Wendy Lea

Co-Founder/CEO, Energize Colorado

Wendy Lea is a leading expert in digital innovation strategy and entrepreneurial ecosystem development. As an experienced CEO, board director, and strategist, she advises government, public-private partnerships, and global enterprises on growth through innovation.

As CEO of Energize Colorado, Wendy collaborates with partners across Colorado’s small business ecosystem to co-create new solutions and scale ideas, including advocating for structural changes necessary for long-term resilience. Leading a team of seasoned volunteers and changemakers—company builders, community leaders, and industry experts—Wendy supports small businesses to not only survive but thrive.

Recognized for work across industries and regions, Wendy is a maximalist who is well-versed in cultivating innovation ecosystems that brings together universities, federal labs, technical assistance organizations, and big business. Wendy recognizes the power of diversity to inspire innovations that catalyze economic stability and growth.

Wendy also serves university programs, including Miami University’s John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship and the University of Colorado Boulder’s Engineering and Applied Science Advisory Board.

Wendy was named a “Woman of Influence” in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Recently she was honored with the Signal Excellence Award in 2018 by Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business Distinguished Service Award.