Our Board

Kenny Smith, Chair

Kenny is a strategic advisor and equity-driven leader with over 15 years of experience working across K–12 education, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as Board Chair of Project VOYCE, where he has been a committed board member since 2022. Kenny has partnered with school districts, foundations, and community organizations to lead strategic planning, talent development, and systems design efforts that center community voice and drive equitable outcomes. His work has spanned the launch of innovative teacher pathways, redesign of school models, and support for impact-driven grantmaking. Kenny holds an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategy and an M.Ed. in Education Policy from the University of Virginia. He is passionate about expanding opportunity for young people and strengthening the systems that serve them.  

Jonathan Marenus, Member

Jonathan is an attorney and licensing analyst at Venture Partners at the University of Colorado Boulder. With a background in intellectual property law, he helps university researchers and startups navigate the commercialization process, from managing IP to negotiating licenses. Before joining CU Boulder, he ran his own law practice and advised early-stage healthcare and tech companies. Jonathan is also active in the Denver community and has served on the Board of Project VOYCE for over 5 years. 

Wafa Saeed, Member

Wafa Saeed is a visionary leader, advocate, and entrepreneur whose work has shaped communities across Colorado and beyond. As the first national CEO of the Sudanese American Public Affairs Association (SAPAA), she launched its first successful chapter in Colorado. She created four flagship programs, including the nationally recognized Youth Leadership Program. Her initiatives have forged strong partnerships with city governments, state officials, and community organizations. A fierce advocate for immigrants and refugees, Wafa was selected as a U.S. Delegate to speak at a Human Rights Summit in Istanbul, where she spotlighted her work on human rights and democracy. Her unwavering commitment to justice, combined with her ability to inspire and empower others, defines her legacy as a transformative force in civic leadership and community empowerment

Nicole Stone, Member

Raised in rural Indiana, Nicole discovered her passion for science through high school internships and is now dedicated to mentorship and expanding early opportunities for students. As a Project VOYCE board member, she’s excited to support Denver youth in becoming leaders in their communities.

Nicole is a University Licensing Manager for Biosciences, helping launch startups and commercialize research. Previously, she was a research scientist and team leader in San Francisco, where she also led internship programs and co-chaired the local chapter of the Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement.

She holds a BA in biochemistry from DePauw University, a PhD from UCSF, and completed postdoctoral training at the Gladstone Institute.