Boulder Chamber honors Women Who Light the Community

For the past two decades, the event has recognized women who have made significant contributions through innovation and have made efforts to address needs on the community, regional, national or global level.

The honorees this year were:

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• Allison Barto, Ball Aerospace’s program manager for NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope: Barto has received recognition for her contributions to the YWCA of Boulder County and dedication to education, through her time as a mentor for the “I Have a Dream” program and working with NCAR’s Engineering Experiences.
• Pam Malzbender, past president of Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County and co-chair of Zonta’s educateZ project: As co-chair, Malzbender has created several mentorship and educational programs to support multicultural youth in Boulder County.
• Janet Martin, board member for Boulder Community Health: Martin has gained the appreciation and admiration from her colleagues, community and the BCH staff for her dedication to the organization.
• Elvira Ramos, vice president of programs and inclusive leadership for the Boulder County Community Foundation: Ramos is dedicated to bringing people of color to the table and creating opportunities for a diverse population, as well as pursuing social justice and equality.
• Kathy Valentine, executive director for Collie’s Closet: Collie’s Closet is a volunteer-run nonprofit and peer education organization focused on suicide prevention and awareness. The organization has reached thousands of adolescents throughout the state under her 11-year tenure as leader.
• Naomi Graff, high school senior and 2017 Emerging Leader: Graff was named this year’s Emerging Leader for her significant community involvement, including with the Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Natural Highs and the Self Love group she leads at her school. Graff also facilitates outreach efforts for areas in Nepal impacted by flooding and earthquakes.

“This event gives us the chance to celebrate outstanding women in our community and to recognize their many contributions and inspiring leadership,” said John Tayer, president and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, in a prepared statement. “They’ve earned our admiration and demonstrated the importance of women leadership to our economy and community.”