CONGRATulations TO the 2024 Medal Recipients

VANGUARD LEGACY MEDAL

Honoring a community leader who has made transformational contributions to the community throughout his or her career.

Ed Dwight is a trailblazer in art and aerospace who has left a lasting mark on Colorado and beyond. Invited by President Kennedy in 1961 to become the first Black astronaut, Dwight narrowly missed selection but later found his calling as a sculptor, creating powerful works that celebrate Black history, including the Martin Luther King Jr. monument in Denver’s City Park. In 2024, at the age of 90, he finally achieved his astronaut dream by going to orbit with Blue Origin.

Dwight’s work in sculpture and space exploration reflects his lifelong commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring others. As an artist, he has created a legacy of public art that honors civil rights and historical figures, making significant contributions to the cultural landscape. His recent space flight adds a remarkable chapter to his story, embodying perseverance and the pursuit of dreams at any age.

Ed Dwight’s journey from pioneering space efforts to becoming a celebrated sculptor illustrates the impact of determination and vision. Through his art and advocacy, Dwight continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars and contribute to a more inclusive and reflective society.

Nominated in partnership with

HISTORY CENTER COLORADO

EMERGING COMMUNITY LEADER MEDAL

Recognizing a young community leader who has demonstrated excellence and made a positive impact on their school and community.

Rayan Elhahan is an inspirational leader and recent graduate of DSST Montview, entering her first year at Stanford University. With a vision to contribute to the reconstruction of Sudan’s healthcare system and enhance diversity in American medicine, Rayan has been a trailblazer in her community. Selected for the Medical Career Collaborative (MC²) during her sophomore year, Rayan was the only Black and Muslim student in her department. This experience motivated her to found the Healing Hands Collective at her school. This initiative hosted bi-weekly meetings and organized field trips, creating a supportive space for students interested in healthcare.

Rayan’s leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards from organizations such as the Daniels Fund, Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), Access Opportunity, and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Her nominator praises her courage and impact: “Many students have experiences similar to Rayan where they feel unworthy or unrepresented in the spaces they enter. However, few students find the courage to do something about it. Rayan is an incredible leader at school and in her various communities, and does so in a way that inspires and unites those around her.”

Rayan’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces and advocating for representation in medicine sets her apart as a leader who not only envisions change but actively works to make it a reality. Her dedication to her community and her drive to make a global impact through healthcare demonstrate the powerful influence of youth leadership and the importance of representation in all fields.

Nominated in partnership with

THE BOETTCHER FOUNDATION

GROWTH & INNOVATION MEDAL

This award is given to an entrepreneur who has led with exceptional ingenuity and growth while inspiring and creating new possibilities among all in our state.

Dr. Vinay Nair has revolutionized the fintech landscape through his leadership as the founder of TIFIN, a platform that merges technology and finance to deliver personalized financial solutions. With a background that includes a PhD in finance and economics from New York University and experience as a finance professor at The Wharton School, Nair combines academic rigor with practical industry insights. Under his guidance, TIFIN has pioneered innovative approaches to wealth management, utilizing AI and machine learning to transform how individuals interact with financial services.

Nair’s commitment to inclusive innovation extends beyond his business ventures, as he mentors and advocates for diversity in the fintech industry. His dedication to fostering creativity and growth has not only positioned TIFIN as a leader in its field but also influenced the broader financial landscape in Colorado and beyond. Nair’s vision exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change and create new possibilities in the financial sector.

Nominated in partnership with

ENDEAVOR COLORADO

PUBLIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL

Honoring a government or community leader who serves the public through innovation, operational excellence and progressive vision.

Dr. Katy Anthes served as Colorado’s Commissioner of Education from 2016 to 2023, where she led the state’s K-12 system through significant reforms and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for her inclusive leadership, Anthes navigated the complexities of a politically diverse state board, positioning the Colorado Department of Education as a supportive partner to school districts. Her efforts during the pandemic ensured stability and continued access to education across the state.

After stepping down, Anthes chose to focus on bridging partisan divides in education, working with the Public Education and Business Coalition to train school board officials in constructive collaboration. Her dedication to fostering dialogue and consensus has made a lasting impact on Colorado’s educational landscape, exemplifying how leadership and a commitment to unity can drive meaningful change in public education.

Nominated in partnership with

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER: SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP MEDAL

Recognizing a Colorado-based company that has made a significant positive impact in the community through its culture, vision and execution.

Under the leadership of President and CEO Tory Bruno, United Launch Alliance (ULA) drives technological advancements in aerospace while investing deeply in community engagement and education. Headquartered in Denver, ULA's mission is to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world, with a vision to harness the potential of space for the benefit of humanity. ULA embodies values of inclusivity, innovation, and ethical responsibility, creating a diverse and forward-thinking workforce that strives to explore further into space for future generations.

Through their annual Celebration of Giving, ULA employees volunteer their time and expertise to inspire young minds with STEM-focused activities. By engaging in hands-on projects such as building model rockets and sharing space missions, ULA’s outreach leaves a lasting impact, encouraging children to pursue STEM skills that will drive future innovation. ULA's community contributions include donating over $100,000 annually to Mile High United Way, supporting local organizations, and participating in Back to School supply events and holiday meal collections for Denver-area families.

ULA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, exemplified by their pledge to The Space Workforce 2030, aimed at increasing the representation of women and underrepresented groups in aerospace careers and leadership. ULA's employee resource groups further this commitment by promoting inclusion for employees identifying as LGBTQ+, African-American, female, veteran, and more, enhancing both professional development and community involvement. ULA’s dedication to inclusivity was recognized with the 2023 Equality 100 Award, achieving a perfect score for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Through visionary leadership and a strong community focus, ULA is not only advancing aerospace technology but also investing in the minds and futures of the next generation. By integrating their corporate values into community and educational initiatives, ULA and its employees are making a profound and positive impact on Colorado and beyond.

Nominated in partnership with

MILE HIGH UNITED WAY