JUST ANNOUNCED: Hon. Christine M. Arguello Named 2025 CWCC ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient

The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) and the Colorado ATHENA Selection Committee are proud to announce that the Honorable Christine M. Arguello, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Colorado, has been named the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. This prestigious honor recognizes women who have achieved a high level of professional success, made meaningful contributions to their communities, and dedicated themselves to mentoring and developing the next generation of female leaders.

Judge Arguello’s career stands as a testament to excellence, courage, and transformative leadership. From humble beginnings in Thatcher, Colorado, to becoming the first Latina from Colorado to graduate from Harvard Law School and the first Hispanic U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Colorado, she has broken barriers and redefined what representation and leadership look like in the legal profession.

Her judicial service is marked by fairness, integrity, and intellectual rigor—earning her respect across the bench and bar. Yet, it is her commitment beyond the courtroom that truly distinguishes her legacy. Recognizing the systemic lack of diversity in the legal pipeline, Judge Arguello founded Law School… Yes We Can! (LSYWC) in 2014—a groundbreaking pre-law mentoring and leadership development program for first-generation and underrepresented college students. Since its inception, the program has supported more than 160 Fellows and 400 mentors, helping aspiring lawyers gain access to law school, professional opportunities, and lifelong networks of support.

In addition to LSYWC, Judge Arguello established the Arguello Dream Team, which brings professionals into K–12 classrooms to inspire students to pursue higher education. Through these initiatives, she has reached thousands of Colorado youth, instilling the belief that “if you can see it, you can be it.”

Judge Arguello’s service extends across civic and professional spheres, including leadership roles with the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, Colorado Women’s Bar Association Foundation, and Colorado Hispanic Bar Association. Her work has earned numerous honors, including induction into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and the American Bar Association’s Alexander Award for Pipeline Diversity.

For more than four decades, Judge Arguello has used her platform not for personal acclaim but to open doors for others. Through her trailblazing achievements, community leadership, and deep commitment to mentorship, she continues to shape a more inclusive and equitable future—embodying the very essence of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Denver Art Museum, Strum Pavilion

Event Highlights:

• Keynote address by Jonna Mendez, former Chief of Disguises for the CIA
• Inaugural CWCC Ally Award: Rob Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial Group
• 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award: Hon. Christine M. Arguello
• Special musical guests
• High-level networking with the CWCC community
• Mimosas and lunch