Executive Director

Stephanie Baer is a visionary. Working in this community for over 25 years, currently as the Executive Director of the WPS Foundation, working for Colorado’s families and students. With her strong belief in and passion for education as a game changer for individuals and communities, Stephanie attempts to play a positive role for WPS students, many of whom face pretty big challenges. All kids deserve opportunities to grow and learn, and Stephanie devotes herself to trying her best to level the playing field for the students in her charge so that Colorado’s youth can meet those challenges and flourish.

Stephanie‘s position as WPS Foundation's Executive Director is the perfect position for her to realize her vision of making a lasting impact on Colorado's children. Named a Women to Watch by the Denver Business Journal, Stephanie was a founding board member of the Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County and a former director of the Children’s Outreach Project, and has served on countless boards and committees for the betterment of children and youth. When she is not working on improving the lives of Colorado's youth, Stephanie can be found hiking, gardening, or on her yoga mat.

Stephanie can be reached at sbaer@wps.org

Program Director

A firm believer of “para la comunidad y por la comunidad” (for the community and ‘because of the community), WPS Foundation Program Director Itzel is thrilled to be back serving the community where she grew up! As a first-generation student, Westy alumna, and former WPS Foundation Scholar, she understands firsthand more than most the vital importance of the equitable opportunities offered to her by the WPS Foundation. Her journey has demonstrated the profound impact these opportunities can have on a child's life, shaping them into contributing members of the community and enriching the community as a whole. Itzel is passionate about, and has dedicated her life to education. With her B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Ethnic Studies, and a Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies certificate, and her previous work with Denver Public Schools and the Pre Collegiate Development Programs at CU Boulder, Itzel is a perfect example of what one can become when given the opportunity to flourish within, and serve her community, without. When not enjoying her love of travel, Itzel can be found sampling the fare of local restaurants around the city that she loves.

Itzel can be reached at iorduna@wps.org

WPS Foundation Program Intern

Sebastian is a current student at MSU Denver and majoring in Computer Science, hoping to design technologies that might help society move forward. He believes in self-improvement and a healthy, productive lifestyle. He enjoys playing volleyball, reading non-fiction books, and programming. Sebastian shares that the WPS Foundation has helped him develop as an individual while making his college journey much more manageable. He is excited to help students with their goals and make them understand their true potential and impact in the world.

WPS Foundation Program Intern

Herlinda is a 4th-year student at Metropolitan State University of Denver and has enjoyed her time learning. Her focus is Business Management, with a minor in Digital Marketing. As the world becomes more digital, she hopes to one day create a business to help others. She is an Assistant Manager at a local restaurant. Herlinda believes that growth is very important, which is why she is proud of this accomplishment. She is excited to work with the WPS Foundation, stating the Foundation helped tremendously with her transition to college. She understands what it feels like to feel stuck or confused after graduating from high school and is glad to be able to help current WPS students plan their future.