2022 Medal Recipients

Vanguard Legacy Medal Winner

FEDERICO PEÑA

Federico Peña has demonstrated visionary leadership and dedication to civic engagement for generations, from his tenure as a state legislator, the city’s first Hispanic mayor beginning in 1983 to holding two federal cabinet positions. Starting his career as a civil rights attorney, Peña has brought his commitment to equity and justice into his work in private equity and through serving on numerous corporate and non-profit boards. Amid a recession in the early 1980s, Federico Peña’s optimistic vision for Denver’s future through his “Imagine a Great City” campaign shaped the growth of the city. Peña pushed for significant transportation projects, which included the Denver International Airport and light rail expansion, putting Denver on the map as a “world-class city.” His administration also shepherded a new convention center, the Cherry Creek Mall, Denver Public Library, recruited Major League Baseball and supported the construction of Coors Field. His legacy is the epitome of civic engagement.

Emerging Community Leader

MITCHELL MAURO

As a former student at Pueblo’s Central High School, Mitchell Mauro is committed to bringing young leaders' voices to the forefront. His accomplishments include serving on the Mayor’s Youth Council, Student Council Class Treasurer, DECA for four years, National Honor Society President, Branch Out Mental Health Club President, and participating on the Pueblo Health Department Youth Advisory Board. Mitchell's presence on the Mayor's Youth Council amplified students’ points of view in the community; he was also instrumental in helping to develop programming for youth. He has created a strong legacy in his volunteer work for Holy Family Catholic Parish while helping to create the SoCoYoGo website, which helps youth access pro-social businesses in Pueblo County. Mitchell is currently a freshman at the University of Colorado - Denver, where he continues his bold leadership and advocacy.

Public & Community Service Medal Winner

ED PERLMUTTER

Ed Perlmutter has served in an elected capacity in the state of Colorado for 25 years, first as a state senator and more recently as the US representative for Colorado’s 7th Congressional District. Born and raised in Jefferson County, Ed has dedicated his life’s work to the community. He was elected as a Colorado state senator for the 20th district from 1995 to 2003 and subsequently to the US House of Representatives. During his 16 years in Congress, Perlmutter has worked on issues as diverse as Veterans’ care to attempting to launch a human mission to Mars by 2033. Ed’s leadership has impacted the state of Colorado immensely, including introducing 68 bills in his first seven terms. His focus on developing and disseminating renewable energy technology made him a natural fit for a congressman whose district includes the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Growth & Innovation Medal Winner

AMY SCHWARTZ & KELLY LEID, FOUNDERS OF THE STEAD SCHOOL

In 2021, Amy Schwartz and Kelly Leid, founded the STEAD School in Commerce City. Located on a 10-acre campus, the small high school is focused on continuing the metro area’s agricultural legacy through an active, hands-on STEM perspective. “STEAD,” an acronym for: Science, Technology, Environment, Agriculture, and Design; offers students an alternative to traditional classroom learning and prepares them for a future in agriculture by embracing emerging technologies and project based learning. In a state where agriculture contributes $47 billion annually to the economy and supports 195,000 jobs, preparing the next generation of Coloradans for a career in agriculture has a valuable impact for our state.

Corporate Citizenship Medal Winner

BALL CORPORATION

Ball Corporation consistently proves itself as a company dedicated to Colorado’s well being. Through corporate giving, employee giving and volunteerism, Ball logged more than 24,000 volunteer hours and donated $6.2 million last year in global community investments. Ball Corporation has supported more than 2,900 nonprofit organizations and pledged $5 million in additional funding to global communities during COVID-19. Ball’s community work focuses on four main priorities: Education, Recycling, Disaster Relief and Preparedness.

Most recently, Ball’s partnership with Mile High United Way has positively impacted the community by expanding Mile High’s 2-1-1 Help Center, which connects individuals to tailored resources in our community. Additionally, Ball’s commitment to disaster relief, preparedness during the pandemic, and response to the Marshall Fire has benefited the state of Colorado in ways the community could not have imagined. This year to support victims of the Marshall fire, Ball coordinated with the Governor's Office and contributed $1 million to the Community Foundation Boulder County to support those most impacted by the wildfire.

Colorado Mountain Leader

CLELA ROREX

Clela Rorex, who passed away on June 19, 2022, was a pioneering ally of the LGBTQ+ community. In 1975, as Boulder County Clerk, she issued marriage licenses to six same-sex couples. The move garnered widespread media attention, pushing gay marriage into the national public discourse. “I issued that [first same-sex marriage] license based on one premise — other than, of course, that it was not illegal. I was a feminist asking for equal rights, and I felt very deeply, who was I to deny equal rights to someone else asking for the same? And that was pretty much at the core of all of it and why I decided to issue those licenses.”

Clela Rorex’s career followed in her father’s footsteps: he was a county clerk in Steamboat Springs for 30 years. Her commitment to community service lasted throughout her lifetime. She volunteered at OUT Boulder, supporting the LGBTQ+ community as an ally. Today, her legacy ripples throughout the nation’s LGBTQ+ community and Colorado.