In Dr. Joe Sanders’ Words: Career Mindedness

At Colorado UpLift, we believe that Career-Mindedness is a character quality that shapes the futures of our students. Our strategic intent is focused on positioning students for lives of significance and long-term success, not merely helping them land a job. We also understand that it is not enough to simply expose students to a broad range of career possibilities; we are committed to equipping them with the tools, networks, and real-world experiences needed to excel. Through a structured, purposeful approach, we help students transition from high school to the workforce with confidence and clarity, preparing them to thrive in careers that are both meaningful and impactful.

On March 14, the UpLift Board’s College and Career Committee hosted a career fair that allowed seventy high school students to explore a variety of career pathways. The event offered students the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, hear from alumni, and gain valuable insights into potential career options. This event was not just about exposing students to opportunities; it was about giving them the knowledge and connections they need to prepare for meaningful outcomes in their lives.

A highlight of the career fair was the opening keynote speaker, Iván Anaya, an alum of the Colorado UpLift program who now serves on our board and is the president of the Mountain West Region at Columbia Ventures. Iván’s inspiring journey from a student to a leader in his field exemplifies the power of a life lived with significance. He has demonstrated that career success is not only about achieving personal milestones, but also about using one’s platform to serve others. Iván’s story gives our students a tangible example of how structured programs like Colorado UpLift can propel individuals toward not just career success, but a vocation rooted in purpose and service to others.

At Colorado UpLift, we believe that true success lies in living a life of significance—not just chasing money or status but discovering one’s calling and serving others. As Bob Buford writes in Halftime, "The essence of significance is doing something that has an impact on others and helps change the world for the better." Like Buford, we believe every student has a calling that will impact others. Our goal is to help students understand that their careers are not just about personal success but about contributing to something larger than themselves, whether that be in their communities, their fields, or the world.

By offering more opportunities for exploration, mentorship, and experiential learning, we are excited to continue helping our students grow, discover their true potential, and chart a course toward a life of significance and success. Together, we are shaping the future of alumni like Iván —one student at a time—empowering them to live meaningful, impactful lives through careers that inspire and fulfill.

Warm regards,

Joe