Women of MSU Denver Leadership Panel & Networking 2024

Event |Women of MSU Denver Leadership Panel & Networking
Date | Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Time: |
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Check-in and Social
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Leadership Panel
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Networking and Social
Location | Aerospace & Engineering Sciences Building – Lobby and Patio

Description | Join us during Homecoming 2024 for the 4th annual Women of MSU Denver Leadership Panel and Networking event. The Breaking Barriers Panel will spotlight the remarkable stories of women who shattered the glass ceiling and emerged as trailblazers in their industries. We will celebrate their pioneering journeys as the first in their fields, honoring how they paved the way for future generations of women leaders. The panel will also highlight the significant impact these leaders have had on their organizations and industries, showcasing their enduring legacy and influence.

The panel will be followed by a Q & A and time for networking – or just socializing if you prefer!

Free parking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for all attendees.

Event Contact: Brandi Rideout [email protected]

 

Moderator: Alejandra Colmenero ’15

Panelists:

Senator Polly Baca

Senator Polly Baca served in both the Colorado House of Representatives (1975-1978) and the Colorado Senate (1979-1986). She was the first woman elected to chair the Democratic Caucus of the Colorado House (1977), the first woman of color and first Hispanic woman elected to the Colorado State Senate (1978-1986), the first Hispanic woman in the U.S. to be nominated by a major political party for the U.S. Congress (1980 Democratic Party Congressional nominee), and the first Hispanic woman to co-chair two National Democratic Conventions (1980 and 1984). Sen. Baca was also the first person of color to be elected to the Colorado State Legislature from Adams County (1974). She served as Vice Chair of the National Democratic Party for eight years, from 1981 to 1989.

Sen. Baca has worked for three Presidents of the United States. She was a Public Information Officer for a White House Agency during the Lyndon B. Johnson Administration, was the Rocky Mountain States Coordinator for President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 Presidential campaign, and was Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton for Consumer Affairs and Director of the United States Office of Consumer Affairs. Sen. Baca served as a National Co-Chair of Catholics for Obama in 2012 and National Co-Chair of Catholics for Biden/Harris in 2020. At the 2016 National Democratic Convention, Sen. Baca served as the Colorado Whip Captain for the Hillary Clinton for President campaign.

Susana Córdova

In June 2023, Susana Córdova was named Colorado’s 18th education commissioner and the first Latina to hold the state’s top education position. Prior to being named commissioner, Córdova spent more than 33 years in education. She served as an assistant principal, principal, director, chief academic officer, chief schools officer, and deputy superintendent before becoming the superintendent of Denver Public Schools. She also served as deputy superintendent in Dallas ISD, the second-largest district in Texas. Dr. Córdova has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction/education administration from the University of Colorado Denver, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Southern Methodist University.