Bill de la Cruz
Equity and Inclusion Consultant

Bill de la Cruz has built his career around conflict management. His passion is in equity and inclusion work. Mr. de la Cruz is an expert team facilitator who has worked with groups throughout the area, including workplaces, families and communities, to create sustainable change.

In his current role, Mr. de la Cruz partners with companies and organizations on strategic planning, leadership development, inclusion equity training and conflict resolution. He has worked for the Colorado Department of Education as their Anti-Bias Trainer and co-authored the Equity Toolkit for Administrators. Additionally, Mr. de la Cruz spent six years with Denver Public Schools in a role where he developed and implemented systematic culture practices throughout the district. From 1997 to 2003, Mr. de la Cruz was the President of the Boulder Valley School Board. He has also served as the Co-Chair of the Governor's committee on education achievement gaps, a Board Member with the Colorado Association of School Boards and Chair of the Colorado Hispanic School Board Association. 

Mr. de la Cruz holds a Bachelor’s in Leadership and a Master’s in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. He also has a Mediation Certificate. Mr. de la Cruz is the author of a book, “Finding the Origination Point, Understanding Our Biases to Create a More Peaceful World.” 

Betty D. Johnson
Retired Principal, Denver Public Schools

Betty Johnson, the Vice Chair of  HOPE's Governing Board, has 40 years of experience in education. She spent 25 years with the Denver Public Schools (DPS), serving in a variety of positions at both the elementary and secondary level, including teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal and principal. Prior to her time at DPS, Ms. Johnson spent 15 years in education in Nebraska and Iowa. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Peru State College and two Masters of Arts Degrees, one as a Reading Clinician (Drake University) and another in Administration/Supervision in Education (University of Phoenix). Ms. Johnson is also a certified gifted and talented and TESA (Teacher Expectation and Student Achievement) coordinator, as well as has management training in a positive approach to discipline that she has delivered to more than 30 educators. 

In retirement, Ms. Johnson is continuing to influence the lives of youth in the community by informally mentoring teachers and educators. Her passion is to ensure young people of today are striving for excellence. Ms. Johnson knows this is not possible if those around them are not encouraging them to believe in themselves.

Ms. Johnson is the recipient of the Paul Brim Outstanding Educator Award, was profiled as a Living Portrait of African-American Women and has also been recognized for her contributions on TV and in the newspaper. Her community/in-service activities include the City Wide English Advisory Committee, DPS School of the Arts Advisory Board, District 8 Senior Event 1st Annual Elvin R. Caldwell Sr. Essay Contest, Co-Author of 1993 publication – “Kids Explore America’s African-American Heritage,” and establishment of a girls club for at-risk female students needing adult guidance. Ms. Johnson is also active in the education activities of her church.

Kimberly (Kim) Rossi 
Senior Vice President of Commercial Insurance, AssuredPartners of Colorado 

Kim Rossi, the Chair of HOPE's Governing Board, is an insurance consultant with AssuredPartners of Colorado/The Wright Group. She began her career in insurance in 1992, working as a workers’ compensation underwriter for Pinnacol Assurance. Ms. Rossi transitioned to the agency side of insurance in 2000 and joined The Wright Group, which was purchased by AssuredPartners in 2014. As a licensed Colorado Insurance Producer, Ms. Rossi helps her clients design insurance and risk management programs that are both cost effective and comprehensive. A Colorado native, Ms. Rossi earned a Bachelor of Science from the Business School of the University of Colorado after graduating from Wheat Ridge High School.

Ms. Rossi and her husband, John, have a teenage son. She spent many of her son's grade-school years volunteering in his elementary school, including participation on the Collaborative School Committee (CSC) and as a Cub Scout leader.

Dr. Kristine A. Turner
Clinical Psychologist, Sole Proprietor of New Beginnings, Director Youth Leadership Douglas County

Dr. Kristine A. Turner has built her career around youth development. Her business, New Beginnings, is a court-approved organization that helps families who are going through divorce or facing child custody issues. Dr. Turner is also the author of several parenting books and videos, contributor to local radio and TV programs, and a member of many community organizations on this topic. Since 2006, Dr. Turner has been the coordinator and facilitator of Youth Leadership Douglas County, a program for area teens. Dr. Turner holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Turner was on the Douglas County School District Board of Education from 2003-2009, serving as President from 2007-2009 and Vice President from 2005-2007. Prior to that, Dr. Turner was on the Douglas County School District’s Long Range Planning Committee. She also served in leadership positions with the Colorado Association of School Boards, including Legislative Liaison.

Jeff Vigil
Territory Manager, Produce Operations Specialist, Albertsons Companies (Safeway)

For more than 20 years, Jeff Vigil has been an active member of his community. His involvement includes the Commerce City Council Youth Task Force, Commerce City Community Enterprise, Southern Adams County Citizens Neighborhood Improvement Group, Lincoln Water and Sanitation District, Candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 35, Adams County Latino Initiative, Vice Chair of Congressional District 7, among others. Jeff was first acquainted with HOPE during its founding. He believes in quality education choices for all students and advocates for parent responsibility and accountability. Professionally, Jeff works for Albertsons Companies (Safeway) and is currently a territory manager of produce operations. His tenure with Albertsons spans 30 years.

Jeff’s family is involved in the public education system. His father was a Teacher and Principal in Colorado and supported Student Teachers at Metropolitan State University of Denver.