The Team
Codie Egart
Codie Egart is the Executive Director of Greater Denver CARES, leading the organization in community development and educational advancement. Her passion for providing educational opportunities and her vision for empowering communities have been instrumental in driving the organization forward and achieving greater impact and outreach. Codie's journey in non-profit leadership and community service is marked by a deep commitment to creating positive change. After completing an undergraduate degree in psychology, Codie's early career was characterized by roles that focused on community engagement and program development. This foundation set the stage for a dynamic path leading to the helm of Greater Denver CARES.
Under Codie's leadership, Greater Denver CARES has flourished, expanding its reach and diversifying its programs to address the evolving needs of the Denver community. Codie's innovative approach to program development and community partnership has enhanced the organization's effectiveness and fostered a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
Recognized for strategic thinking and empathetic leadership, Codie has successfully rallied teams and stakeholders around shared goals. This collaborative spirit is evident in the numerous partnerships and initiatives Codie has nurtured, significantly amplifying the organization's impact on education and community well-being.
Outside of work, Codie spends most of her time being a mother of two teenage sons, which leaves little time for anything else!
This blend of professional dedication and community involvement underscores Codie's holistic leadership and community service approach.
Julia Potocnjak-Overn
Julia Potocnjak-Overn, originally from Canada, moved to the U.S. at 13. She earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Texas-Pan American, where she was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute research scholar, presenting her work nationally. She pursued graduate studies in molecular biology but had to pause due to a traumatic brain injury. In 2020, Julia joined the PhD program in Integrative Physiology and Behavioral Genetics at the University of Colorado Boulder, focusing on neurophysiology and cell research before leaving in 2022.
Julia is a published author with articles in Current Microbiology and The Texas Journal of Science. She served as Outreach and Professional Development Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) at CU Boulder, organizing the “Accessibility in STEM” symposium to support inclusivity in science.
Beyond academia, Julia is active in community service, volunteering for organizations like Comfort House, Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, and Science A Thon. As a cofounder and grant writer for Greater Denver CARES, she has secured resources to support literacy and social-emotional learning for students. Currently, she teaches high school science and enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, and cooking.
Kiahjura (Kiki) Womersley
Kiahjura is an accomplished professional with a strong foundation in Human Services and Leadership Studies, studied at the University of Northern Colorado. With valuable experience as an Office Manager at Athletics & Beyond Family Wellness Center and as Program Coordinator for Moyo Nguvu Cultural Arts Center, Kiahjura has a proven track record of developing and executing programs from concept to completion. Her dedication to service and leadership drives their commitment to fostering positive change.
Kiahjura is excited to bring her expertise to the Greater Denver CARES team, contributing to impactful community initiatives.
A message from our Cofounder - To our Beloved Community!
As we continue to grow and expand our reach, I want to reflect on the incredible journey we've been on together. At Greater Denver CARES, our mission has always been clear: to provide Black and Brown children with the support, resources, and culturally anchored mental health and wellness services they deserve. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication of our team, the passion of our facilitators, and the resilience of the young people we serve.
Since its inception, this experience has been a transformative one for us. We've solidified our foundation and continued to build programs that address our youth's academic and socio-emotional needs and empower them to recognize their brilliance, resilience, and potential. Programs like The Rising and The Baldwin Literacy Project are making a real impact, creating safe spaces for learning, healing, and growth while helping our youth understand the value of their cultural identity.
As we look toward the future, I am incredibly excited about the possibilities ahead. We are committed to further expanding our programs, building stronger partnerships, and bringing even more facilitators on board. This will ensure we can continue to provide equitable opportunities for the children we serve and make an even greater impact in our community.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support we've received from our community, partners, and team. Your belief in our mission and your contributions, whether big or small, are what make our work possible. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless young people, and I am proud of our work.
Thank you for your continued belief in our mission. I look forward to what we will accomplish next together.
With gratitude,
Codie Egart
Executive Director,
Greater Denver CARES Mentoring Movement