Hope Starts Here

Dan Gladden

Dan began his life-long passion of youth development when he was 32 years old when the founder asked him if he wanted to travel to Rwanda and help run a day camp for the children of Hope Shines. That was in 2009 and from that experience, Dan became connected to the vital work that can and must be done for these high-potential and at-risk Rwandese children. After several years serving as a volunteer while also working in the corporate world, Dan was inspired to pursue a masters degree in International Business. He thought that this enhancement of knowledge base would lead him to greater ability to work on the international stage in business. Through a turn of events, however, he was presented the opportunity to lead Hope Shines into the future, and without hesitation, he accepted. Since 2013, Dan has led Hope Shines with a strategy and vision that allows and enables children to develop the skills and education they need to be a positive contributor to their community. His passion is at the backbone of all that is Hope Shines. A dedicated and passion-driven person, Dan is honored to help transform the lives of so many. Dan holds a BS degree from Virginia Tech (USA) and an MBA from Murdoch University (Australia). He resides in Golden, Colorado (USA) with his supportive wife, 2 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat! In his free time, he is an avid trail runner and snowboarder.

Stephanie Chu

Stephanie “Dr. Steph” began her journey with Hope Shines in 2009 when she asked the innocent question, “Do they need a doctor?” That was the first time she traveled to Rwanda and that ignited a connection to Rwandese youth that was life changing. After a couple of years serving as a volunteer during her summer breaks from being “Team Doctor” to the University of Colorado athletes, she took on the role of Camp Director/Volunteer Coordinator. She parted from her Physician duties for a few weeks a year and led groups of American and European volunteers around Rwanda as well as implemented a teaching curriculum during the Hope Shines Summer Leadership Camps. It was during these years Dr. Steph took a greater interest in the health and well-being of Rwandese youth by educating annually on various health topics from hygiene and clean water to malaria and HIV. She also started doing annual health checks, tracking the growth and development of the children as well as documenting and educating on their illnesses in hopes to establish and improve healthy living.

Since 2016, Dr. Steph has stepped into a consulting role after the birth of her son. She is still very dedicated to the mission and vision of Hope Shines and hopes to bring her son AND daughter to see and meet her “Rwandese Family” and see her “Home Away from Home.” Stephanie holds a BA degree from Miami University and graduated from Medical School at Ohio University. She completed her Residency in Family Medicine and went on to Fellowship in Sports Medicine at the University of Connecticut. She is currently an Associated Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a Team Physician for the University of Colorado Buffaloes.