Biographies

Keynote Speaker, James Mejia

CEO of Mejia Associates

James Mejía is the CEO of Mejía Associates, a Denver-based consulting firm that advises private and nonprofit organizations on strategic planning, start‑ups, and organizational turnarounds. His leadership career spans government, higher education, media, and the arts—each marked by a commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening community institutions. James previously served as Chief Strategy Officer at MSU Denver, where he helped launch the university’s first student housing facility, guided development of its new Health Institute, modernized its Data Department, and played a key role in implementing the university-wide 2030 Strategic Plan. Before that, he led Denver Film as CEO, overseeing the Sie FilmCenter, Film on the Rocks, and the prestigious Denver Film Festival.

In Denver municipal government, James managed several of the city’s most complex initiatives, including serving as Project Manager for the $425 million Denver Justice Center and overseeing a 50% expansion of urban parkland as Manager of Denver Parks and Recreation. Voters elected him to the Denver School Board At‑Large (1999–2003), and he later became the founding CEO of the Denver Preschool Program, helping thousands of families access high‑quality early childhood education.

James has contributed to public dialogue as the Democratic Political Expert for 9News and as a columnist for La Voz, Colorado’s bilingual newspaper. He has also taught at multiple Colorado institutions, including the University of Colorado Denver, Regis University, the University of Denver, and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

A Denver native and proud graduate of East High School, James is the ninth of thirteen children raised by two community-rooted educators. He holds a BBA from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Arizona State University, and an MPP from Princeton University. His leadership and service have earned him recognition as 9News and the Denver Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Community Leader of the Year.

James is an American Marshall Memorial Fellow and has completed executive leadership programs through the German Marshall Fund, the Aspen Institute, and Harvard University. Outside of work, he is the father of three daughters and an avid athlete—having completed 73 marathons and enjoying hockey, tennis, and skiing at Winter Park.

Jaden Knowles

Meteorologist, 9 News

Jaden Knowles is an accomplished host, emcee, and keynote speaker with experience leading high-profile events across Texas and Colorado. He has served as host of DFW Fashion Week, emceed the Union Station Christmas Tree Lighting in Denver, and led the Golden for Gold celebration in Golden, Colorado. Jaden also hosted the Ski Country Resorts Panel, bringing together industry leaders to discuss tourism and mountain culture in Colorado.

In addition to live event hosting, he was selected as the keynote speaker for his high school, inspiring students through his career journey, and has hosted the Midwestern State University Banquet, engaging alumni, faculty, and community leaders. Known for his energy, professionalism, and ability to connect with diverse audiences, Jaden brings confidence and authenticity to every stage.

DaWon Baker

Associate Athletic Director/ Impact & Strategic Engagement, University of Colorado Boulder

DaWon Baker is an athletic administrator, adjunct professor, consultant and change agent.  Baker oversees the culture and belonging initiatives and strategic plan in athletics, while serving as a resource for student-athletes, coaches and staff for CU Athletics. 

Previously, Baker served as the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At Nebraska, he was responsible for diversity and inclusion initiatives for all staff, coaches and student-athletes. He provided oversight and direction on the annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit, Next Steps outreach, N-Vest Mentoring Program, direction of the campus-wide Husker Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Committee (HADIC) and Husker Inclusion Council (HIC). He also served as a Life Skills coach for three varsity programs (football, rifle and men’s gymnastics), where he worked with almost 200 athletes on leadership, career and personal development.

A native of St. Louis, Baker is a 2015 graduate of the University of Missouri, and a 2017 graduate of the University of Central Florida. After he earned his graduate degrees, he worked at the NCAA as a postgraduate intern in the Leadership Development department from June 2017 through June 2018. In that role, he worked on career, professional and personal development programs, which was designed to help student-athletes, coaches and administrators enhance their skills.  He also worked closely with administrators to coordinate programs for minority administrators throughout the NCAA membership. 

In August 2019, Baker co-founded the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Council of Excellence (DIECE), a membership organization that provides support and resources for diversity officers who work in sport. Baker is married to his wife Brandy Leggins-Baker and has one daughter, Nori Lynn. In his free time, Baker enjoys playing pickup basketball and flag football, listening to podcasts, and advocating for social change through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Omar Montgomery

Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement for Cherry Creek School District

Omar Montgomery is the Director of Equity, Culture, and Community Engagement for the Cherry Creek School District, where he leads initiatives that strengthen partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations. With a professional background spanning K–12 and higher education, Omar has served as a middle and high school teacher in Long Beach Unified School District, Director of Upward Bound Math and Science at Compton Community College, and an instructor at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver.

Omar provides regional leadership as President of the Rocky Mountain State Conference of the NAACP, advancing civil rights and community engagement efforts across Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. He is also the founder of Leadervate LLC, where he coaches and assists organizations in reaching their highest potential through leadership development, strategic planning, and equity-centered practices. Additionally, Omar serves as board chair of the Village Exchange Center, supporting immigrant and refugee communities, and contributes to civic leadership through his service on Aurora’s Citizens Advisory Budget Commission and the Colorado Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Omar holds a Dual Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Black Studies and dual Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Public Administration. He is a proud husband, father, and community advocate committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening equitable systems.