Scenes from Q1 2026

April 7, 2026

A look at the work and the collaboration driving momentum in 2026

As we move further into 2026, we took a moment to reflect on the work that’s already shaped this year. 


Each of these photos represents something meaningful from Q1 — whether it’s a standout moment or a glimpse into the partnerships and progress driving our work forward. From conversations at the Capitol to collaboration in communities across Colorado, these snapshots capture the people and efforts behind the systems we’re building together. 


They’re reminders that this work is powered by relationships, shared purpose, and a commitment to strengthening pathways to in-demand, meaningful careers for learners and earners. 

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    At the National Career Pathways Network conference in New Orleans, Stefan, Ashley and Thomas Hartman from CWDC showcasing the San Luis Valley Career Connected Pathways Partnership — where collaboration is creating real pathways into in-demand healthcare careers. 

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    Katherine and Stefan joining partners at the State Capitol for PWR Day, advocating for expanding and strengthening career pathways for learners. 

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    Connecting with state leaders — Rana and Michelle in conversation with Dr. Gillian McKnight-Tutein at CDHE. 

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    A strong Colorado contingent at Accelerate Ed with partners from across K-12, higher ed, and workforce: Denver Public Schools (Samantha Haviland), Community College of Aurora (Dr. Jim DeLung), Colorado Succeeds (Madison Knapp), The Colorado Education Initiative (Amber Elias), Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career (Lisandra Gonzales and Emily Sanders), Emily Griffith Technical College (Gideon Geisel), Colorado Community College System (Alexander Dickey), Cañon City Schools - Fremont RE-1 Cañon City School District (Bill Summers), and Adams 12 Five Star Schools (Beau Foubert). 

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    Celebrating the full team at The Attainment Network, including our new teammates Wes and Emily who jumped right into our collaborative and supportive team environment.  


    L-R Wes DeVaul, Rana Tarkenton, Michelle Camacho Liu, Ashley Maestas, Libby Klingsmith, Emily Chatburn, Katherine Stewart, Michelle Payne, Stefan Richarz 

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    A powerful conversation from our recent Professional Learning Series on Purpose, Belonging & Social Capital, moderated by Libby Klingsmith and featuring Richard Maez, Janae Hunderman, and TeRay Esquibel—exploring how relationships and advising systems shape learner pathways. 

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    The Attainment Network’s Finance & Audit Committee meeting in Q1 gave us a chance to explore the issues and talk through decisions that will shape the future of our organization. 

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    Ashley celebrating community and impact with Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman at the Boys & Girls Club of the San Luis Valley Gala. 

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    Rana, Ashley & Wes with partners in the San Luis Valley Career-Connected Pathways Partnership coming together in Alamosa on March 11. 

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RECENT ARTICLES

October 2, 2026
SENIOR MANAGER, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 
October 1, 2026
We are so excited about the month ahead! We have so many opportunities to connect with our brilliant partners here in Colorado and beyond to learn, explore, and design what’s next for preparing learners and earners for in-demand careers. And the biggest opportunity of all is our Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, Oct. 29-30 in Colorado Springs. We’ve been working on this conference all year, and we can’t wait to see you there! Here’s where you can find us this October: 🗓️ October 7 🔹 Boettcher State of Leadership: San Luis Valley Convening — Fort Garland Who will be the “Next Ten” leaders stepping up in the San Luis Valley? Ashley and Wes will join current and emerging community leaders for a conversation about strengthening the region’s leadership pipeline, building new connections and addressing the “Same Ten People” challenge identified through the Boettcher Foundation’s State of Leadership initiative. 🗓️ October 8 🔹 Postsecondary Talent Development System Transition Advisory Committee — Edwards Michelle Camacho Liu will reconvene with fellow committee members to continue developing recommendations that will guide Colorado’s new unified postsecondary talent development system. If you'd like to join sign up through the RSVP link . 🗓️ October 12-14 🔹 CFO Leadership Conference — Westminster Finance executives from across the country, including our own Michelle Payne, will explore emerging trends in leadership, AI and technology, economic conditions, and strategies for strengthening organizational performance. 🗓️ October 13 🔹 Superintendent Meeting — Monte Vista Ashley and Wes will connect with San Luis Valley superintendents to continue strengthening regional collaboration needed for pathways that lead to in-demand careers and economic mobility. 🗓️ October 14-16 🔹 Leading with Value, Building Trust: Lumina State Policy Retreat — Philadelphia Rana will join state teams from across the country for this invite-only convening focused on value-centered postsecondary attainment goals, better alignment between higher education and workforce needs, and how states define and measure credentials of value. 🗓️ October 20 🔹 Human Capital Summit — Arvada As AI and emerging technologies reshape the workplace, what human skills will matter most? Katherine will join employers, executives, HR professionals and community leaders for this Greater Arvada Chamber and Colorado Inclusive Economy event exploring how organizations are staying competitive by investing in people, culture, and innovation. 🔹 Making Pathways Data Useful: Pathways Impact Community Workshop — Virtual Michelle will join partners for a working session focused on making pathways data more useful and actionable. 🔹 CDE Technical Advisory Panel for PWR Accountability Metrics — Virtual Stefan will join his fellow TAP member to work on designing Colorado’s Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness accountability metrics. 🗓️ October 21 🔹 Postsecondary Talent Development System Transition Advisory Committee — Virtual The Transition Advisory Committee reconvenes. 🗓️ October 29-30 🔹 Career-Connected L/Earning Conference — Colorado Springs It’s the event we’ve been looking forward to all year! The entire Attainment Network team will join hundreds of leaders from education, workforce, industry, government, philanthropy and community organizations for two days of learning, connection and collaboration focused on building stronger education-to-career pathways. We hope you’ll join us!
September 16, 2026
A Q&A with Michelle and Katherine