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Nate Ishe Lappegaard is the Founder of The Kite + Dart Group, a group of business strategists supporting non-traditional entrepreneurs. Self-described as the most reluctant entrepreneur in the room, Nate started Kite + Dart to curate a community of entrepreneurial activists: people committed to using their business to affect change. He’d always had a head for business, but the traditional model of entrepreneurship—one based in sexism, racism, and white supremacy—didn’t appeal to him. Finding himself entangled in the business world, Nate used the opportunity to break the old system and build a new one. As a business strategist, he supports entrepreneurs interested in leading with their values, inclusivity, and transformation.
A native of Colorado Springs, Susan Loo Pattee has dedicated her life to enhancing the community she calls home. With a diverse background spanning education, business, and civic engagement, Susan stands at the confluence of the civic, business, and philanthropic sectors, using her influence in each to drive meaningful impact. After earning a master’s degree in teaching from Colorado College, Susan began her journey by teaching and leading community initiatives in Colorado Springs' neighborhoods. Her expertise expanded into the business world, where she played a pivotal role in significant local projects like Operation 6035 and the transition of Memorial Hospital to the University of Colorado Hospital system. In recent years, Susan has channeled her efforts into addressing global challenges through Moss Parker, a technology start-up focused on solving PFAS chemical contamination in water. Simultaneously, she’s contributing to the revitalization of the Union Printers Home (Printers Hill), a project that reflects her deep commitment to building spaces that bring people together. Susan’s passion for community building is evident in every aspect of her work, making her a driving force behind initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Colorado Springs.
Jay Graves is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and founder of Leadership Canvas, where he and his team help leaders develop high-performance organizations through the power of diversity and inclusive leadership. With over 25 years of experience, Jay has a deep expertise in constructing, cultivating, and guiding exceptional and inclusive organizations. Growing up in an interracial family in post-Jim Crow North Carolina, Jay experienced the profound impact of social injustice, racism, and bias, inspiring his passion for transformative conversations about diversity and inclusion. Following his many years of military service, Jay transitioned to the corporate world as Vice President of Sales for the US Roche Diabetes Care Division, where he led field sales and operations. During his tenure, he developed leadership and mentorship programs and spearheaded the creation of a formal Diversity and Inclusion initiative within the Diagnostics Division. Jay’s approach to organizational excellence and inclusive leadership has been featured in leading publications. His unique blend of military, corporate, and executive experience allows him to expertly integrate behavioral science, team dynamics, and leadership principles into his work, helping organizations excel in today's dynamic environment.