Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame is accepting nominations

STATEWIDE — The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) begins its “Call for Nominations” for its next group of extraordinary women to be inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Representing the “Class of 2018,” up to 10 women will be inducted in March 2018 during a special celebration in their honor. The August 1 deadline for nominations is fast approaching.

Every two years, the CWHF inducts contemporary and historical women with significant ties to Colorado who have made enduring and exemplary contributions to their fields, elevated the status of women and helped open new frontiers for women and society, and inspired others, especially women and girls by their example.

“Women, and especially young girls, need role models who share a similar drive and vision in life, education, business, and personal development,” says Betty Heid, chair of CWHF.  “Too many of today’s girls and young women still struggle with low self esteem, the deeply rooted belief that they “can’t,” or that certain obstacles are insurmountable. Having role models to study, emulate, and help them find ways to succeed is critical in women being able to create a healthy, happy, productive future for themselves.”

Since 1985 the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame has inducted 152 women of various races, backgrounds, economic levels, career choices, political philosophies, and religious beliefs united by their outstanding contributions to society.

The lives of these extraordinary women are shining examples of what can be achieved with passion, commitment, spirit, and the willingness to stand tall in the face of obstacles. They are trailblazers, visionaries, women of courage, glass-ceiling breakers, innovators, and rule changers in all walks of life. Their contributions span Colorado’s colorful and storied history, reach to its four corners, and have spread to touch the nation and the world.

They are teachers, doctors, scientists, politicians, social activists, bankers, newspaper publishers, philanthropists, humanitarians, authors, a symphony conductor, a former prime minister, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, a jurist, a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, an historical preservationist, a true Western pioneer, an aviation pioneer, a former Miss America, and a Cheyenne princess, to name a few. While some are well known throughout Colorado and the nation, others are pioneers in their small communities.

Nominations are generated by members of the community who put forward a wide variety of extraordinary women. These nominations are evaluated by an independent selection committee comprised of diverse citizens from around the state who are experts in their fields. Six contemporary and four historical into the Hall must meet the following criteria:

Women who have made enduring contributions in their field

Elevated the status of women/girls

Helped open new frontiers for women and society

The Hall believes that individuals, businesses, and organizations that submit nominations for the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame send a strong message that women and their contributions matter.

Nominations are due by August 1. Tips and more information about the selection criteria as well as nomination forms are available to download at: http://www.cogreatwomen.org/inductees/nominate/