8:00am | Registration, Coffee, Networking |
| 8:30am | Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Introductions |
| 9:00am | Julissa Soto |
| 10:45am | Paula Stone Williams The Leadership Lessons Hidden in Our Own Stories |
| 12:00pm | Lunch, Networking, Community Building |
| 1:00pm | Dannon G. Cox and Molly J. Gutilla Exploring AI as a Tool in Leadership and Storytelling |
| 4:00pm | Event Concludes |
LIFE is an annual program that provides leadership development and networking opportunities for the Rocky Mountain region.
The goals of the event include:
– Developing leadership skills & competence
– Stimulating dialog and reflection on leadership issues and concepts
– Encouraging networking
– Building and strengthening the community of professionals connected to public and environmental health in our region.
Who attends?
This event is OPEN to the PUBLIC, and draws people from a variety of diverse sectors and communities. It is primarily intended for those who work to create and sustain the health and well-being of people and the environment, and for those who are interested in developing and refining their leadership skills. It is NOT limited to members of the host organizations or their graduates.
History of LIFE
In 2004, the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL) began Autumn in Aspen as an annual continuing leadership education event for friends and alumni of our institute. After a successful inaugural program, the event was opened to any who wanted to attend. By 2012, the event had shifted locations to the Front Range, the Colorado Environmental Health Association (CEHA) joined as a co-host, and the event was re-imagined with the new name, Leadership is for Everyone (LIFE). During the peak of the pandemic, LIFE pivoted to a virtual program, but after three years, returned to the attendee-preferred format of in-person learning and networking. This year’s event continues the long tradition of a collaboratively hosted, high quality, in-person leadership education and networking event.
Nearly every year, LIFE has sold out at or near a capacity of 150 participants. The event draws encore attendees as well as a strong showing of attendees who are new to and/or unaffiliated with the co-hosts and the event.
Venue
Westminster City Park Recreation Center
10455 Sheridan Blvd.
Westminster, CO 80020
Carpool/Bike/Transit/Walk for Prizes
We are incentivizing alternative transportation to limit our parking presence, as well as to encourage environmental responsibility. All participants who carpool, use transit, and/or walk or bike to this event will be entered into a drawing to win prizes.
2025 LIFE event prizes:
- Restore Hyper Wellness (Cherry Hills) Restore Day, up to 4 core services plus a mini facial ($240)
- …and more to come!
$165 per person
Registration closes on April 4, 2025 at midnight.
Registering a group? Your 11th person is free! Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to request the discount code. For convenience, download and use this spreadsheet to compile group registration information.
Lunch:
Lunch is on us! Your registration price includes lunch of your choice, catered to you during our midday break. The salads come with dessert. The sandwiches come with side salad, housemade chips, and dessert and can be made gluten-free upon request.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap – Blackened Chicken, Bacon, Cheddar, Cucumber, Tomato, Ranch dressing, Wrap.
- Roasted Turkey Sandwich – Roasted Turkey, Craisins, Arugula, Muenster Cheese, Sage mayonnaise, Brioche Bread.
- California Veggie Sandwich (vegan) – Pickled Red Onion, Roasted Corn, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sriracha Carrot Hummus, Sourdough Bread.
- Grilled Vegan BBQ Salad (vegan/Gluten-Free) – Mixed Greens, Walnuts, Asparagus, Zucchini, Celery, Roasted Tomato, Grilled Tofu, BBQ Vinaigrette.
- Cobb Salad (Gluten-Free) – Spring Mix, Red Onion, Tomato, Crumbled Bacon, Cucumber, Gorgonzola, Hard Boiled Egg, Grilled Chicken, Balsamic Vinaigrette.
We are pleased to offer a limited number of Scholarship registrations for the LIFE 2025 event at the reduced rate of $50. The LIFE 2025 Scholarship registrations are intended for people who, without the discounted registration, would not otherwise be able to attend. Please complete the LIFE 2025 Scholarship Form by April 3 to request this discount code. Scholarships are first come, first served, and will be awarded weekly.
We also have a few volunteer positions open. All volunteers will receive a complimentary registration. Volunteer duties may include assisting with event set up and/or clean up, supporting the check-in table, food and beverage management, distributing handouts, or running microphones. If you are interested in filling a volunteer position, please submit a request using the form at the bottom of this page with the subject, “LIFE Volunteer.”
No refunds will be processed after March 30, 2025. Registrations cancelled between March 30th and April 8th may be transferred to another person. Registrations cancelled after April 8th may not be transferred to another person. To request a cancellation or transfer, please use the contact form below and a staff member will follow up to complete the change to your registration.
Registration closes EOD April 4.
Thank You to our Sponsors!
For questions regarding this event or your registration, please contact us through the form below.
This message will be sent directly to a staff person.
