Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inducts Class of 2020

Posted: Lisa Perry

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.

: Kim Woody and Kelsey Schuler

: Patricia Acuna (left) and Caro Acuna

: Daryl Padilla and Janelle Padilla

: Patricia Acuna (left), Bobby Bennett and Caro Acuna

: (l to r): Sophie Martinez, Mayzie Mayfield, Jessi Swanson, board member KD Sirek and Bradi MacSlayne

: Daphne Rice-Allen (left) and Beverly Renfro

: (l to r): Shirley Bankston, Brenda Natt and Carol Kobobel

: (l to r): Kim Woody, Jacee Elbeck and Kelsey Schuler

: Sherlenia Mitchell

: Rev. Thomas Cross and Michelle Howard

: Board member Trina and Mike Baldock

: Relaxing at the reception

: Checking out a display at the reception

: Elena Townsend (left) and Dr. Mary Wilkerson

: (l to r): Aubrey and Mara Additon, Karon Kelly, Sally Sievers and Chris Kelly

: (l to r): Elaine Seegmiller, Aubrey and Mara Additon, Karon Kelly, Sally Sievers, Chris Kelly and Teresa Williams

: Jose Briseno, inductee Guadalupe Briseno (center) and Barbara Briseno

: Jose Briseno, inductee Guadalupe Briseno (center) and Barbara Briseno

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

: (l to r): Rudy Briseno, inductee Guadalupe Briseno, Susie Hoggatt and Jose Briseno with father and brother cutouts…both were unable to attend.

: Rudy Briseno, inductee Guadalupe Briseno and Ciarra Briseno Bruno

: Hall of Fame inductee Guadalupe Briseno and Robert Schermer

: (l to r): Susan Pena, two gala guests, Teina O’Connell, Pamela Rouch, Courtney Tanguma, Samantha O’Neil

: (l to r): Susan Pena, two gala guests, Teina O’Connell, Pamela Rouch, Courtney Tanguma, Samantha O’Neil

: Samantha O’Neil (left) and Courtney Tanguma

: The reception crowd at the Seawell Ballroom lobby

: (l to r): Sam Theil, board member Patti and David Theil, and Jackie Theil

: Hal Shearer and Kim Sasko

: (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

: Kris Craven (left), with Richard Lewis and Brittany Ray

: Looking dapper: Marvin Earle (left) and Richard Lewis

: Theresa Szczurek

: Jennie Gael Fleurant (left) and Shereen Hill

: (l to r): Jennie Gael Fleurant, Shereen Hill, Elena Townsend

: Paul and Donna Miller

: (l to r): Brenda Lucero, Sonya Potter, Ana Barrera

: Sophie Russell (left) and Abigail Fennell

: (l to r): Leticia Mota, Judi Diaz Bonaquisti, Eveline Vega-Ferrales, Juanita Chacon, Angela Davidson

: (l to r): Danita Vigil, Laura Morales, Michelle Munden, Maria Gonzalez

: (l to r): Kelly Cavin, Brianna Marshall, Nicole Davis, Jennifer Weinberger, Jenny Young, Kimberly Lucas, Annie Abraham, Courtney Douglas, Kaylee Maresh, Sherri Partlow

: Jennifer Dunn group

: Katherine Ehringer and Tony Kovaleski

: Board member Neva Martinez

: Michael Erickson and Cat Jensen

: Paula Worley (left) and Dr. Kelly Cranciger

: Alpine Bank at the reception

26 Jun

Women's Foundation Pueblo Summer Soiree

Posted: Pam Cress

Education+advocacy+commitment= success.

That is the basic premise in the message delivered as the Pueblo chapter of The Women’s Foundation held it’s annual Summer Soiree at the Pueblo Community College Fortino Ballroom on Sunday.

Guests enjoyed a 5-course dinner and wine pairing. Local leader, public servant, philanthropist and community leader Kathy Farley was honored for her lifelong efforts to encourage, mentor and serve as a role model for women in service, politics and public action.

The Women’s Foundation President and CEO Lauren Casteel was on hand to underscore the mission of giving women a path to opportunity. Pueblo Community College President Dr. Patty Erjavec also imparted much the same message in welcoming guests and supporters to the PCC campus for the event.

Perfect examples of the success equation were Emma Robinson and Brooklyn Micheli, who were part of the Girls’ Leadership Council. Emma spoke of her experiences there and background of the GLC was given by trustee Trish Orman.

Event Chair Ashley Valdez closed out the program, which had double the number of attendees from the previous year.

Founded by philanthropist Swanee Hunt of Denver 26 years ago, The Women’s Foundation has granted nearly $500,000 to the Pueblo community. Recipients include programs at Pueblo Community College, Colorado State University-Pueblo, the YWCA, Pueblo Boys and Girls Club, El Pueblo . . . An Adolescent Treatment Community and others.

The Women’s Foundation has put special focus on STEM programs for girls and young women. For more information, log on to www.wfco.org.