There is a world-famous diplomat and a clinical psychologist, a groundbreaking Academy Award winner, a rancher and a former editor at The Denver Post.
For all their disparate accomplishments, these people share a common bond: They are among the 10 inductees into the 2010 class of the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, selected for their contributions to the community and ability to inspire.
“We’re just so fortunate to have so many great, inspirational women in Colorado,” said Jessi Snyder, who chairs this year’s event. “It’s a neat group of women from all different backgrounds.”
The induction ceremony will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Denver Downtown Marriott, 1701 California St.
The contemporary inductees are Madeleine Albright, a diplomat and first female U.S. secretary of state; education innovator Elinor Greenberg; clinical psychologist Maria Guajardo; Philippa Marrack, a researcher at National Jewish Health; Ramona Martinez, the first Latina president of the Denver City Council; and Jill Tietjen, an engineer, author and community activist.
Albright will be unable to attend because of a previous commitment. Stephanie Allen, a member of the hall who attended Kent Denver School with Albright, will accept the award on her behalf.
Inductees in the historical or deceased category include actress Hattie McDaniel, the first black woman to win an Academy Award; Bartley Marie Scott, a Ouray County rancher and conservationist; philanthropist Alice Bemis Taylor; and Sue O’Brien, a longtime Denver Post editorial page editor who also worked in television and served as an adviser to two Colorado governors.
When she died in 2003, Post chairman and publisher Dean Singleton called her the “conscience of Colorado.”
“She was an amazing human being,” said Post editorial page editor Dan Haley, who worked with her. “A tough journalist, yet fair and honest, and a good person who touched so many people. She was raucous and fun, and as interesting as any fictional character.”
(Trivia note: Albright also has a Post connection. While in college she interned in the newspaper’s library.)
Founded in 1985 by M.L. Hanson, a Denver businesswoman, the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame inducts up to 10 members in even-numbered years. Nominations are made by the public. With this year’s class the hall has 122 members.
Inductees have included educator Emily Griffith, Indian negotiators Chipeta and Owl Woman, civil-rights pioneer Rachel Bassette Noel, Titanic heroine Molly Brown and Israel’s former prime minister Golda Meir, who lived in Denver during her teens.
Tickets to the event are $95. They can be purchased by contacting jessisnyder@hotmail.com or visit cogreat .
William Porter: 303-954-1877 or wporter@denverpost.com
