Leader of Democracy 2026 - League of Women Voters of Colorado

HomeLeaders of Democracy 2026

Join us on June 18, 2026, as the League of Women Voters of Colorado proudly honors the recipients of the 2026 Leaders of Democracy Awards:

Ambassador Gail Schoettler, for her groundbreaking career in public service, her trailblazing role as Colorado's second female Lieutenant Governor, and her co-founding of the Women’s Bank of Denver and Children’s Museum of Denver.
Judith Wagner, for her exceptional contributions to Colorado, including co-founding the Women’s Bank of Denver, co-founding Electing Women to support women running for political office, and co-founding The Center for Women’s Health Research.

For more than a century, the League of Women Voters has stood as a steadfast guardian of democracy — nonpartisan, principled, and tireless in its commitment to empowering every voter and defending the foundations of civic life. Today, we write to invite you to join us in celebrating that legacy and the remarkable individuals who have embodied it.

This special evening is at the beautiful History Colorado Center.

Purchase your Leader of Democracy tickets HERE

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW!

Ambassador Gail Schoettler — for her groundbreaking career in public service, her trailblazing role as Colorado's first female Lieutenant Governor, and her co-founding of the Women’s Bank of Denver and Children’s Museum of Denver.

Judith Wagner — for her exceptional contributions to Colorado, including co-founding the Women’s Bank of Denver, co-founding Electing Women to support women running for political office, and co-founding The Center for Women’s Health Research.

Silent Auction Ends June 18 at 7:45 p.m.—Place Your Bids Now!

The clock is ticking on our Leader of Democracy silent auction, and every bid makes a difference. The auction closes on June 18 at 7:45 p.m., and this is your opportunity to turn your support for democratic values into meaningful action. From unique experiences to exceptional gifts, every item represents a chance to invest in the work of strengthening civic engagement and leadership. Don't wait until the final minutes—place your bids now, encourage fellow supporters to participate, and help us maximize the impact of this important fundraising event before the auction closes.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SILENT AUCTION!

Previous recipients of the Leader of Democracy award include:

Attorney General Phil Weiser
District Attorney Dan Rubinstein
Representative Brianna Titone
Representative Jason Crow
Dr. Toni Larson
Senator Polly Baca
Former Secretary of State Wayne Williams
The multipartisan Y&Z Coalition – instrumental in the drafting and promotion of Amendments Y&Z for independent redistricting.
AND MORE!

S P O N S O R S H I P S

19th AMENDMENT PRESENTING SPONSOR @ $10,000

Two tables for eight at Leader of Democracy 2026
LWVCO presentation at employee gathering of the sponsor’s choice
Title sponsor, with speaking opportunity at Leader of Democracy 2026
Prominently featured on night-of-event screen display and in the event program
Photos with honorees and attending dignitaries
Logo on electronic invitations, program, League website, and all event marketing
Article block and links in the League’s newsletter, The Voter, delivered to 8,500 informed people around the state and all members of the Colorado Legislature
Acknowledgment and link in Annual Report

Become a Sponsor

VOTING RIGHTS ADVOCATE @ $5,000 – TABLE OF 8

• 8 Tickets to Leaders of Democracy 2025

• LWVCO presentation at employee gathering of the sponsor’s choice

• Title sponsor, with speaking opportunity at Leaders of Democracy 2026

• Speaking opportunity at Leaders of Democracy 2026

• Prominently featured on night-of-event screen display and in the event program

• Photos with honorees and attending dignitaries

• Logo on electronic invitations, program, League website, and all event marketing

• Article block and links in the League’s newsletter, delivered to 8,500 informed people around the state and all members of the Colorado Legislature

• Acknowledgment and link in Annual Report

Become a Sponsor

VOTER PROTECTION ADVOCATE @ $2,500

• 4 Tickets to Leaders of Democracy 2026

• Featured on night-of-event screen display and in the event program

• Photos with honorees and attending dignitaries

• Logo on electronic invitations, program, League website, and all event marketing

• Article block and links in the League’s newsletter, The Voter, delivered to 8,500 informed people around the state and all members of the Colorado Legislature

• Acknowledgment and link in Annual Report

Become a Sponsor

VOTER EDUCATION SUPPORTER @ $1,000

• 2 Tickets to Leaders of Democracy 2026

• Featured on night-of-event screen display and in the event program

• Photos with honorees and attending dignitaries

• Logo on electronic invitations, program, League website, and all event marketing

• Article block and links in the League’s newsletter, The Voter, delivered to 8,500 informed people around the state and all members of the Colorado Legislature

• Acknowledgment and link in Annual Report

Become a Sponsor

SUFFRAGIST SPONSOR @ $500

• 2 Tickets to Leaders of Democracy 2026

• Listed in the night-of-event screen display and in the event program

• Logo on electronic invitations, program, League website, and all event marketing

• Acknowledgment and link in Annual Report

Become a Sponsor

Click here to purchase a 2026 Leader of Democracy sponsorship

GRATITUDE TO OUR CHAMPIONS OF DEMOCRACY

With deep appreciation, we thank our early sponsors for standing with us in the fight.

Your commitment fuels this movement, ensuring that democracy remains strong, protected, and accessible to all.

1 9 t h A M E N D M E N T SPONSOR

The Thiry-O'Leary Foundation

V O T I N G R I G H T S A D V O C A T E

Courageous Colorado
The Tynes Family
Nancy Ulrich

V O T E R P R O T E C T I O N A D V O C A T E

LWV Mesa County

V O T E R E D U C A T I ON S U P P O RT E R
Ann Sutton
Capitol Commons
Colorado Common Cause
Trinity Partners

S U F F R A G I S T S P O N S O R
Anne McGihon
The Oster Family

I N - K I N D
The Weekly Issue - El Semanario
Arvada Center for the Arts
Blanchard Family Wines
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood
Chicken N Pickle
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Symphony
Culture Beverage
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver Zoo
Enstrom Candies
Highland Haven Creekside Hotel
Jan Edwards
Kaladi Coffee Roasters
Anne McGihon
Meow Wolf
Native-Mode Landscaping
Noelle Phares Art
Off The Bottle
Satire Brewing
Sipping & Painting Hampden
Slagter Photography
Sterling Moon Tarot
Susan Stark
Tellus Outdoor
TeNeil Hartly Events
The Oster Family
The Plimoth
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Total Wine
Where Wood Meets Steel
Women's Wilderness