A strategic visionary grounded in service, Lorii Rabinowitz, chief executive officer of Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), is on a mission to dismantle barriers and create clear pathways for Denver’s youth. With a leadership style shaped by both private sector precision and nonprofit heart, Rabinowitz brings a unique lens to education and workforce development. Her journey with DSF reveals how deep alignment between mission and metrics can drive lasting, generational impact.
Under her leadership, DSF expanded in every dimension—services, scholarships, partnerships and data capability. From 2021 to 2024, the organization nearly doubled the number of students it serves, now reaching over 14,200 annually. DSF’s scholarship program has also grown dramatically, offering longer eligibility and record-setting participation, with more than 2,300 scholars currently receiving support. These results aren’t just statistics—they represent hope, access and the ability to rewrite one’s story.
Rabinowitz credits the organization’s growth to intentional culture-building, a practice that became crucial as her team tripled in size over the last few years. The Denver Scholarship Foundation Employee Experience Program (DEEP), a staff-led initiative, transformed the workplace by emphasizing wellness, career development and recognition. In 2024, the program contributed to an exceptional 94% employee retention rate and earned DSF a fifth consecutive Denver Post top workplace award. Rabinowitz herself was named the top small company leader—an honor that reflects her team-first approach.
That same year, the organization rolled out a comprehensive Salesforce-powered student lifecycle database, allowing real-time insights from ninth grade through college and into early career. This tool isn’t just a technological win—it’s a statement that impact should be visible, trackable and strategic. For Rabinowitz, metrics and meaning go hand in hand.
Mentorship runs deep in her leadership ethos. As a mentor in both internal and community programs, she creates space for growth and reflection. Her newest initiative, the Career Success Coaching program, matches DSF Scholars with professionals based on shared goals and industry interests. This virtual model removes traditional barriers, making mentorship more inclusive and scalable. Meanwhile, DSF’s annual gala, which brought together nearly 1,000 participants in 2024, serves as a powerful networking hub where real connections lead to job offers and internships.
As a Second-Year Titan 100 Honoree, Rabinowitz values the platform for its cross-sector exchange. Her private sector background blends seamlessly with her nonprofit drive, allowing her to bridge communities, build partnerships and bring more stakeholders into DSF’s work. For her, leadership is less about title and more about traction—building alignment, acting with clarity and fostering a culture of curiosity.
She is inspired daily by the young people DSF serves, as well as by her colleagues who meet challenges with determination and heart. Her most critical leadership lesson? The power of accessibility and inquiry. Whether navigating FAFSA redesigns or unexpected fundraising gaps, Rabinowitz shows up—curious, present and ready to learn.
In her world, progress isn’t theoretical. It’s measured by lives changed, communities strengthened and futures opened. Rabinowitz isn’t just preparing Denver’s next generation—she’s walking alongside them, every step of the way.
