Dusti Gurule, director of Denver’s Latina Initiative has received a national award in recognition of her work to promote leadership among Colorado’s Latinas. Gurule is one of 21 leaders selected for their accomplishments. She will be honored at the annual “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” gala, sponsored by Women’s eNews.org in New York City on May 7. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado applauds its grantee’s achievement.
Gurule’s work builds awareness among Latinas about the importance of voting, engages Latinas in public policy discussions, and encourages Latinas to pursue leadership opportunities. One area of measurable impact is voter turnout. The Colorado Latina electorate nearly doubled between 2004 and 2008, rising from 8 percent to approximately 15 percent of Colorado’s voting population.
“We recognize the influential role Latinas play as leaders and role models in their families and circles of friends. By using Latinas as an entry point into their communities, we more effectively engage Latinos in electoral politics and in the policy discussions that impact their lives,” said Gurule. “I am so excited that the Women’s eNews.org award acknowledges the importance of this work. It is a tribute to the original vision of Katherine Archuleta, who founded the Latina Initiative to more fully engage and empower Latinas.”
The defeat of Amendment 46, which sought to eliminate equal opportunity programs for women and minorities, was a 2008 election victory fueled in part by the Latina Initiative’s outreach activities. The Latina Initiative has registered more than 10,000 people to vote and helped more than 1,000 people gain citizenship through civic education classes. It also addresses pay inequities related to gender, race, and ethnicity through its involvement with the Pay Equity Commission.
The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado makes annual investments in the Latina Initiative through its civic engagement funding program. “We are so proud of Dusti and the incredible accomplishments she’s made. It is a great honor to be affiliated with Dusti and the Latina Initiative, a strong and influential partner in our common mission to advance equality for all people,” said Denise Whinnen, deputy director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund.
About the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado
The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado was established in 1996 as a project of the Gill Foundation. It has invested in hundreds of nonprofit organizations that share the fund’s commitment to advancing equality and improving quality of life for people across Colorado. With more than $22 million of investments in arts and culture, civic engagement, healthy families, and public broadcasting programs, the fund maintains and enriches Colorado’s cultural heritage, strengthens the ability of Colorado families to thrive, and prepares our state’s young leaders for tomorrow’s challenges. The organization is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. More information can be found at www.gayandlesbianfund.org.