Marcus Weaver

About Marcus Weaver

Marcus Weaver is a transformative leader dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities. Renowned for his commitment to providing vocational training and job placement for individuals overcoming incarceration, homelessness and addiction, he has helped hundreds of individuals rebuild their lives through workforce training and mental health support. A survivor of the Aurora Theater shooting, Marcus has channeled personal adversity into advocacy, entrepreneurship and social justice. His book, “Chosen to Forgive,” addresses themes of forgiveness and growth after early childhood trauma. His advocacy work has shaped policies like Ban The Box, automatic record sealing and the repeal of the death penalty, which address systemic barriers disproportionately affecting communities of color. As the executive director of Lower the Barrier Colorado (LTBCO) his efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Juneteenth Verizon Dream Big Award. He is a member of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative and a graduate of the Black Resilience in Colorado Fund’s Executive Directors of Color program who supports youth, individuals experiencing homelessness and people working to advance their lives. His continuous stewardship has had a positive impact on communities across Colorado. Looking to the future, he envisions expanding LTBCO and The People’s Pickles into major cities while creating opportunities for sustainable change and continuing to combine social enterprise with community impact. This year, he will join The Barton Institutes’ 2025 Pathways Program, where he will work with mentors to initiate bold visions for social change. With influences from several of Colorado’s inspiring community leaders guiding his footsteps, he hopes to be remembered as a resilient survivor and advocate who used his experiences to inspire and empower others.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Lower The Barrier Colorado

   Aug 2023 — Present · US

   Lower the Barrier Colorado (LTBCO)Lower the Barrier, Not the BarFounded in 2019 and established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2024, Lower the Barrier Colorado (LTBCO) is a Denver-based organization committed to helping individuals overcome systemic barriers related to incarceration, homelessness, addiction, and inequality. Our approach blends trauma-informed care with practical solutions—housing, workforce training, employment, and advocacy.LTBCO’s flagship programs include Pathway2Progress, a six-month workforce housing initiative; vocational certifications in forklift operation, flagging, and digital literacy; and The People’s Pickles, a paid social enterprise training in food production. Participants also receive support navigating job interviews and disclosing criminal histories.Our policy work has contributed to key reforms such as Ban the Box, automatic record sealing, and repeal of the death penalty in Colorado.By the numbers:500+ served since 202185% job placement rate0% recidivism among graduatesWe believe in holding people to high standards—but only after removing the structural barriers that block their path. That’s why we say:Lower the Barrier, Not the Bar. 72••••••11 | m•••••@lowerthebarrierco.org lowerthebarrierco.org | peoplespickles.com

Education

• Pima Medical Institute-Denver

  AAS, Radiologic Science

  2004 — 2006

Skills

• Customer Service
• Non-Profits
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• Training
• Team Building
• Volunteer Management
• Nonprofits
• Community Outreach
• Program Development
• Leadership Development
• Career Counseling
• Management
• New Business Development
• Budgets
• Marketing
• Recruiting
• Small Business
• Program Management
• Social Networking
• Coaching
• Policy
• Social Media
• Facebook
• Strategy
• Leadership
• Human Resources
• Business Development
• Sales
• Public Policy
• Nonprofit Organizations