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KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WENDY LEA

CEO | Board Director | Strategic Advisor

Wendy Lea connects builders across regions to harness the spirit of innovation, driving ideas, activating talent, and unlocking capital to create thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. As a civic leader and ecosystem builder, she connects Colorado's world-class research institutions with the entrepreneurs, investors, and policy networks that transform breakthrough discoveries into thriving businesses and meaningful careers.

As founder of TechHubNow!, Wendy catalyzes innovation and entrepreneurship through advanced technologies that deliver economic and national security impact. She drives momentum across multiple fronts in space, quantum, and AI. As a board member with the Center for American Entrepreneurship, she connects federal policy with on-the-ground ecosystem building.

In Colorado, Wendy strengthens the state's position as a leader in aerospace, quantum technology, and small businesses. As a board member at Elevate Quantum—funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Regional Innovation Hub (Tech Hub) program—she accelerates quantum technology commercialization and workforce development, positioning Colorado as a national quantum hub. She connects the federal space and defense ecosystem with entrepreneurs, investors, and research institutions, translating breakthrough technologies into economic opportunity. As co-founder and board chair of Energize Colorado, Wendy expands access to capital, fostering resilience and inclusivity for underserved entrepreneurs across the state.

A leader-practitioner with over 30 years of experience advising Fortune 500 businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, Wendy was named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce in 2024. She fosters a sense of belonging and builds the connections that enable ecosystems to flourish.