The Speakers

Benny Samuels is a distinguished leader in health, human services, and social change, with over 35 years of experience. She has spearheaded transformative initiatives focusing on increased access, equity, and empowerment for children, families, and communities, particularly those of color and living in poverty. Her accomplishments include significant reductions in unintended pregnancies through the Statewide Colorado Family Planning Project and enrolling thousands in healthcare programs like Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus. Benny’s expertise extends to philanthropy, supporting initiatives for Black men, families in the child welfare system, and American Indian children. Recognized for her leadership, she has been honored as one of Colorado’s Top 40 Most Powerful Women and received prestigious awards from organizations like the Urban League of Metro Denver and SweetFeet for her mentorship in the nonprofit sector.

Outside of her community work, Benny enjoys traveling and outdoor activities and serves on various advisory boards, including the Governor-appointed Colorado Outdoor Equity Board and the Rose Hospital advisory board. 

Eve Lieberman was appointed by the Governor to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade on January 2nd, 2023. Prior to that, she had served as the Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Counsel for Governor Jared Polis for all four years of his first term. She managed the legislative policy and federal affairs teams and oversaw many successful Governor priorities, including the passage of Free Full Day Kindergarten, the implementation of universal preschool, historic investments in transportation, and economic recovery programs. 

Eve served over ten years on Capitol Hill, working as Governor Polis’ Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director and then Chief of Staff when then-Congressman Polis represented the 2nd Colorado Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Eve also served on the Rules Committee in her capacity working for another senior member of Congress. Eve earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended law school at the George Washington University Law School, completing her Juris Doctorate in 2011. During her time in law school, Eve served as a Law Clerk for the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, for a DC Superior Court Judge, for the House Judiciary Committee, and for the US Department of Justice. Eve lives in Denver with her husband and two children.

Evan and Anna Winger opened The Buena Viking in 2017, in a used food truck bought off of Craigslist. Fast forward 8 years later, and we've built our final home on Main Street, Buena Vista. Pretty dreamy!  The Buena Viking aims to provide an elevated burger experience in a casual setting, perfect to compliment your Colorado adventure days. With the belief that every order matters, that every customer deserves an awesome experience, and a passion for excellence, we invite you to come see all The Buena Viking has to offer!
 

Owners Evan and Anna Winger made Buena Vista their home over 20 years ago. They both love their spot in this universe, their community, the Rocky Mountains, and the Arkansas River that provide peace and adventure when they’re not restauranter-ing!

Our new spot has a lot more room, and therefore a lot more room for options! We have mostly the same menu as the food truck, but with additions of more salads, vegetarian and gluten-free options, new and different melts and burgers, and soups for the winter season!

Lois creates a trusting atmosphere in which your team members may begin talking about where they want to go and how to get there.  Her warm and direct style is particularly valued by clients looking to become even more exceptional at what they do.  And Lois knows what she’s doing: she’s been a masterful facilitator, trained in linguistics, and executive coach for more than 25 years. She’s a woman who has been repeatedly recognized by her peers for her leadership and her success. 

Among her accolades: finalist for “Outstanding Woman in Business” from the Denver Business Journal, “Woman Leader of Excellence” from the Colorado Women’s Leadership Coalition, and “Woman of Achievement” from Women in Communications. Lois grew up in Denver and continues to live in the city though she escapes to her beloved mountains, particularly to ski with her family, as often as possible. In the no-snow months you might find her in a yoga studio or exploring other parts of the world.