KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Karl Mecklenburg rose from a college walk-on and twelfth round draft choice to an NFL career that included three Super Bowl and six Pro Bowl appearances. This former Bronco’s captain spent his entire twelve year career in Denver and makes Colorado his home now. Mecklenburg was arguably the most versatile player in the NFL playing all seven defensive front positions often in the course of a single game.  Karl was selected as the AFC Linebacker of the Year, AFC player of the Year, and since retiring from the NFL has been enshrined in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.  Mecklenburg has been a Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalist each of the last five years.

Karl and his wife Kathi continue their charitable commitment to Colorado working with Food Bank of the Rockies alongside Empower Retirement and also as the Broncos representative for Taste of the NFL. His latest book, Heart of a Student Athlete; All Pro Advice for Competitors and Their Families, offers advice to young athletes and their loved ones about what it really takes to be successful in sports and life. Mecklenburg is the only NFL legend to have earned the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. As an author and speaker Mecklenburg’s stories of teamwork and leadership are humourous and inspiring. He approaches his speaking career with the same intelligence, passion, and intensity that punctuated his great football career.

Dr. Lila Valencia is a senior demographer in the Texas Demographic Center. She has over 10 years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research in both the public and private sectors. Her current work involves understanding and communicating demographic trends and processes in Texas. She has a diverse research background, including projects focused on migration, energy consumption, transportation, and gender-based violence.