Learn About the 2022 Presenters
Steven T. Collis
Steven T. Collis is the author of the nonfiction books The Immortals and Deep Conviction and the novel At Any Cost. He is a law professor at the University of Texas-Austin School of Law and founding faculty director of UT's Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and related Law & Religion Clinic.
He is a sought-after speaker on both writing and religion law to audiences across the United States, including foreign diplomats from countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America on behalf of the United States State Department. He has been interviewed by and quoted in various news outlets, including The Deseret News, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, Law360, Public Square Magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune, PBS, The Denver Business Journal, Law Week Colorado, CBN News, and others.
Steven T. Collis is the author of the nonfiction books The Immortals and Deep Conviction and the novel At Any Cost. He is a law professor at the University of Texas-Austin School of Law and founding faculty director of UT's Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center and related Law & Religion Clinic.
He is a sought-after speaker on both writing and religion law to audiences across the United States, including foreign diplomats from countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America on behalf of the United States State Department. He has been interviewed by and quoted in various news outlets, including The Deseret News, Bloomberg, The Washington Times, Law360, Public Square Magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune, PBS, The Denver Business Journal, Law Week Colorado, CBN News, and others.
Rabbi Caryn Aviv
Rabbi Caryn Aviv is Rabbinic and Program Director at Judaism Your Way. She has been on the rabbinic team at since 2013. Caryn loves to create and facilitate transformative Jewish experiences that spark joy and meaning for Jews and loved ones. She is so grateful to work with such an amazing team to build inclusive Jewish community at Judaism Your Way.
Before becoming a rabbi in 2020 through ALEPH: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal, Caryn earned a PhD in sociology from Loyola University Chicago, and taught Jewish Studies and sociology at University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Denver.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and living inside a mixed-heritage/interfaith marriage with her beloved partner, Caryn walks the walk of Judaism Your Way’s Torah of Inclusion.
Rabbi Caryn Aviv is Rabbinic and Program Director at Judaism Your Way. She has been on the rabbinic team at since 2013. Caryn loves to create and facilitate transformative Jewish experiences that spark joy and meaning for Jews and loved ones. She is so grateful to work with such an amazing team to build inclusive Jewish community at Judaism Your Way.
Before becoming a rabbi in 2020 through ALEPH: the Alliance for Jewish Renewal, Caryn earned a PhD in sociology from Loyola University Chicago, and taught Jewish Studies and sociology at University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Denver.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and living inside a mixed-heritage/interfaith marriage with her beloved partner, Caryn walks the walk of Judaism Your Way’s Torah of Inclusion.
Charles S. Gilford III
As Deputy Director Council Relations and Special Projects with the Mayor’s Office, Charles Gilford III leads social change and innovation. He is a thought provoking social advocate in the Denver metro area that is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work to make our community a better place for all.
Charles earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management, Human Resources and International Business from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he served over 33,000 students as one of the youngest student body presidents in the University’s history. After university, Charles spent several years leading and serving at Fortune 28 media giant Comcast in their corporate talent and human resources division.
In addition to his role with the City & County of Denver, Charles serves as the Western Region Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professionals. Charles is also the Executive Pastor at The Potter’s House of Denver.
As Deputy Director Council Relations and Special Projects with the Mayor’s Office, Charles Gilford III leads social change and innovation. He is a thought provoking social advocate in the Denver metro area that is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work to make our community a better place for all.
Charles earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management, Human Resources and International Business from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he served over 33,000 students as one of the youngest student body presidents in the University’s history. After university, Charles spent several years leading and serving at Fortune 28 media giant Comcast in their corporate talent and human resources division.
In addition to his role with the City & County of Denver, Charles serves as the Western Region Vice President for the National Urban League Young Professionals. Charles is also the Executive Pastor at The Potter’s House of Denver.
Jeff Hunt
Jeff joined Colorado Christian University in 2015 as director of the Centennial Institute, The University's public policy think tank.
Jeff earned his BA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College, Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Master of Political Management from George Washington University. He has served as Media Coordinator for the Senate Republican Conference, Director of Operations of the Clapham Group, Special Assistant to Senator Rick Santorum in his 2012 White House bid, and Director of Colorado Coalitions for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was the founder of Avinova Media Group, a digital media marketing firm based in Colorado. Jeff is a former river and mountain guide and loves to be outdoors. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children.
Jeff joined Colorado Christian University in 2015 as director of the Centennial Institute, The University's public policy think tank.
Jeff earned his BA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College, Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Master of Political Management from George Washington University. He has served as Media Coordinator for the Senate Republican Conference, Director of Operations of the Clapham Group, Special Assistant to Senator Rick Santorum in his 2012 White House bid, and Director of Colorado Coalitions for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was the founder of Avinova Media Group, a digital media marketing firm based in Colorado. Jeff is a former river and mountain guide and loves to be outdoors. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children.
Governor Jared Polis
Governor Jared Polis is an entrepreneur, education leader, and public servant. After launching several successful companies, Governor Polis committed himself to making sure other Coloradans had the opportunity to pursue their dreams through founding schools for at-risk students and new immigrants and started nonprofits to help veterans. Prior to serving as Governor, Polis served on the State Board of Education and represented Colorado's 2nd Congressional district.
Governor Jared Polis is an entrepreneur, education leader, and public servant. After launching several successful companies, Governor Polis committed himself to making sure other Coloradans had the opportunity to pursue their dreams through founding schools for at-risk students and new immigrants and started nonprofits to help veterans. Prior to serving as Governor, Polis served on the State Board of Education and represented Colorado's 2nd Congressional district.