Investing in EMERGING LEADERS
The Dottie Lamm Leadership Award
About Dottie Lamm
Former First Lady of Colorado Dottie Lamm is a legendary leader and activist. She was also a founding mother of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, making her mark as the first board chair. In 1987, we created the Dottie Lamm Leadership Award to honor her commitment to advancing opportunities for women throughout the state of Colorado.
The first Dottie Lamm Leadership Award was granted in 1988 and has been awarded annually to up-and-coming Colorado community leaders.
2022 Award Applications
Applications for the 2022 Dottie Lamm Leadership Award are open now!
We encourage women who believe in the mission and vision of WFCO and draw inspiration from the tremendous leadership of our first board chair to apply for this one-time award of $2,500. The award can be used at the sole discretion of the selected recipient.
Apply Now
Applications are due at 11:59 pm, June 17, 2022. Please contact Kaylyn Fern at kaylynf@wfco.org if you have any questions or are unable to complete the online form.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be aged 16 -21 years-old
- Live in Colorado
- Identify as a woman
- Demonstrate that they have overcome challenges and are forging a path to economic security
- Identify a Colorado organization or community resource that made a significant difference in their journey
- Be available to speak at and attend the Annual Luncheon on Friday, October 14 at 11:30 a.m.
- Provide a valid social security number or taxpayer I.D. to accept the $2,500 award (if selected)
Questions?
If you have questions about applying for the Dottie Lamm Leadership Award or volunteering as an application reviewer, please contact Kaylyn Fern, development officer, at kaylynf@wfco.org.
Meet Our 2021 Dottie Lamm Leadership Award Winner
Meet Natalie Guerra!
Every year the Dottie Lamm Leadership Award honors a young woman’s commitment to advancing and accelerating opportunities for women across the state. We celebrate her resilience and leadership on her own path to economic security.
Our 2021 Dottie Lamm Leadership Award winner is Natalie Guerra of South High School in Denver. Congratulations, Natalie! You inspire everyone you meet and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead for you.
Read her inspiring speech from our 2021 Annual Luncheon!
Meet Some of Our Past Dottie Lamm Leadership Award Winners

Ananda Birungi
Our 2019 Dottie Lamm Leadership Award winner was Ananda Birungi of Thornton High School. Read Ananda's story.

Athena Clemens
Our 2018 Dottie Lamm Award Leadership Winner was University of Colorado Boulder graduate, Athena Clemens. Learn more about Athena.