Young Professionals Committee (YPC)

Join Today!

DCFR’s Young Professionals is an active committee dedicated to educating working professionals and students on foreign policy and international affairs. We organize high-value discussions to engage with our community on events that matter.

Learn what kinds of events we offer and ways you can get involved!

YPC Events

The YPC organizes multiple events throughout the season including netowkring and awareness events dedicated to creating a community within Colorado. 

Primary Speaker Series

Global Insights Local Results

Global Insights Local Results is a speaker series that looks at lessons learned from the international community and tries to increase dialogue in Colorado about potential solutions to the state’s policies.

Hosts two panel discussions per year.

Creating a Community

Networking and Happy Hours

YPC networking events are a way to get a group of like-minded individuals together to talk about matters of foreign policy and international affairs in a fun environment.

Facilitates two events per year with invitations to partner networking events as well!

Outreach

Forums, Expos & Awareness

The annual YPC Forum and awareness booths/events are a way to bring together a group of active members and organizations in the community. We see these as a way to raise awareness of DCFR and other orgnaizations.

We do these as we can. Have an event idea? Reach out to us today!

DCFR's Young Professionals Mission Statement

The Denver Council on Foreign Relations Young Professionals Committee’s mission is to build an understanding of current and emerging international issues and their impact on us all. The goal is to heighten public awareness by providing a forum for the young professionals of Denver to learn about international affairs and engage with experts and peers on how various global actions and ideas can give insights into Colorado’s policies. These events aim to be informative and sociable, with students and young professionals having an alternative outlet for meeting others with shared interests.  

Meet the Committee!

Steve Weingold
Steve Weingold Secretary and Treasurer
Partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Mia Edwards
Mia Edwards Outreach and Partnerships
Sustainability & External Relations at Newmont
Allen Groue
Allen Groue Marketing Committee Chair
Lounge Attendant at Plaza Premium Group
Andrea Thorsted
Andrea Thorsted Executive Event Coordinator
Airline Affairs Contract Administrator at DIA
Matt Wicks
Matt Wicks University Outreach Coordinator
.

Volunteer Today!

Join the Committee

Expectations
  • Be a DCFR member
  • Actively participate in the leadership and direction of the YPC
Perks
  • Attend some DCFR events and all YPC events for free 
  • Network with international organizations and entrepreneurs

Volunteer

Expectations
  • Commit as many hours as you are comfortable 
  • Join meetings and events as you can 
  • Stay in communication
Perks
  • Attend YPC events for free 
  • Get invited to DCFR events without needing a membership

Help at an Event

Expectations
  • If you have an evening free come help us out at one of our events!
  • No need to commit to any duration of time 
Perks
  • Attend the event that you help out at for free
  • Meet the speakers of the event and network with those who attend

Thank You For Attending!

On October 16th, 2023, facilitated a panel discussion to look at Colorado’s climate change leadership globally to explore policy approaches that countries are implementing that can be adopted by Colorado to mitigate the effects of climate change. You can view that video now. 

Stay tuned for information about our next panel discussion on January 25th about the Refugee Crisis!

Previous Events

Colorado's Climate Commitment: Leading and Learning Internationally

On October 16th, 2023, we facilitated a panel to look at Colorado’s climate change leadership globally to explore policy approaches that countries are implementing that can be adopted by Colorado to mitigate the effects of climate change. The event was part of our Global Insights = Local Results speaker series, which examines Colorado policies to see if there are any lessons learned or innovative ideas abroad. Discussion moderated by Bart Alexander. Panel: Mike SmithPaul SuttonJerry Tinianow, and Sharon Jaye

Powering Connections: A Soft Power Happy Hour

A networking happy hour dedicated to looking at soft power and how it impacts our view of the world. 

 

Where Water is Working: Global Lessons Learned for Managing Colorado's Water

A panel discussion on Colorado’s water management exploring issues such as overuse of water, the tension between commercial use and agricultural use, inequality in access to clean water, loss of the Colorado Water Basin, and the Colorado River Compact. To gain a valuable perspective, we are overlaying these topics with similar international issues to gain insights into what Colorado might be able to do better in the future.

 

The Growing Green World: Methane, Minerals, and Why They Matter

A panel discussion on critical mineral policy, environmental and social governance, and international lessons learned. 

 

Happy Hour: Globally Engaged Pup! Stanley Beer Hall

Join us for a networking happy hour to discuss foreign policy and international affairs with a group of link minded people. 

Bring your dog! Best globally theamed dressed pooch will win a prize!

Discussion points for the event will be provided soon. 

 

Talk Foreign Policy at Punch Bowl Social

A low key night of good drinks, food, and conversations. We invite you to come talk international affairs and foreign policy with a group of like minded individuals who care about global events.

Thank you for all who attended! We had some great conversations come out of this event and we hope to keep them going in the future.

Discovering Diplomacy

A discussion on career paths in the U.S. State Department and Foreign Service. Featuring Guest Speaker Scott Smith.

Scott Smith is based in Denver where he serves as the Diplomat in Residence for the Rocky Mountain region. He was born and raised in Indiana. He obtained his BA in Spanish, French, and Political Science from Franklin College and earned his Master’s degree at Georgetown University. Scott entered the Foreign Service in 2002 as a Public Diplomacy officer. He has served in Bogota, Tokyo, Guatemala City, Washington DC, La Paz, Sao Paulo, Havana, and Caracas.

Video Recording of Event

Below are a few links helpful for anyone looking for more information about working with the State Department and/or the Foreign Service: 

Young Professionals Happy Hour

A networking event hosted at Junction Food & Drive for people to come and network with people passionate about global events! Featuring Guests Trevor Jones and Laura Isaza.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

Contact the Denver Council on Foreign Relations

Please use the quick submission form for requesting additional information about the organization as well as event registration.