Winter 2026 Elevate Newsletter

Message from the Executive Director

Happy New Year!

Dear Inductees, Supporters and Community Members,

As we begin this momentous year, I am writing to share exciting updates and opportunities from the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame (CWHF).

Our mission remains steadfast: to inspire by honoring, sharing and educating about the enduring contributions of Colorado's extraordinary women whose courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion and creativity have shaped our state and beyond.

Call for Nominations – Class of 2027

We are actively seeking nominations for the Class of 2027!

This is your chance to recognize and honor exceptional women who have made significant,

lasting impacts on Colorado and elevated the status of women in our communities.The deadline

for submissions is February 1, 2026. Nomination forms and detailed guidelines are available

on our website at www.cogreatwomen.org/inductees/nominate. Nominations are welcome from

individuals or organizations statewide, and we especially encourage submissions that reflect the

full diversity and regional breadth of our great state.

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.

Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. I encourage you to nominate a deserving

woman today — time is short — deadline is February 1!

With Gratitude and Inspiration,

Barb Beckner

Executive Director,

Colorado Women's Hall of Fame

Connect with Barb at executivedirector@cogreatwomen.org

Nominate Now - Deadline February 1, 2026

Individuals are encouraged to submit your nomination of an extraordinary woman for the Class of 2027 by February 1, 2026. Together we can honor and uplift the women whose achievements have shaped our communities and our state. 

Spotlight: Inductee Sue Anschutz Rodgers, Class of 2008, 
Cuts Ribbon at Livestock Center at National Western Stock Show

Anschutz-Rodgers: I wouldn’t trade growing up in rural America for anything

"She predicts that land under conservation easements and, thereby protected from development, will be much higher in value and sought after in the coming years and decades."

We offer our sincerest thanks to the Anschutz Foundation 

for their generous grant supporting the statewide CO150 celebration in 2026. These funds will enable us to honor this milestone, and the women who helped shape our state, with meaningful impact.

Spotlight: Inductee Cleo Parker Robinson 
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) open in January, 2026

A Black Cultural Anchor in Denver

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD) was founded to educate, celebrate, and honor the African Diaspora and African American experience. Established in 1970, CPRD emerged from the Black Arts and Civil Rights movements and is now one of the largest arts organizations of color in the Rocky Mountain Region and western United States.

Spotlight: Inductees Velveta Golightly Howell, 
Dusti Garrison Gurule, Jill Tietjen, P.E.

"The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame marks its 40th anniversary this year, and today we're commemorating this milestone, talking with three remarkable inductees who’ve shaped Colorado through activism, engineering, community building and fierce advocacy. Velveta Golightly Howell is the founder and CEO of Sister-to-Sister, an international network of professional African American women. Jill Tietjen is an electrical engineer, author and former president of the Society of Women Engineers. And Dusti Gurule is president and CEO of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights."

The Colorado Women's Hall of Fame was selected for a Merit Grant from the El Pomar Foundation!

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 Partners

Colorado Women's Hall of Fame

 info@cogreatwomen.org

www.cogreatwomen.org