DENVER (March 13, 2026) — The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, in partnership with the Boettcher Foundation, proudly announced Derrick Downs as the 2026 Boettcher Student Leader of the Year.
Selected from students across colleges and universities throughout Colorado, the winner excels across four categories: extraordinary leadership on their campus, in community, and within their leadership program; exceptional community service; outstanding character; and academic achievement.
Derrick Downs is a senior at Colorado State University Pueblo pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management with a minor in leadership. Downs, a U.S. Army veteran who served four years, including an 18-month deployment to Iraq, has transformed personal adversity into a story of leadership and service. After settling in Pueblo following his discharge from Fort Carson in 2007, Downs faced challenges including homelessness, addiction and incarceration before finding a new path through Veterans Treatment Court. Now four years in recovery, he serves as a Veteran Mentor and peer support specialist, helping fellow veterans navigate recovery and reintegration while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Derrick Downs shared an inspiring message for leaders, highlighting the importance of mentorship: “You can do this, and I can do this, and we can do it together. If you can help one person, you’re changing a life. I want to be a role model for the next person.”
Today, nearly five years into recovery, Derrick is a Southern Colorado community champion, giving back as a Veteran Mentor and peer support specialist. His goal: help others find hope and stability through his lived experience.
Tiffany Anderson, Vice President of Grants & Programs at the Boettcher Foundation, presented the award. In her remarks, she highlighted Downs’ dedication to his community; “Derrick’s journey reminds us that leadership is not defined by age or title, but by action, impact, and a commitment to serve.”
That’s the Spirit of Boettcher.
About the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation
An affiliate organization of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation educates and inspires people who want to make a difference as leaders in the community. Building strong, diverse leaders for more than 45 years, the Leadership Foundation provides the knowledge, skills, networks and experience to inspire leaders to engage in issues critical to the region’s success through a continuum of programs, including Leadership Denver, Impact Denver, Leadership Fellows, Leadership Exchange, Access Denver, the Colorado Leadership Alliance and the Leadership Foundation Alumni Network. For more information, please visit denverleadership.org.
About the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce (DMCC) is the architect of tomorrow, igniting change and driving progress to build dynamic economies and communities. We champion innovation, forge powerful partnerships, and relentlessly advocate for our members and all Coloradans. With more than 150 years of trust and impact, we help business flourish.
The DMCC’s vision is Economic Empowerment for Every Coloradan and is achieved by advocating for effective public policy, developing civic leaders, and driving a sustainable economy. We promote a vibrant economy by fostering a business-friendly environment, supporting a skilled workforce and facilitating connections. Dedicated to boosting business and employee opportunities, the Chamber drives sustainable growth and prosperity across Colorado.
About the Boettcher Foundation
At Boettcher, we believe in the promise of Colorado and potential of Coloradans. Every day we build up and connect doers and difference makers from across the state, working to elevate people, programs, and organizations. Because by investing in Colorado leaders, we provide a foundation for transformational impact and community building.
