CWCC Announces The Honorable Wilma J. Webb as the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient
The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) and a selection committee of its members are pleased to announce that Denver politician and civil rights advocate, Hon. Wilma J. Webb, is the recipient of the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award.
The 26th annual award recognizes Webb’s significant accomplishments as the “first” in several political appointments and her dedication and advocacy for the Denver community.
“With this award, the committee recognizes Mrs. Webb’s legacy of breaking down barriers, promoting social justice, and empowering women, said Simone D. Ross, CEO of the CWCC. “Her contributions extend far beyond Denver and Colorado; she has influenced national conversations on civil rights, equality, and the empowerment of women and minority communities and has always made herself an available mentor to many women.”
As the first woman elected to represent House 8 in the Colorado House of Representatives, Webb served six terms in the state legislature, breaking barriers for Black women in politics. She was a champion of civil rights, equality, educational reform, and social justice and was instrumental in helping Colorado become one of the first U.S. states to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday. Webb was Denver’s first African American First Lady after her husband, Wellington Webb was elected as Denver’s first African American mayor and is the first – and only – African American woman, to date, who has served in all three levels of government. She has inspired generations of women and girls and lives the tenants of the ATHENA Leadership Award.
Webb will be recognized at the ATHENA Leadership Luncheon from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Grand Hyatt Pinnacle Club in Denver. Tickets and sponsorships typically sell out quickly and can be purchased at CWCC.org.
The event will also feature “Cultivating Happiness: Creating Intentional Thoughts, Actions, and Behaviors for Lasting Joy” a keynote address by happiness expert, Elle Benson.
This annual event seeks to provide a platform to uplift powerful voices and figures in the community who are committed to making positive changes in the workplace that meet the evolving needs of all people. The CWCC is dedicated to supporting businesses and business leaders to keep equity and inclusion at the center of their work and seeks to make Colorado the best state for women in business.
The 2024 ATHENA Leadership award recipient was selected by a group of volunteers, comprised of past ATHENA honorees, based on the following criteria:
- Excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession
- Service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
- Assist women and historically underrepresented people in achieving their full leadership potential
- Leadership traits such as authenticity, community service, and courage.
Previous ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients
- 2023: Anna Jo Garcia Haynes, Mile High Early Learning Centers
- 2022: Lauren Y. Casteel, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado
- 2021: Kelly Brough, MSU Denver
- 2020: Michelle Lucero, Children’s Hospital Colorado
- 2019: Christine Benero, Mile High United Way
- 2018: Donna Lynne, Former Lt. Governor, Colorado
- 2017: Jean Galloway, Prosono
- 2016: Dr. Dorothy Horrell, University of Colorado
- 2015: Pat Cortez, Wells Fargo
- 2014: Sheila Gutterman, Gutterman Griffiths PC
- 2013: Elbra Wedgeworth, Denver Health Foundation
- 2012: Carita Watson, IBM
- 2011: Mimi Roberson, HealthONE
- 2010: Paula Herzmark, Denver Health Foundation
- 2009: Caz Matthews, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
- 2008: Sister Alicia Cuaron
- 2007: Patricia Barela Rivera
- 2006: Olga Garcia, Coors
- 2004: Taryn Edwards, Hensel Phelps
- 2002: Patty Fontneau, TIAA-CREF
- 2001: Judy Taylor, Zenith Woman Magazine
- 2000: Joy Burns, DC Burns Realty & Trust
- 1999: Gwinavere Johnston, Johnston Wells Public Relations
- 1998: Kate Paul, Delta Dental
- 1997: Elaine Demery
About the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is a member-based non-profit organization whose mission is to provide women opportunities that better our community and economy, promote equity in the workplace, and help women grow their businesses and their careers. With a vision to make Colorado the #1 state for women in business, CWCC provides opportunities and visibility for women in business through development programs and education, mentorship, partnerships, and alliances. Visit http://www.cwcc.org for more information.
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