The Lead
In Sonya Ulibarri's eyes, International Women's Day is only half about celebration.
The other half, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver's CEO and president says, is about action.
"International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that girls and women make across the globe," Ulibarri says, "and throughout Women's History Month, we recognize that these achievements are not new but have been made by women throughout history.
"IWD is also a call to action to continue the work toward gender equity, highlight the challenges that women and girls face locally and globally, and progress toward a more just and safe world for women and girls."
Perhaps it is in that spirit that the Broncos have announced a donation of $20,000 to four nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving girls and women in the Denver area. The contribution is part of the Broncos' Empowerment Summit Digital Learning Series, which is included in the Inspire Change program that began in fall of 2020.
The four groups — Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, Latinas First Foundation, Women’s Bean Project and the Women’s Foundation of Colorado’s Women & Girls of Color Fund — will each receive a $5,000 donation. What each organization shares is a commitment to serving girls and women in the areas of entrepreneurship, social enterprise, cultural and historical education, and the advancement of economic security for women of color.
Judi Diaz Bonacquisti, executive director of the Latinas First Foundation, notes that the culture of communal care is essential.
"Women are a powerful force, especially when we support one another," Bonacquisti says. "Elders and madrinas pass wisdom to younger generations to ensure our future builds on the experiences of those who blazed trails. When women advance, we do not advance alone. We bring our families and communities with us."
With that in mind, Diana Dominguez, a production assistant at Women's Bean Project, will approach Monday's holiday by "slowing down to acknowledge and express gratitude to all the women who paved the way before me."
More than that, she also wants to use the day to help those who come after her.
"Giving us the ability to shine will help us influence future generations," Dominguez says, "and show them that they can do whatever they want."
Still, the primary effect of the donations to these four groups will be to impact the present, as Renee Ferrufino of the Women's Foundation of Colorado says.
"International Women's Day is an important holiday that recognizes the immeasurable contributions women make to society, while also recognizing that women across the globe still face so many barriers to equal opportunity," Ferrufino says. "This year is no exception — the global pandemic disproportionately impacted women and their ability to provide for their families. Yet, women made up the majority of essential workers and caretakers. By using this moment in time to create awareness on behalf of women, we are inspiring others to take action."
Below the Fold
Mel Kiper Jr. isn't the only NFL Draft expert who sees the Broncos warming to the idea of trading down. In a new mock draft, fellow ESPN analyst Todd McShay projected a similar move, as Denver traded back to pick No. 12 after a deal with the 49ers. Like Kiper, McShay envisioned the Broncos selecting cornerback Caleb Farley after the move down.
