By Joanne Davidson Special to Colorado Politics | March 18, 2026
Approximately 40 leaders from Denver’s nonprofit community gathered at Boettcher Concert Hall on March 4 for a novel event whose purpose was to strengthen connections within and across organizations.
William Browning, president and CEO of Clayton Early Learning, welcomed the group by saying: “In a time when the world can feel chaotic and uncertain, we wanted to create a moment of connection for the remarkable leaders who carry so much responsibility in our community. Bringing together partners from Clayton, PNC, and so many of Denver’s nonprofit organizations wasn’t just about convening a room, it was about reminding ourselves what’s possible when we work in harmony.”
Leadership, Browning added, “Can sometimes feel like standing alone on the podium, but the truth is that real progress happens when the whole ensemble is engaged. Just as a conductor helps talented musicians listen to one another and move with shared purpose, our goal was to inspire leaders to collaborate more effectively and efficiently, so together we can make something powerful and beautiful for the communities we serve.”
Nonprofit leadership, Browning reminded his audience, “Is incredibly challenging right now, but tonight is a reminder that none of us is doing this work alone. When we come together with hope, courage, and a shared commitment to our communities, we truly can make beautiful music together.”
Daniel Wachter, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Symphony, shared his discovery that “As a music lover, I found inspiration in what I, as a leader, could learn from watching the conductor lead an orchestra. I found that the power of music activates us emotionally, and I think it opens different channels of learning, channels of observation. It creates a safe place. It makes it easier to become vulnerable, and I think it opens the mind in different ways and makes leadership experiential. Not by reading, not by hearing, but by really being part of it and even feeling the vibration.”