The morning of April 20, 1999, Colorado Communicator of Achievement Marilyn Saltzman’s life changed forever. Two armed teenagers strode into Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, and shot and killed 12 fellow students and a teacher and wounded 26 others. Marilyn, then a school district communications manager, was “in the center of that storm,” [...]
When the highest level of government was intent on suppressing the truth about the environmental damage inflicted by the actions of humankind, forbidding phrases such as “climate change,” “global warming,” carbon footprint,” and “greenhouse gas emissions” to appear in federal websites and publications, Karen Pochert Petersen spoke up. After her first thought of quitting her [...]
At the University of Colorado-Boulder in the mid-1960s, Sandy Michel decided to study advertising in the journalism school. First, though, she was required to take an introductory newswriting class. Her focus changed: Newswriting was more creative than she expected and she put advertising aside. “I decided I’d rather write about people than products,” said Sandy, now [...]
Veteran journalist and award-winning author Donna Bryson decided to become a reporter in her teens – after giving up her childhood dream of being a tightrope walker! Donna’s work for The Associated Press has taken her to Europe, Africa and Asia. She has written two acclaimed books. Her byline has appeared in top publications including The [...]
In work spanning more than 45 years, Ruth Anna has ardently defended the First Amendment and Colorado’s open records laws as a board member of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, led both CPW and NFPW as president, founded Anna Public Relations Consultants – shepherding a wide range of clients – and volunteered for many community [...]
Carol Anderson is Colorado Press Women's 2016 Communicator of Achievement. Her career demonstrates, yet again, that a journalism degree can take its holder into wide-ranging professional realms. Much of Anderson's career has focused on involving more people in local and regional issues that affect them. She has been a firm believer in encouraging diverse people to [...]
In a wide-ranging career spanning more than 40 years, Barbara "Bobbi" Gigone compiled an impressive list of "firsts." First regular female news reporter at the Boulder (Colorado) Daily Camera First public information officer for Boulder County First director of the county's newly formed Department of Community Services In addition to her professional achievements, Bobbi has given [...]
Sandy Graham has parlayed a successful journalism career into grant writing for a beloved Colorado institution, the Children's Museum of Denver. While the transition may have surprised some people, Sandy saw it has an opportunity to use her research, interviewing and writing skills for a great cause. Despite only dabbling in small-time fundraising at her children's [...]
An editorial innovator, inspiring leader, patience of a saint, the most ethical person I know, walks her talk, a big heart, extraordinary sense of humor. This is how colleagues and friends describe Mary Alice Parmelee, Colorado Press Women's 2013 Communicator of Achievement. The award, given annually, recognizes a member who exemplifies professional achievement, community service and [...]
We all know what two molecules of hydrogen and one of oxygen make. For Colorado's 2012 Communicator of Achievement Gay Porter DeNileon, H2O has made the main ingredient in her successful career. Graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Gay landed a dream job that involved H2O in all its [...]
