Meet the 2025-2026 Barney Ford Fundraising Team!
Natalie Wise, President
Natalie is a second-year MBA student with extensive experience in cross-functional collaboration, pursuing a career in logistics and supply chain. As president, she leads the strategic planning, organization, and execution of the Barney Ford Fundraising Benefit. Natalie coordinates team efforts, manages event operations, and leads engagement with key stakeholders to maximize the event’s impact. With a background as a healthcare clinician and graduate-level instructor, Natalie has gained deep insights into diversity and inclusion, shaped by her work with clients from varied backgrounds and abilities. She is passionate about using her role to further inclusive and equitable initiatives at CU Boulder and within her local Colorado communities. Outside of her leadership work, Natalie enjoys sewing, often tailoring her own clothes and crafting squeaky toys for her dog, Archie.
Lindsay Nikolaeff, Sponsorships & Donations
Lindsay is dedicated to securing sponsorships and donations to support the Barney Ford Gala and scholarship. She joined the team to help increase funding for underrepresented MBA students, recognizing the importance of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. Having personally benefited from scholarships, Lindsay understands the impact of financial aid in making education accessible. Outside of her work, Lindsay has a passion for solo travel—this past year, she explored Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia on her own, including a road trip through the region.
Alfred Haumpy, Event Planning
Alfred plays a crucial role in organizing the Barney Ford Gala, focusing on ensuring the event runs seamlessly while advancing its mission. He joined the team out of a deep passion for making a difference by giving a voice to the underrepresented and creating opportunities for those who haven’t always been given a fair shot. Through this event, Alfred aims to contribute to meaningful change by raising support for initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping future leaders from all backgrounds access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Nick Johns, Event Planning
Nick is focused on selecting the perfect venue for the Barney Ford Gala by researching, pricing, touring, and evaluating options. Once the venue is chosen, his efforts will shift to sourcing materials, contracting service providers, and coordinating logistics, including the event theme, to ensure smooth execution. Nick joined the Barney Ford Scholarship Committee to support the continuation of this vital program that advances graduate education at CU Boulder. Inspired by Mr. Ford’s legacy and the values he championed, Nick is dedicated to creating an event that is both enjoyable and impactful, furthering the cause of education and opportunity. A fun fact about Nick: he won a BBQ competition in college!
Paula Valencia, Marketing
Paula oversees the creation and execution of promotional strategies, including managing social media campaigns, crafting compelling content, and developing outreach initiatives to maximize awareness for the Barney Ford Gala. As an international student, she deeply values the importance of celebrating diverse perspectives and joined the team to help spread awareness and teach others about the significance of embracing diversity. Paula is committed to ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel seen, accepted, and welcomed. Through her work, she hopes to amplify the message of inclusivity and encourage meaningful connections within the community. A fun fact about Paula: she attended the World Cup in Russia!