Wednesday, May 6, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (registration opens at 5pm)

Denver Center for the Performing Arts | Seawell Ballroom

1350 Arapahoe St. | Denver, CO | 80204

MEET THE CHANGE AGENTS

PAWS & RELAX - Founder: Nicholas Howard

Nicholas Howard’s path to entrepreneurship was shaped by a challenging upbringing and time spent in correctional facilities—experiences that forced him to confront difficult realities at an early age. Through those moments, he developed resilience and a deeply personal understanding of what it feels like to be misunderstood or without a voice. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, Nicholas transformed them into a foundation for empathy, guiding how he connects with both people and animals today. After seeing firsthand that many animals are responding to fear or past experiences, he was inspired to found Paws & Relax—a grooming service built on compassion, patience, and respect for every dog.  Nicholas will pitch his emerging business, Paws & Relax. pawsandrelaxllc.com

KALYANI GLOBAL NETWORK - Founder: Yuki Karki

Yuki Karki was born and raised in Nepal in a very strict household, within a culture where women often do not have a voice. When her family moved to the United States, Yuki was excited to find a culture where women have a voice and freedoms—yet she found that language limitations made it extremely challenging to navigate life in a new country. Despite the intense culture shock, Yuki learned the hard way how empowering it is to find your voice. These experiences are the foundation of Yuki’s business, which offers Nepali interpretation services to create opportunities for others by helping them settle in the U.S. with confidence, clarity, and dignity. Yuki will be pitching her business, Kalyani Global Network.  www.kalyaniglobalnetwork.org

REDEEMED KREATIONS - Founder: Kristi Martinez

Kristi Martinez is a powerful example of resilience, redemption, and transformation. Growing up in the foster care system, she faced instability early in life and later battled addiction, homelessness, and the devastating loss of custody of her children. Refusing to let those chapters define her future, Kristi fought her way through recovery and ultimately regained a beautiful relationship with her children. Today, her lived experience is the driving force behind her work serving others in recovery and aging communities with trauma–informed, purpose-driven programs that restore dignity, connection, and hope. Her mission is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that even the most broken beginnings can lead to lives of purpose, healing, and extraordinary impact.Kristi will be pitching her business, Redeemed Kreations.

TRULVL - Founder: James Truitt

James Truitt is a lifelong entrepreneur born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, James launched his first business at age 23 and since then has been fueled by the belief that entrepreneurs are often the most creative and driven people in our communities.After years of building businesses, working in technology at Apple, and immersing himself in entrepreneurial ecosystems and community-based programs, he created Trulvl (pronounced “true level”), a lifestyle brand specifically for entrepreneurs James’ mission is to inspire and empower generations of founders and the communities we serve, because when entrepreneurs have a brand to call home, they don’t just start and grow businesses—they Shift The Culture.®James will be pitching his business, Trulvl. www.trulvl.com

SHIRLEY'S PIES COMPANY - Founder: Yehosua Randell

Yehosua Randell Yehosua “Yoshi” Randell is a Denver native who loved cooking from an early age—it wasn’t just about food but about bringing people together, creating memories, and showing love through every dish. Yoshi’s grandmother, Shirley, was the heart of the family and had a special way of making everyone feel seen and loved. In the wake of her passing, he founded a pie company designed to reflect her love, her joy, and the comfort she brought into people’s lives. Yoshi’s mission is simple but powerful: to make life a little sweeter, to spark connection, and to remind people of the warmth of family, one pie at a time.Yoshi will be pitching his side business, Shirley Pies. www.shirleypieco.com  

BRIDGE TO KINGDOM WORSHIP - Founder: Stacious Rose

Stacious Rose is a USA-Liberian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for her powerful voice and heart for global impact. Having walked through seasons of pain, rejection, and being written off—feeling like she wasn’t enough or didn’t fit in—she now carries a mission to create spaces where others can encounter healing, hope, and restoration. She stepped into a new dimension of her calling in 2018 when she released her debut album, Waited. Since then, she has gained both local and international recognition and awards, traveling across continents to host concerts and work with children and women’s groups. Through her voice, she shifts atmospheres and reminds people that their story is not over. Stacious will be pitching her emerging business, Stacious will be pitching her non-profit: Bridge to Kingdom Worship, www.bridge2k.org 

HONEYS HIVE COLLECTIVE - Founder: Kylee Wellons

Kylee Wellons Kylee Wellons is a multifaceted visual and performance artist from Denver, Colorado. From an early age, she was introduced to the arts through pageantry, dance, theatre, and creative writing. In 2017, she became an organizer and host at Mercury Cafe's Sunday night open mic and slam, where she began building partnerships with organizations that offer artistic opportunities to communities in need. Her values motivate her to dismantle harmful societal norms, cope with traumatic experiences in unique ways, and inspire others to reshape their hardest moments into something bold and expressive. Through her work, she is creating spaces where artists and their meaningful work can be heard, valued, and celebrated. Kylee will pitch her non-profit concept: Honeys Hive Collective,

RELIEF TRUCKING - Founder: Robert Wilkins

Robert Wilkins is a Colorado native whose early years were marked by school suspensions, expulsion, and time spent in juvenile detention. Amidst these setbacks, Robert became determined to change his trajectory, starting with a personal commitment to earn his high school diploma—an achievement that became a defining turning point in his life. As an adult, Robert was inspired by his family to turn his long-standing interest in the trucking industry into a business venture rooted in both legacy and purpose. He is focused on growing his trucking business while giving back by mentoring young adults and connecting them to resources, skill trades, and opportunities so they can rewrite their narratives—just as he has Robert will pitch his emerging business, Relief Trucking. www.relieftrucking.my.canva.site/relief-trucking-llc

If your business would like to sponsor this event, please contact Bryce Lopez at blopez@crosspurpose.org.

CrossPurpose

PO BOX 2483

Denver, CO 80201 US

720-724-9544