Learn About the 2021 Presenters
Imam Abdur-Rahim Ali
The resident Imam of Northeast Denver Islamic Center (Masjid Taqwa) in Denver, Colorado and the Co-Chair of Greater Denver Interfaith Alliance. He has been an Imam for 20 years; formally the Imam of the Evanston Islamic Center in Evanston Illinois. Throughout, Imam Ali has associated with the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, who was his mentor. Imam Ali is a frequent speaker on Al-Islam around the country and was honored to speak at the Interfaith Service at the Democratic Convention and the historic breakfast honoring Dr. Martin L King's "I Have A Dream Speech." Imam Ali also contributes his time to the Colorado Imam’s Council, the Colorado Muslim Leadership Council (CMLC), and the Detroit National Annual WDM Muslim Convention Committee (DNA). He is also an Honorary Board Member of WorldDenver. Currently, Imam Ali is also involved in efforts to identify and develop attainable and affordable housing in Denver.
The resident Imam of Northeast Denver Islamic Center (Masjid Taqwa) in Denver, Colorado and the Co-Chair of Greater Denver Interfaith Alliance. He has been an Imam for 20 years; formally the Imam of the Evanston Islamic Center in Evanston Illinois. Throughout, Imam Ali has associated with the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, who was his mentor. Imam Ali is a frequent speaker on Al-Islam around the country and was honored to speak at the Interfaith Service at the Democratic Convention and the historic breakfast honoring Dr. Martin L King's "I Have A Dream Speech." Imam Ali also contributes his time to the Colorado Imam’s Council, the Colorado Muslim Leadership Council (CMLC), and the Detroit National Annual WDM Muslim Convention Committee (DNA). He is also an Honorary Board Member of WorldDenver. Currently, Imam Ali is also involved in efforts to identify and develop attainable and affordable housing in Denver.
Pastor Michael Hidalgo
Michael, is the Lead Pastor of Denver Community Church, the author of Unlost: Being Found by the One We Are Looking For and Changing Faith: Questions, Doubts and Choices About the Unchanging God, hosts The Changing Faith Podcast and is a speaker, retreat leader and a consultant. He lives with his wife and three children live in Denver, Colorado.
Michael, is the Lead Pastor of Denver Community Church, the author of Unlost: Being Found by the One We Are Looking For and Changing Faith: Questions, Doubts and Choices About the Unchanging God, hosts The Changing Faith Podcast and is a speaker, retreat leader and a consultant. He lives with his wife and three children live in Denver, Colorado.
Rabbi Emily Hyatt
Rabbi Emily Hyatt came to Temple Emanuel as Assistant Rabbi after serving as the Director of Jewish Enrichment for BBYO International, where she oversaw the strategy and vision around elevating Jewish content, innovated Jewish experiences, and developed Jewish identity for teens around the world. Rabbi Hyatt earned a B.A. in Constitutional Law from American University, an M.B.A. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and a Master in Jewish Education from the Hebrew College in Boston. Rabbi Hyatt grew up in Denver, Colorado
Rabbi Emily Hyatt came to Temple Emanuel as Assistant Rabbi after serving as the Director of Jewish Enrichment for BBYO International, where she oversaw the strategy and vision around elevating Jewish content, innovated Jewish experiences, and developed Jewish identity for teens around the world. Rabbi Hyatt earned a B.A. in Constitutional Law from American University, an M.B.A. from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, and a Master in Jewish Education from the Hebrew College in Boston. Rabbi Hyatt grew up in Denver, Colorado
Fr. John P. Fitzgibbons
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. is the 24th president of Regis University. He began his term on June 1, 2012. Fr. Fitzgibbons holds a Ph.D. in English from Loyola University Chicago; a S.T.M. in moral theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley; a M.Div. from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology; a M.A. in English from the University of Chicago; and, a B.A. in philosophy and English from Saint Louis University.A native of Omaha, NE, he entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus in 1973 and was ordained a priest in 1985. He continues to be active in research scholarship, especially in the relationship of religion and culture.
Rev. John P. Fitzgibbons, S.J. is the 24th president of Regis University. He began his term on June 1, 2012. Fr. Fitzgibbons holds a Ph.D. in English from Loyola University Chicago; a S.T.M. in moral theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley; a M.Div. from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology; a M.A. in English from the University of Chicago; and, a B.A. in philosophy and English from Saint Louis University.A native of Omaha, NE, he entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus in 1973 and was ordained a priest in 1985. He continues to be active in research scholarship, especially in the relationship of religion and culture.
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.