COLORADO WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Denver

News: On Colorado Gives Day, when 94,712 Coloradans opened their pocketbooks to the tune of $54.6 million in support of local charities, 300 civic leaders were at the Grand Hyatt’s Pinnacle Club to pay tribute to Wilma J. Webb, whose rich history of giving is marked not just by financial gifts but by immeasurable contributions to the fields of civil rights, social reform, justice and equality.

Webb received the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award, an honor the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce gave to an individual who has “Demonstrated exceptional leadership and professional excellence while helping historically marginalized people in realizing their full leadership potential.”

In a year when the CWCC received a record number of nominations, selecting Webb was an easy decision, said 2021 ATHENA Award recipient Kelly Brough. “Just look at her record of service.”

Hailed as “The definition of power and grace” and “One who has influenced national conversations on equality and social justice,” Webb served six terms in the state legislature, where her tireless efforts led to the designation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a state holiday.

In her 12 years as the first African American woman to serve as Denver’s first lady during husband Wellington Webb’s three terms as Denver’s first African American mayor, she focused her efforts on education and the arts, determined to make both accessible to wider audiences. She also supported addiction recovery programs.

“In these daunting times, we need a Wilma Webb,” said Carol Carter, founder and chief executive officer of Global MindED, the ATHENA Leadership Award sponsor. “She is fearless, persistent, a unifier, generous, a role model and someone who is compassionate and kind and one who holds others accountable at the highest levels.”

“She inspires me because she is a fighter,” added Donna Lynne, chief executive officer of event sponsor Denver Health and the 2018 ATHENA Award recipient. “And I know she has inspired thousands of others.”

Simone Ross, the chamber’s CEO, described Webb as “One of my she-roes. I’ve stood in awe of her even before I knew what standing in awe was.”

Webb reflected on her 30 years of community activism in her acceptance remarks, noting that her many accomplishments weren’t done single-handedly. “I came into it with an attitude of ‘get it done’ and a determination to represent all people and move us forward.” There were setbacks and disappointments to be sure, but she soldiered on. “You have to believe in what you’re doing because if you don’t, you won’t be successful,” she said.

Webb was greeted by a standing ovation from an audience that she described as “A room filled with people who’ve made our city, state, nation and world better places.”

The luncheon, emceed by Denver’s 7 morning anchor Anusha Roy, included an address by “happiness expert” Elle Benson.

Among the guests:

• Denver District Attorney Beth McCann

• University of Colorado Regent Wanda James

• Philanthropists Merle Chambers and Cathey Finlon

• Lobbyists RD Sewald and Josh Hanfling

• Author Helen Thorpe

• Christine Benero, president and CEO of Mile High United Way

• Lauren Casteel, the soon-to-retire chief of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado

• University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner

• Tony Salazar, vice president for outreach and engagement for the University of Colorado

• Alejandra Spray, president/CEO of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado

• Elizabeth Prutch, vice president/chief impact officer for the Colorado Nonprofit Association

About the organization: The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce is the state’s leading nonprofit advancing women’s leadership; it is also one of the nation’s largest chambers of commerce. Led by Simone Ross, the chamber provides its members with connections, resources and education – programs designed to help women in business thrive.

Website: cwcc.org

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