About Colorado Access Foundation

As the first executive director of the Colorado Access Foundation, Cassidy brings more than 20 years of experience in program leadership roles within nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology/anthropology from Hendrix College and a Master of Public Health degree in health policy and administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. An advocate at heart with a commitment to building community, Cassidy pursues work to improve people’s health and well-being where they live.

Prior to joining the Foundation team, Cassidy served in a senior leadership role at Colorado Access, responsible for contract performance and program operations.

Meet Mirella Chavez, the Colorado Access Foundation program manager with a true passion for making a difference. With over 12 incredible years in the health care and nonprofit sectors, Mirella has worn many hats, gaining a true understanding of health care delivery, program management, strategic planning, and the power of collaboration with partners and the community. She proudly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in health care management from Metropolitan State University of Denver.

But Mirella’s story goes beyond her professional background. Growing up in and around disenfranchised communities has shaped her into the compassionate and driven individual she is today. She carries an unwavering dedication to health equity, always striving to enhance the well-being and empowerment of individuals and families across Colorado. It’s one of her driving forces.

Before joining the Foundation team, Mirella made waves as a program officer at Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. There, she fearlessly dove into projects like the Colorado Medical-Dental Integration Project (CO MDI), managing data and analysis with finesse. She also took the lead on a workforce development initiative, aiming to cultivate a more racially and ethnically diverse oral health workforce that truly reflects the beautiful demographics of our state.

Mirella is ¡muy emocionada! to bring her expertise, combined with her genuine care for others, to pave the way for positive change in the realm of health care.

Ben is proud to serve as the Foundation Program Specialist at the Colorado Access Foundation. With a background encompassing environmental health, nutrition access, community organizing, and education, he recognizes that the holistic well-being of a community is multifaceted, and he is dedicated to the foundation’s mission of addressing systemic issues that influence the health of Coloradans. Before joining the Colorado Access Foundation, Ben served at the Denver Scholarship Foundation, where he administered the DSF Scholarship, a need-based college scholarship awarded to thousands of Denver Public Schools graduates each year.

Originally from Minnesota, Ben has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College and a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Marquette University. He is a graduate of Marquette’s Trinity Fellows Program, which trains aspiring leaders in nonprofit management and using systems thinking to address urban social issues.