Donna Evans named Girl Scout Woman of Distinction

Girl Scouts of Colorado, Denver Service Center announced that Westminster resident Donna Evans, president & CEO, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, has been named as a 2009 Woman of Distinction. Evans, along with 19 other outstanding women, was selected by her peers for her professional accomplishments, leadership and community contributions. Women of Distinction are positive role models who inspire girls to achieve their own goals and dreams.  They volunteer their time and commit their financial resources to Girl Scouts.

Evans assumed the leadership role for the Colorado Women’s Chamber (CWCC), one of the largest women’s chambers in the nation, in 2007. During her tenure, CWCC membership has significantly increased, and the chamber now offers popular new programs that are tailored to assist women meet their professional and business goals. Prior to the chamber, Evans was at the Downtown Denver Partnership where she played an important role in the downtown community. At the partnership, she guided important initiatives, including the highly successful panhandling program, “Give a Better Way Campaign,” which reduced downtown panhandling by more than 90 percent. She participates on the LoDo District Board, the LoDo Economic Development Council and Government Affairs Council. She also serves on The Denver Metro Chamber Public Affairs Board and Marketing Committee and The Denver Metro Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Marketing Committee. Evans received a BA from the University of Northern Colorado and a MS from Regis University.

Girl Scouts of Colorado inaugurated the Women of Distinction program in 1997. To date, 348 women have been named to this esteemed honor. The Women of Distinction event is widely regarded as one of Denver’s premier philanthropic programs, bringing together women dedicated to raising funds to bring the Girl Scout leadership experience to all girls in the community. Since its inception more than $2 million has been raised.

The 2009 honorees will be recognized this fall at the Women of Distinction event chaired by Barbara J. Kelley, 2008 Woman of Distinction and a partner at the law firm of Kamlet Reichert, LLP, and Sharon Haley Linhart, 2004 Woman of Distinction and managing partner, Linhart Public Relations. This year’s “Take the Lead” event will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex.