The Boettcher Foundation’s theme for 2026 is the Power of Place, an exploration on how the places in which we live and lead shape our character, perspectives, and leadership.
Read on as Boettcher Fellows from very different parts of Colorado share how their communities helped them become who they are today.
John Mitchek – 2025 Fellow, Kit Carson
Claudia García Curzio – 2024 Fellow, Telluride
Zach Higgins – 2023 Fellow, Rifle
Esteban Salazar – 2022 Fellow, Alamosa
- What is your favorite specific place or landmark in Colorado and why?
John: I’m not sure if it’s my favorite, but in Cheyenne County there is a hill between the towns of Kit Carson and Cheyenne Wells called Firstview, and it is said to be the first place early European explorers saw the Rocky Mountains for the first time, most notably Pikes Peak. It must have been truly incredible seeing those mountains for the first time not really knowing what else the American West had in store.
Claudia: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, because it’s beautiful and I love going there. It’s a breathtaking place, and it’s very close to where I live.
Zach: Currently my favorite place in Colorado is the Rio Grande Trail between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. Most weekends my wife and I load our two daughters on the back of our bikes and take a ride south towards Carbondale. Rustling of the leaves, the roar of the Roaring Fork River, and the view of Mount Sopris ahead. It keeps me grounded and connected to this place.
Esteban: Anywhere on public land.
- How has living in your community influenced the path you’re pursuing now?
John: If it wasn’t for reluctantly moving back to my hometown in my early 30s, I would not be involved in rural development and housing development. After deciding to part ways with a job I had in the mountains, I came home to work on the family farm and plan what my next move would be. My parents suggested that I apply for a part time position with Kit Carson Rural Development (KCRD), the only entity working to bring housing to our community, whom my dad had provided demolition services for.
I had no idea the challenges that are involved in rural development and especially housing development in Colorado, and I had not realized the time, energy, and efforts that KCRD had invested to make sure our town survives into the future. It’s not stated explicitly in the mission statement, but literally, they are trying to save Kit Carson from becoming a ghost town. Although it is extremely small and rural, being from this community has helped mold me into who I am today, and for that I am eternally grateful. I want this place to stick around so plenty more people can be proud to call this place their hometown.
Claudia: Living in my community has deeply influenced the path I pursue today. As an immigrant, I have personally experienced barriers related to language, immigration status, and access to resources, which gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges many families face. At the same time, I have witnessed the resilience and strength within my community, inspiring me to pursue work focused on advocacy, education, and equitable access to opportunities. These experiences continue to motivate me to help bridge gaps between systems and the communities they serve while leading with empathy and cultural understanding.
Zach: Living outside of and working for the Town of Elizabeth, Colorado, rekindled my love of small Main Street communities and the people that bring them to life. After moving to Garfield County, I have been further inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep here. In my current role, I have the opportunity to not only help shape the built environment and create community connections but also try to find pathways for small business owners so the next generation can thrive closer to home.
Esteban: My formative early years were spent in rural CO working in the agriculture and ranching industry. Ever since my youth, I wanted to work with the public or on public lands. I am currently working with SLV Great Outdoors, where I am with getting people outside and excited about public lands.
- What have you learned through meeting Fellows from different parts of Colorado?
John: I’ve learned that there are truly incredible people all over the state that care deeply about their communities and strive to create a better Colorado for all. It’s comforting to know they are all out there fighting the good fight.
Claudia: Meeting Fellows from different parts of Colorado has shown me that, despite our different experiences and communities, we share a commitment to creating more equitable and healthier communities. I’ve learned the value of listening to different perspectives, collaborating across communities, and recognizing lived experience as an important form of leadership.
Zach: I have been fortunate to meet a number of Fellows from across the State, and they always bring insight and inspiration. Doing more with less, prioritizing, and pride of place no matter where that place may be. They each have their zone of genius and they thrive in it.
Esteban: I learned that the state of Colorado is a dynamic and diverse state where the Front Range meets frontier. Oftentimes, the population centers get the attention and resources while the rural communities are left to the wayside. The Boettcher Fellowship has allowed me and other Fellows the opportunity to appreciate our great state in new ways.
- If you had to choose one word to describe your community, which word would you choose?
John: Kit Carson is Determined.
Claudia: The community of Telluride is Unida.
Zach: Rifle has Grit.
Esteban: Alamosa is Resilient.
That’s the spirit of Boettcher.
Learn more about the Doers & Difference Makers Fellowship at boettcherfoundation.org/leadership-investments/doers-and-difference-makers/.
