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LADD FOUNDATION

We help kids build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset—for sport and for life.

Helping Youth Thrive—In Every Way

We want them to be curious, courageous, and kind. To chase their passions, make mistakes, and grow from them. To define success on their own terms, handle pressure with strength, and lead with compassion. Above all, we want them to know they are deeply loved—and that the power to shape their future starts in their own mind.

 

At the heart of the Ladd Foundation is a deep, personal commitment to supporting youth and giving back to the communities that shape us. Inspired by lived experience and driven by purpose, we believe every young person deserves access to the tools, resources, and support systems that allow them to thrive—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

One Mission. Many Voices. Real Impact.

Our mission is to empower youth by addressing the challenges that stand in their way. Whether it’s mental health and wellbeing, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, physical wellness, environmental concerns, or the fight against poverty, we show up where we’re needed most.

 

Our flagship initiative, 1616, is a bold step toward lasting, positive change for the next generation. With compassion at our core and community in our DNA, the Ladd Foundation is committed to building a stronger future—one young person, one act, and one community at a time.

Board of Directors

Peter Hassen

Connor Carrick

Mike Hamfelt

Laura Leffelaar

Sheila Ohlsson Walker

Peter Hassen

Peter Hassen

Pete Hassen is a seasoned sports marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in branding, fan engagement, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. Known for blending creativity with business acumen, Hassen has shaped impactful campaigns and brand strategies across the sports, entertainment, and media industries. As Co-Founder and CEO of NILENT Enterprise Solutions, he leads the development of a groundbreaking educational platform that equips student-athletes for success beyond the game, focusing on financial literacy, mental health, personal branding, and career development.

 

Before launching NILENT, Hassen played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Chicago Blackhawks’ brand, contributing to what Forbes called the “greatest turnaround in sports business history.” He led the team’s marketing and communications vision, developed award-winning campaigns like “One Goal,” and helped secure major partnerships with brands such as Anheuser-Busch and BMO Harris Bank. Hassen lives in Glencoe, Illinois, with his wife Kate and their son Clayton.
Connor Carrick

Connor Carrick

Connor Carrick is a 12 year NHL/AHL veteran. He is an open minded and open hearted craftsman trying to see how to best grow professionally while loving his experience as a person and family man. He is ever the Curious Competitor, evidenced with his Podcast’s name.
Mike Hamfelt

Mike Hamfelt

Mike Hamfelt is a purpose-driven entrepreneur with a proven track record of scaling his own business. He now works with organizations to align vision and strategy, helping them scale and achieve their long term goals. Mike brings his business and strategic planning expertise to the foundation with the goal of helping shape and execute a clear strategy that maximizes the foundation’s impact.

 

Outside of his professional work, Mike is a proud husband and father of three. He enjoys quality time with his family and stays active through hockey, golf and coaching his kids youth sports teams.
Laura Leffelaar

Laura Leffelaar

Laura Leffelaar is a Calgary-based leader and coach who applies decades of experience in the leadership, development, and educational space. She champions and challenges development as the Director of Foundations at the Meta Performance Institute and as an Executive Coach with Novus Global since 2017.

 

She uses her skills and passion in developing humans with an intuitive and nuanced agility that spans new coaches, professional athletes, Fortune 500 executives and Hollywood magic-makers. Her deep understanding of coaching work has led to her own 6-figure coaching practice, and her strength in connection and intuition has created a marked ability to lead and develop this capacity in others.

 

Laura lives in Calgary, AB, Canada. She and her husband Dan, are raising three incredible kids (14, 12, and 9) and love to spend time hiking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains.
Sheila Ohlsson Walker

Sheila Ohlsson Walker

Sheila Ohlsson Walker, Ph.D., CFA, is a former competitive tennis player turned behavioral genetics researcher, dedicated to promoting healthy youth development through sport. She champions the transformative power of athletics as a form of experiential learning that cultivates physical literacy, resilience, and social intelligence. Dr. Walker supports parents, coaches, and mentors in creating enriching, empowering environments that foster lifelong mental and physical well-being in young athletes. Her work includes teaching, speaking, writing, and supporting organizations that expand access to high-quality sport experiences.

 

Dr. Walker began her career in finance after earning a B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado and her CFA designation. She later earned her Ph.D. in Behavioral Genetics from King’s College London and has since applied interdisciplinary science to youth development. She holds academic appointments at Tufts, Johns Hopkins, and George Washington University, and plays key leadership roles in numerous sport, wellness, and philanthropic organizations. Based in Denver, she is the proud mother of three sons and enjoys tennis, hiking, yoga, travel, and time with her two goldendoodles.

No One Should Be Left Out of the Game

1616 delivers life-changing lessons at no cost, so every kid has a chance to grow. Your support keeps it that way.