Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2020

As March was winding down, what better time to honor and induct the (very patient) Class of 2020 into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame? The 2022 CWHF Induction Gala was a fitting finale to Women’s History Month, an opportunity to publicly recognize the achievements of the 2020 honorees after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the pause button on their official celebration.

Class of 2020 inductee Guadalupe Briseno (left), with Susie Hoggatt

On Wednesday, March 30, the evening began with a reception for around 600 supporters at the Seawell Ballroom lobby at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, followed by a festive dinner upstairs. The 2020 Class is made up of six contemporary women and four historical figures representing a spectrum successes and inspiration. The Class of 2020 contemporary inductees are: Katherine Archuleta, Lupe Briseño, Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Velveta Howell; Marianne Neifert, MD, MTS; and Gale Norton. They are joined by historical Colorado women: Mary Lou Anderson, Dr. Alida Cornelia Avery, Elizabeth Piper Ensley and Carolina Gonzalez.

(l to r): Sam Theil, Carly Sorenson, board member Patti and David Theil, Jackie Theil, Eric Winter, Julie Lundy, Tammy Laushey, Kim Sasko and Hal Shearer

Every two years, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame inducts contemporary and historical women who have significant ties to Colorado, and have made a difference for women and girls through their courage and leadership. Since its founding in 1985, the CWHF has inducted 162 women from a variety of races, backgrounds, socioeconomic levels, career paths, political philosophies and religious beliefs for their outstanding contributions to society. The lives of these extraordinary women embody what can be achieved with passion, commitment, grit and the grace to stand tall in the face of obstacles. Their contributions span Colorado’s colorful and storied history, reaching all four corners of the state, and have spread to touch our nation and the world. Class of 2022 inductees will be announced in May. For more information, please visit: https://www.cogreatwomen.org. But first, meet some of the guests who stopped by the step-and-repeat area for a quick photo.