Ray Aguilera Honored as 2023 Milton E. Proby Inductee |
On August 3rd, El Pomar’s Elevating Leadership Development program honored Ray Aguilera (1942-2021) as the 2023 Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room Inductee. Each year, the contributions of an African American/Black, Asian Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American individual from Southern Colorado who embodies the ideals of civic involvement and leadership is memorialized through a ceremony and induction into the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Room at Penrose House.
This year's inductee, Ray Aguilera, was a proud Mexican American, who dedicated himself to the Bessemer neighborhood and greater Pueblo community by committing to real change through youth education, civic engagement, and community stewardship. As Founder and President of Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation (PHEF) from 1988 to 1999, Mr. Aguilera helped provide scholarships for low-income, minority students, organized financial aid workshops for participants, and raised millions of dollars for Pueblo high school students to attend colleges and universities. Ray Aguilera served on multiple boards and in public positions contributing to the well-being of Southern Colorado, including Pueblo City Council, Education Commission of the States, and Caring for Colorado Board.
|
Kathy Loo Recognized with 2023 Julie Penrose Award |
El Pomar Foundation is excited to announce Kathy Loo as the 2023 Julie Penrose Award recipient. The award is presented annually to outstanding women who, like Julie Penrose, have made or are making significant contributions to their communities in Colorado through leadership, engagement, and service.
Partners from across the state nominated outstanding women in their communities, and Kathy Loo was selected based on the breadth and depth of her leadership and service as well as the enduring impact she has left on her community. Kathy has been involved in the Colorado Springs community since 1961. She served on Colorado Springs City Council for six years and has invested her time in various organizations including Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, and The Nature Conservancy. Kathy will be honored during El Pomar Foundation’s annual Night of Excellence event in October.
|
Outstanding Organizations Celebrated as Part of El Pomar's 85th Anniversary |
El Pomar CEO Kyle Hybl delivers Trustee Memorial grant check to Junior League Board President Carrie Kelly |
This summer, El Pomar staff are delivering checks to four outstanding organizations: Catholic Health Initiatives Colorado Foundation, Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Junior League of Colorado Springs, and Boys and Girls Club of the Pikes Peak Region. Each year, El Pomar’s Trustees choose an organization to recognize with a Trustee Memorial grant in honor of a past Trustee.
In celebration of El Pomar’s 85th anniversary, the Foundation is recognizing four organizations this year with $8,500 grants in honor of founders Spencer and Julie Penrose. These organizations were chosen because they were El Pomar’s first four grantees after its founding in 1937 and continue to provide meaningful resources and impact to the community today.
|
El Pomar Announces Staff Changes |
Top Row (Left to Right): Sarah Woods, Matt Bedee, Kevin Wynn, Michael Budler
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Dakota Hurst, Jackson Parsons, Katie Baca
|
Recent staff changes at the Foundation include:
Sarah Woods has joined El Pomar’s leadership following her promotion to Associate Vice President and Curator of Historic Properties and Archives.
Matt Bedee has embarked on his retirement journey after more than 30 years of service to the Foundation, which led to the following updates: Kevin Wynn has been promoted into the role of Facilities Supervisor, Michael Budler was promoted to Facilities Technician, Dakota (“Kody”) Hurst was promoted to the role of Caretaker at Shrine of the Sun, and Jackson Parsons has joined staff as Shrine Assistant.
Finally, Katie Baca has joined the Foundation as Staff Accountant
|
Interns Gain Exposure to Philanthropic Sector |
Interns Luke St. John, Mahnoor Rehman, Arleth Rodrigues and Courtney Rael outside Penrose House |
In May, El Pomar welcomed four Interns as part of the Internship Class of 2023: Luke St. John, Mahnoor Rehman, Courtney Rael, and Arleth Rodrigues. Over the past three months, Interns have gained exposure to the philanthropic sector, program administration experience, and leadership development training. Interns supported the Foundation’s Investment and Communications Offices, as well as programs, including Elevating Leadership Development and Regional Partnerships. Thank you to all our Interns for their hard work this summer! |
|
Pikes Peak
Heritage Series
to Host Water Event August 30
|
El Pomar's Pikes Peak Heritage Series, in partnership with Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and Colorado Springs Utilities, will hold a panel discussing the past, current, and future state of water in the Pikes Peak region and Colorado on Wednesday, August 30 from 3:30-5:30 pm in the Garden Pavilion at Penrose House Conference Center.
The event, Moving Upstream: Protecting Our Water Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow, aims to educate and bring awareness to how our community and its leaders are working to effectively distribute and conserve our resources to ensure a sustainable water future.
|
Grantee Spotlight: Solid Rock Community Development Corporation |
El Pomar is proud to support Solid Rock Community Development Corporation as a 2023 Ferrand Fund recipient for their Civic Ambassadors Program, which aims to prevent youth violence by providing youth opportunities to make a difference in the community. Learn more about Solid Rock’s work in youth services, one of the organization’s many initiatives supporting a revitalized Southeast Colorado Springs. |
Penrose Heritage Museum Hosts Family Exploration Day |
In June, El Pomar’s Penrose Heritage Museum hosted a fun Family Exploration Day. Families connected with Pikes Peak region history, heard the engine of the 105-year-old Broadmoor Special race car roar, met race competitor Andy Kingsley and sat in the cockpit of his Porsche race car, and climbed inside a historic carriage. It was the perfect kick-off to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later in June. Thank you to the more than 225 who attended! |
85th Anniversary Road Tour Spotlight:
La Puente, Alamosa
|
We are continuing our Road Tour in celebration of both our 85th anniversary and 20th anniversary of the Regional Partnerships program. We’re having a rewarding summer on the road, visiting our 11 regions across the state and celebrating 85 years of giving. Check out this photo from a visit to La Puente Home in Alamosa, a nonprofit in the San Luis Valley that provides a network of services to those in need, including shelter, housing, and food.
|
|
