From Education to a Broader Mission
Our Story
Its has always been about creating opportunities. First through education, and now through a broader mission that includes workforce development, affordable housing, and meaningful community engagement.
1997: Foundation for Educational Excellence
Founded in 1997 by Pat Hamill and Marshall Kaplan, the Foundation for Educational Excellence focused on improving education and strengthening communities. Over the years, in partnership with Oakwood Homes, it invested over $4 million in educational programs, school development, and public-private partnerships.
2017: BuildStrong Education & CHA
In 2017, the foundation was renamed BuildStrong Education, reinforcing its mission to create education-centered, community-driven solutions. That same year, the Colorado Homebuilding Academy was established to address the growing skilled labor shortage, providing hands-on construction training and career pathways.
2020 to Present: BuildStrong Academy of CO
Evolving from Colorado Homebuilding Academy, BuildStrong Academy of Colorado became a national model for skilled trades training, helping build lasting careers in construction. Today there are seven other academies around the country that have modeled after this flagship program.
2025 to Present: BuildStrong Foundation
As BuildStrong Education grew, so did its impact, expanding beyond education into job creation, affordable housing, and community engagement. To reflect this evolution, BuildStrong Education is now the BuildStrong Foundation, serving as the umbrella organization for key initiatives in Jobs, Education, Housing, and Community.
At the core of BuildStrong Foundation’s success is a unique and enduring partnership with Oakwood Homes. A collaboration rooted in shared values and a vision for stronger communities.
A Partnership Built to Last
The BuildStrong Foundation was born from the vision of Pat Hamill, Founder and CEO of Oakwood Homes, whose belief in community-focused development laid the groundwork for the foundation’s mission. Oakwood Homes didn’t just inspire the creation of BuildStrong, it became its earliest and most committed partner. From the beginning, Oakwood provided not only critical philanthropic support but also strategic leadership, helping guide the foundation’s work in education, affordable housing, workforce development, and community-building. Their collaboration represents more than a funding relationship, it is a shared, long-term investment in transforming neighborhoods into places where people can live, learn, and thrive.
Together, Oakwood and BuildStrong have pioneered a model for how private-sector leadership can amplify nonprofit impact. Whether it’s championing the creation of high-performing schools, supporting the development of mixed-income housing, or catalyzing job training programs, Oakwood’s involvement ensures that BuildStrong’s initiatives are grounded in real-world solutions and positioned for lasting success. The alignment of values and vision between the two organizations continues to be a driving force behind BuildStrong’s ability to scale its efforts and deepen its community impact across Colorado and beyond.
Riverview PK-8 at Thompson River Ranch I Johnstown, CO
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy I Colorado Springs, CO
Evie Garret Dennis Campus I Green Valley Ranch, CO
Board of Directors
The BuildStrong Foundation Board provides strategic oversight to all aspects of the foundation as we grow and expand our focus. This board sets the agenda for the Foundation and provides high-level oversight on key initiatives related to our operations. Members contribute to and participate in the development of the BuildStrong Foundation organizational goals and work plan. They also participate in the development, review, and approval of the foundation's budget.
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Pat Hamill
FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR, BuildStrong Foundation
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Michael B. Hancock
MANAGING PARTNER, Hancock Global, Former Mayor of Denver
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Happy Haynes
COMMUNITY LEADER
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Charles Johnson
PRINCIPAL, Johnson Group
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Amy Schwartz
VP SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Oakwood Homes
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Janice Sinden
PRESIDENT & CEO, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
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Ryan Smith
PRESIDENT & CEO, Oakwood Homes
BuildStrong Team
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Jamie Van Leeuwen PhD, MA, MPH
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jamie Van Leeuwen, PhD, MA, MPH, is a distinguished leader and advocate in public policy, community development, and social justice. He is the Managing Director of the BuildStrong Foundation focusing on affordable housing and workforce development. He is the principal and founder of Bucephalus, a best practices community development and social impact firm and is the Chief of Philanthropic Partnerships at Fathom working to convene the voices of society to ensure a successful transition to a world with AI.
He is also the founder and former CEO of the Global Livingston Institute (GLI), a non-governmental organization in East Africa that engages students and community leaders in poverty alleviation through innovative solutions. He most recently served as the Senior Director of Youth & Community Engagement at the Emerson Collective. With a career spanning over 15 years in public service, Jamie served as a trusted advisor to Mayor and Governor John Hickenlooper in Colorado. Jamie is a Fulbright scholar and an Aspen Institute Ideas Fellow.
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Katie Colton
STRATEGY & OPERATIONS FELLOW
Katie Colton is a leader and advocate in public policy and community development, specifically around affordable housing and improving user experience with government benefits and services. She is currently on a one-year sabbatical from her role as Engagement Manager in McKinsey & Company’s public sector practice to serve as the BuildStrong Foundation’s Strategy & Operations Fellow.
At BuildStrong Foundation, Katie co-developed and is now leading an innovative and collaborative cross sector effort to build more affordable and attainable housing across Colorado in partnership with the Department of Local Affairs, McKinsey & Company, and ~20 other public, private, and nonprofit organizations across the state. She is also supporting the foundation to improve data-driven decision making, strategic planning, and employer relations for their workforce development programming at the BuildStrong Academy of Colorado.
Katie is a member of Mile High United Way’s Catalyst Society and previously served on the SAME Cafe’s Advisory Board. Katie is a Cornell University MBA graduate and holds a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Communications from Bryant University, where she sat on the Board of Trustees from 2012-2015.
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Ethan Gutterman
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Ethan Gutterman serves as Deputy Director at BuildStrong Foundation, overseeing strategic initiatives that advance workforce and community development across Colorado. He leads grant strategy, project and event management, board coordination, and organizational operations to strengthen housing and community infrastructure.
In 2025, Ethan launched and directed the Colorado Youth Engagement Collective (CYEC), a statewide internship program focused on affordable housing and community development, partnering with Housing Colorado and multiple stakeholders.
Ethan’s background spans nonprofit leadership, grant research, and international fieldwork, including youth engagement programs, housing equity projects, and global health research in Uganda. He is also the founder of I AM — Imaginative Authentic Mapping, a coaching practice helping individuals reconnect with their values through workshops, retreats, and one-on-one coaching.
Through his work, Ethan brings a focus on collaboration, equity, and measurable impact, helping BuildStrong Foundation expand opportunities for communities and individuals alike.