2023 Judging Panel
Ashley Mount currently serves the State as a Program Manager supporting multiple Strategic Fund Initiatives at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. She has extensive experience in workforce development, community college and career technical education program development, federal grant management as a former Director of the Carl D. Perkins Grant, as well as a background in business operations and capital construction as a former Procurement Official.
Ashley has helped advance regional strategic planning in partnership with business, education, and industry as a part of her past tenure within the Colorado Community College System, and is passionate about developing initiatives to advance economic empowerment and prosperity for all Coloradans.

Renise Walker
Assistant Director of Systems Innovation
Renise serves as the assistant director of systems innovation for the CWDC Office. Serving as an active leader for the CWDC Office, Renise represents the CWDC Office at state and national conferences and continues to innovate and be a thought leader in the talent development landscape in Colorado and nationally. She is responsible for critical relationship development with external partners and provides management and alignment of CWDC's efforts to lead and support industry-led networks, develop and strengthen career pathway systems, and implement stimulus-funded initiatives in support of Colorado's economic recovery. Prior to joining the CWDC in 2015, Renise led the backbone efforts of a collective impact initiative working to advance affordable housing, workforce development, and economic mobility for underserved populations in the nation’s capital.
Walker believes strongly that enacting large-scale social challenges requires a willingness to innovate, break down silos, and collaborate across traditional boundaries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and a master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs. As a proud third-generation Coloradan, Renise cares deeply about the future of Colorado and creating and sustaining opportunities for Colorado residents.