Renae Bellew
Sr. Program Director, Denver Scholarship Foundation

As Senior Program Director at the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), Renae leads the teams responsible for expanding college access, awarding scholarships, and supporting college and career success for Denver Public School (DPS) students. She manages an $11M budget and a team of 58, ensuring that over 12,000 DPS students and DSF Scholars receive critical support each year. Guided by her leadership, the foundation awards $8M+ in scholarships annually to more than 2,500 Scholars, achieving an impressive 81% college success rate.

Born and raised in Denver and a dedicated education advocate, Renae has spent her career championing equity in education. Before her current role, she served as a DSF College Advisor at John F. Kennedy High School, her alma mater, earning recognition from Stanford University for her impact. She began her career at CU Boulder’s Admissions Office, leading efforts to increase enrollment for underrepresented students.

Renae is a strategic and collaborative leader, committed to systems change through partnerships with students, educators, funders, and championing community organizations that elevate under-represented communities. A Daniels Scholar, she has been recognized as a Denver Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and is a Leadership Denver Class of 2022 graduate through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from CU Boulder in sociology and educational policies, graduating with highest distinctions.