As President of MHYP, Lo is all about the people and giving back to the community. She became a member in 2023, previously serving as Director of Brand and Marketing and as a member of the Philanthropy Committee prior to that. Lo's background is in Product Management, where she hopes to bring the structure and mindset to internal operations within MHYP.
What she loves most about MHYP is the energy and the real connections and friendships that happen. For Lo, it’s not just networking, it’s building something meaningful in Denver alongside people who genuinely care.
Outside of MHYP, she loves hiking in beautiful Colorado, playing sports, volunteering, listening to podcasts, or learning something new. She also enjoys spending lots of time with her dog Stella and cat Louie.
Tom is a Financial Advisor who thrives on building meaningful connections and creating spaces where people feel genuinely comfortable and welcomed. Since joining MHYP in 2022, he’s been passionate about strengthening the community by bringing people together and helping relationships grow organically.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys shooting pool, traveling, spending time at the rifle range, and surfing whenever he gets the chance. Whether at an event or one-on-one, he’s known for making introductions, easing tension in new settings, and ensuring everyone feels included.
Sushen joined MHYP in August 2022 after getting involved with the Sports Committee, and he’s been helping bring people together ever since. As Director of Operations, he keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes while staying focused on what matters most to him: building diverse connections, forming genuine friendships, and creating meaningful opportunities to give back to the Denver community.
By day, Sushen is a Software Engineer and freelance consultant/developer. He brings a thoughtful, problem-solving mindset to everything he does, whether it’s optimizing systems or supporting the board.
Outside of work and MHYP, you’ll usually find him outdoors exploring Colorado’s natural beauty, skiing, camping, traveling, or behind a camera capturing it all. He’s always up for a game of volleyball, basketball, pickleball, or shooting pool at a dive bar. At home, he enjoys cooking, working out, watching movies, and listening to podcasts.
Long-term dream? Aspiring bartender or pizza shop owner...cheers!
Heather serves as MHYP’s Director of Brand & Marketing and previously led the Communications Committee as Chair. Professionally, she works as a Proposal Coordinator for an engineering firm, where she combines organization, storytelling, and strategic communication to bring complex ideas to life.
Since joining MHYP in 2024, Heather has loved connecting with new people at monthly socials and appreciates the variety of events that bring the community together. She’s passionate about continuing to grow MHYP so more young professionals can find the same meaningful connections and sense of community that she did.
Outside of work, Heather teaches dance at a local studio and enjoys exploring new bars and restaurants around Denver.
Emma is a Market Researcher who brings curiosity, insight, and thoughtfulness to everything she does. Since joining MHYP in 2021, she’s been focused on building lifelong friendships and creating meaningful connections within the community. Emma previously served as Education Committee Chair and All Committee Director and enjoys connecting with partners in the community in an effort to better serve our members.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and spending time with her dog. She also loves needlepoint and hosting dinner parties — bringing people together around good conversation and shared experiences.
As Director of Professional Development, Lauren is passionate about helping members achieve their personal and professional goals. She joined MHYP in March 2023 and has served as Director of Operations and Philanthropy Committee Chair before stepping into her current role. She works in marketing and loves supporting growth in all forms.
Her favorite thing about MHYP is making lifelong friends and being able to support them as they chase big goals. She genuinely wants to know how people want to grow professionally and is always thinking about ways to make that happen.
In her free time, Lauren is most likely planning her next international trip, rock climbing, ice skating, hiking, or practicing yoga. If there’s an adventure involved, she’s in!
Ira was born in Fort Collins and raised in Iowa. He graduated from Luther College, a small, liberal arts school in Decorah, IA, with a B.A. in Biology and Spanish. A week after graduation, he returned to Colorado for nothing other than its world class skiing!
Currently, he is the Owner of Happy Llama Inc., a specialty print company that focuses on working with events. Throughout his professional career, he has been sole owner of a marketing company and part owner of a business networking organization. His previous experience includes everything from door to door sales to Director of Marketing in environments ranging from large international corporations to local 3 person start-ups.
Ira has previously served as an Ambassador with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Membership Committee at the Downtown Denver Partnership. In the community he has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the People’s Fair, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. With his diverse array of experience Ira believes the one thing that remains the same is the absolute necessity of knowing, and learning from, as many people as possible.
When not working, you will find Ira bumming around the mountains skiing and camping with his two beautiful daughters, Finley and Lola Snow, and his wife, Robyn.
Dan grew up in Rockford, IL about an hour west of Chicago. He was drawn to Colorado by the snowy mountains in the wintertime when his family would take a yearly ski trip. He moved out for good in the fall of 2001 and has found the Mile High City to be the perfect place to call home.
Dan is a partner at Campfire Digital which offers comprehensive digital marketing services including website design and development, content marketing and social media for businesses looking to grow their online presence.
Dan has been a committed member of the Denver Community, including a graduate of Leadership Denver 2018, The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's Chamber 100 program, Leads Groups, and Ambassador program. He was honored in 2013 as one of Colorado's Finest by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Past Board Members
- Michael Colangelo (2022-2025, Past President 2024-2025)
- Thomas Adams (2021-2025)
- Janna Hassan (2022-2024)
- Haley Lucero (2021-2024)
- Alex Dvorak (2021-2023, Past President 2022)
- Brandon Roll (2021-2022)
- Jay Samant (2020-2022)
- Jason Hart (2019-2022, Past President 2021)
- Anselma Lopez (2019-2022)
- Leah Harroz (2020)
- Darcy Borella (2018-2020, Past President 2020)
- Wyatt Cox (2018-2020)
- Adam Larkey (2017-2020, Past President 2019)
- Melanie Lewis Dickerson (2016-2020, Past President 2018-2019)
- Melissa Kienbusch (2017-2019)
- Tim Murphy (2018-2019)
- Bart Connolly (2017-2019)
- April Lambatos (2011-2018, Past President 2015-2016)
- Chelley Canales (2017-2018)
- Jordan Youngblade (2017-2018)
- Desiree Hall (2013-2017, Past President 2017)
- Michelle Preusch (2016-2017)
- Alex Cole (2011-2016)
- Nick Pirnack (2015-2016)
- Julia Gentry (2014-2015)
- Sev Martin (2013-2014)
- Nicole Relyea (2011-2013)
- Kristen Sonsma (2011)
Upcoming Events
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Building Your Professional Edge: Confidence, Communication, and Connection
With Greg von Williams
April 22, 2026 – 6:30pm
University of Denver, Anderson Academic Commons 290 – Map -
Ronald McDonald Meal Program Volunteer Event
April 23, 2026 – 4:00pm
Ronald McDonald House – Map -
Pitch Night!
May 6, 2026 – 6:00pm
Zia Sunnyside Apartments – Map