Valley, Forged

The Hurst Community Initiative creates equitable leadership at home in Colorado.

Give NowLaunched in 2020 thanks to the vision and generosity of Bob and Soledad Hurst, the Hurst Community Initiative has already established itself as the go-to organization for coordinating and convening leaders in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. Dedicated to promoting dialogue and increasing understanding, the initiative collaborates with government officials, nonprofits, community organizers, the private sector, immigrants, and philanthropists. The work began at a moment of new need: hit hard by Covid-19, Aspen and Snowmass endured the highest unemployment rates in Colorado as well as an already high suicide rate, with the area’s Latinx community bearing the heaviest burden.

Its flagship program, the Hurst Leadership Seminar, brings together regional elected officials and nonelected community leaders in an interactive, values-based leadership seminar. Its purpose is to strengthen interpersonal relationships among public officials and to encourage local leaders to reimagine the region as one collaborative community. Starting with 48 participants, the 2020–2021 cohort reported they would recommend the same program to friends and colleagues. Focused on recovery and resilience, the Hurst Community Initiative will continue to connect other community-focused Institute programs with those living in communities from Aspen to Parachute.