Spring 2026 Elevate Newsletter

Message from the Executive Director & Board Chair

Dear Inductees, Supporters and Community Members,

We’re delighted to welcome Nan Fisher as the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) Board Chair. After six years of dedicated service as Treasurer, Nan stepped into the Chair role in January 2026. We’re grateful for her leadership and excited for what’s ahead.


Together, our CWHF community celebrates the accomplishments of Colorado women and inspires the next generation of girls and boys. 
Thank you for the passion, partnership, and support that make this work possible.


As I reflect on my six years serving as Board Chair, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such inspiring women, including our incredible Inductees and the Board of Directors. Their leadership, dedication, and achievements continue to motivate and uplift those around them. I’m also deeply thankful for the support of our corporate and community partners, whose commitment helps us advance our mission and make a meaningful impact together.


Thank you for the passion, partnership, and support that make this work possible.

As I step into my new role as Executive Director of the Hall, I look forward to continuing this work alongside Nan and all of you.


Warmly,

Barb Beckner CWHF Executive Director

Nan Fisher, CWHF New Board Chair

As we mark Women’s History Month this March, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Colorado women whose leadership, courage, creativity, and resilience have shaped our state and enriched our nation’s story. In this historic season of CO150 and US250—honoring 150 years of Colorado statehood and 250 years since the founding of the United States—we reflect on the essential role women have played in forging our shared past and inspiring our future. We invite our supporters and communities to join us for special event programming this year, including our Honoring HERstory: Changemakers celebration on March 25, 2026, and other opportunities to learn, connect, and commemorate the extraordinary contributions of women throughout Colorado’s history. Together, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and empower the next generation of women leaders.


Nan Fisher,

CWHF Board Chair

On Wednesday, March 25, We Invite You to Join Us For 
Honoring Herstory: CWHF Changemakers

An evening dedicated to uplifting the voices, 
stories, and enduring impact of our Inductees.


Moderated by fellow inductee Jill Tietjen, the conversation will explore leadership, perseverance and the responsibility of shaping what comes next. Through their reflections, we will honor past achievements and consider how their experiences can inform and inspire the next generation of Colorado leaders.


Read More on the CWHF Website


Where: RTL Foundation - 2900 Welton St. Ste 200, Denver CO, 80205

Time: Doors open at 5:30 - Program starts at 6:30

Light appetizers & wine

Tickets are $25 each

The Evening will feature a distinguished 
panel of CWHF Inductees:

Celebrate Women's History Month with "Great Colorado Women" Films airing on RMPBS in Denver


40 Years Writing Women Into History

Sunday, March 15, 05:00 pm on RMPBS DT1


Lena Archuleta: Building a Community of Belonging

Sunday, March 22, 05:00 pm


Joan Birkland - A Colorado Sports Legend

Thursday, March 26, 07:30 pm

Friday, March 27, 12:30 am on


Lydia Pena: A Life of Faith and Service

Sunday, March 29, 05:00 pm


Visit RMPBS website

The Year Ahead: 2026

Preparing to Celebrate Historic Milestones

2026 promises to be a truly special year as we join Coloradans everywhere in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary (US250) and Colorado's 150th year of statehood (CO150). These once-in-a-generation commemorations provide the perfect backdrop to highlight the complete and inclusive story of Colorado's greatness and prominently feature the visionary women who have helped build and strengthen our state. The Class of 2027 will be announced in summer 2026 as part of these statewide observances, with induction gala scheduled in March 2027.


Upcoming Events and Sponsorship Opportunities

We have a variety of engaging events planned throughout the year to connect our community,

share inspiring stories and empower the next generation of leaders. Annual sponsorship

opportunities are available to support our programs, educational efforts, events and outreach.

Your partnership helps us amplify these legacies and continue our vital work. For more details on

events or sponsorships, please visit our website or contact us at info@cogreatwomen.org


The importance of continuing this work cannot be overstated. By recognizing and sharing the

profound impact of Colorado's extraordinary women, we inspire future generations of girls and

women to dream boldly, lead with purpose, and make their own lasting contributions.Together,

we preserve these legacies and ensure they light the way forward.

Welcome New Board Members

Louanne Saraga-Walters

I joined the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame because empowerment is a cornerstone of my personal values, and I believe in the transformative power of our state’s female trailblazers. By honoring these remarkable legacies, we provide a vital roadmap for the next generation to recognize and embrace their own limitless potential. This organization is a profound testament to the strength of women championing women, ensuring that today’s achievements inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Kim Sasko

When women lead, they don’t simply break barriers—they redraw the map for those who follow.

I’ve joined the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Board to promote and advance the incredible successes accomplished by the women who have been inducted into this organization, May their stories inspire generations of women in Colorado, and across the nation, to lead with intelligence, courage and passion to change the world.

Elisabeth Mansfield

I joined the Board for the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame to contribute to an organization with a great mission of recognizing the accomplishments of Colorado women. I hope to contribute by uplifting more Colorado women, preserving history and inspiring future generations of women to shape the future. 

Jason Mundell

It is an honor for me to serve on the Board of the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. I am drawn to this organization as it celebrates and amplifies the contributions and stories of the great women that have shaped our state's history. I am deeply committed to advancing the Hall's mission through meaningful education, engagement and support.


Thank You to Our Newest Cultural Partners:

Please consider a donation to the 
Colorado Women's Hall of Fame!

Current and new annual sponsors are invited to contact 
CWHF Executive Director Barb Beckner

at executivedirector@cogreatwomen.org to renew or upgrade their sponsorships for 2026 and continue advancing the mission and impact of the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.

Cultural & Community Partners

Colorado Women's Hall of Fame

 info@cogreatwomen.org

www.cogreatwomen.org

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