Simplify Language
ABOUT LEE
Lee loves leading trainings that are fun, teach practical skills, and get people to think in new ways. He is a keynote speaker and has led more than 500 trainings nationwide on language, inclusion, and cultural humility.
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He co-founded the nonprofit Intercambio Uniting Communities in 2000 and was CEO for 21 years. During his leadership, the organization:
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Connected 10,000 adult immigrants with 5,000 volunteer teachers in Boulder County through English classes.
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Established a national network of several hundred organizations
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Grew from a budget of $0 to $1.8 million and a staff of 20 people.
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In 2024 Intercambio received $2M from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation.
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Lee is an author of publications that have reached over 300,000 people, and he has received awards locally and nationally. He lives in Boulder with his wife Marcela and their two young sons.
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LEE'S MESSAGE
WHY THIS? WHY NOW?
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Our ability to communicate deeply impacts how we get along with each other. It impacts opportunity, access, and inclusion.
When we can talk to each other and be understood, we build better trust and relationships.
When we create communication that more people read and understand, we all benefit.
THE SOLUTION
We can shift how we adapt our communication to different audiences quickly. You can do it, but it requires skills, practice, and intention.
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I love leading engaging, fun, practical trainings for people of all backgrounds and professions.
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LEE'S AWARDS
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2004 Social Entrepreneur of the Year from the University of Michigan Business School
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2005 Daily Camera Newspaper Pacesetter in the field of Education
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2005 Multicultural Award from Community Action Programs
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2010, 2012, 2013 Boulder County Gold People’s Choice –
Best Activist/Community Champion
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2011 Boulder County Business Report Forty Under 40
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2012 Rotary Club of Boulder Flat Irons’ Spark Plug
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2012 Boulder Chamber of Commerce: 2140 Young Professional
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Awards Intercambio received under Lee's leadership
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2001 NOVA from Community Foundation Serving Boulder County for Innovation and Excellence in the Field of Education
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2007 Nonprofit Business Citizen of the Year from Microbusiness Development Corporation
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2007 Innovation IQ from Boulder County Business Report
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2007 YWCA of Boulder Champions of Diversity Award
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2009 Mile High Chapter of the Red Cross Leadership in Inclusiveness
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2010 Partnership Award from Boulder Housing Partners
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2013 El Pomar Foundation Award of Excellence – Human Services
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LEE'S PUBLICATIONS
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Author – The Immigrant Guide, a tool used by 300,000 immigrants and refugees to learn about laws, systems, and culture in the U.S.
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Author – How We Can Shift the Power Imbalance in Adult Education to Deepen a Sense of Belonging, Improve Program Outcomes, and Create a More Equitable Society, a 2021 article published in the Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s journal on racial equity.
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Author – Pronunciation Fun, builds confidence for English learners.
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Lee established the unique vision for Intercambio’s English curriculum series, Confidence and Connections, which is used by 30,000 people.