Meet the Staff
Lisa Weil
she/her/hers
A product of Greeley District 6 schools and the proud mother of two DPS graduates, Lisa Weil is the Executive Director of Great Education Colorado, which she co-founded with four fellow preschool moms in 2003. Before diving into public education advocacy, Lisa was a public interest attorney and a political consultant, and served on the staffs of a number of elected officials, including Colorado Senator Tim Wirth and Governor Roy Romer. She is driven by a belief that a vital, equitable public education system is the foundation for individual success, family well-being, thriving communities, a strong democracy, a just society, and a vibrant economy.
Lea Steed
she/her/hers
Lea grew up in the Denver/Aurora area and was educated in the DPS and APS school system. She continued her education at the Community College of Denver and received a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Northern Colorado. Working with Great Education Colorado since 2015, Lea has been building relationships, knowledge, and feedback loops in communities of color to ensure the organization is increasingly responsive to their needs, ideas, and input. Lea has two beautiful teenage daughters who attend DPS schools. Her work at Great Education Colorado has taught her to never underestimate the power of grassroots organizing or the power of voice!
Delana Mullins Maynes
she/her/hers
Delana has lived in Colorado since 1979 and was educated in Cherry Creek Schools. She received a Bachelor’s in Political Science from University of Colorado, Denver. She began working with Great Education Colorado as a volunteer in 2010 motivated by her desire to increase education funding in Colorado. Prior to her work at Great Ed, she worked on school board and funding campaigns in Douglas County and was the co-founder of a community organization that fought vouchers in Douglas County. Most recently, she was the Director of Campaigns at ACLU of Colorado. Delana believes all kids deserve a great education no matter their zip code or learning differences. When not working, Delana enjoys running, kayaking, walking her dog and spending time with her family.
Max Mapes
Analise Goree
she/her/hers
Analise has been in Denver since 2011 starting as an After school Programming Coordinator with City Year at North High School in Denver Public Schools. After obtaining a MA Ed. from Metropolitan State University, she continued teaching as a special education and concurrent enrollment teacher for 6 years. Analise also taught at Community College of Denver as an adjunct professor. As the Director of Communications and Digital Media, Analise will continue to grow Great Education Colorado social media presence and streamline content delivery.
Ben Robinson
he/him/his
Ben’s passion for advocacy began in high school, when he traveled with his AP Government class to Washington, DC. But issues closer to home, like chronic educational inequity, have kept him rooted in Colorado. Since graduating college, he’s spent his young career organizing, working in communications, and advocating for policy to improve the lives of Colorado’s students and teachers. As Communications and Public Affairs Coordinator, Ben drafts outgoing emails, writes Great Ed’s weekly legislative recap, works closely with our policy coalition, and lobbies for relevant legislation. Growing up, Ben struggled with learning difficulties, and his experiences in school motivate him to fight for those most affected by Colorado’s unique education funding challenges. Outside of work he enjoys medium roast coffee, brisk fall days, and frequent mountain adventures.
Ishmeet Kalra
Ishmeet was born and raised in New Delhi, India. She immigrated to California with her family and pursued her passion for science, earning a Master's degree in Molecular Biology & Microbiology with a minor in Humanities from San José State University.
Since 2008, Colorado has been her home and she loves the stunning natural beauty and the majestic mountains. She is actively involved with the Douglas County School District which has allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of students, families, educators, and administrators. She is a long time advocate for educational equity, STEM education/enrichment, and evidence-based education policies. Her passion for educational equity and STEM education extends beyond her own community, as she volunteers to bring STEM enrichment activities to underserved schools.
Ishmeet is driven by a deep commitment to academic excellence, ensuring equal access to opportunities for every student, and fostering safe and inclusive school environments. She will be helping Great Education Colorado to advance the Every Student Welcome Network.