Be Bold, Janet!

On Nov. 13, 2007, Janet was pleased to receive a "Be Bold" award from the Women's Foundation of Colorado. She was one of 20 Coloradoans who were honored for their commitment to the well-being of women and children in the state on the occasion of the foundation's 20th anniversary. Jeanette and Eric joined us for part of the celebration. The award received lots of publicity (e.g., here and here). All of her friends and family are very proud!

Janet Beardsley's Remarks

The Women's Foundation of Colorado

Nov. 13, 2007

I am deeply honored to receive this meaningful and prestigious award. I admire the vision and mission of the Women's Foundation of Colorado and feel proud to be a part of a courageous contingent of Colorado women who have been bold enough to forge new opportunities for women and girls in our state.

The camaraderie that I feel with the other 19 Be Bold Award winners is undergirded by the pride I take in my own Boulder community for its 85 years of loyalty and support for the YWCA of Boulder County.

I hasten to point out that in Boulder the initials YWCA stand for You, Women, Children, All of Us. I particularly like receiving the Be Bold Award, because I often refer to our community YWCA as the Bolder Boulder of nonprofit organizations—for our daring work in empowering women and girls and eliminating racism.

I also want to thank my family for their support of what has become my life's work. I particularly want to acknowledge my 16-year old daughter, Emily. Emily, I dedicate this award to you.

From the time she was small, Emily has stood by my side, sharing the joys, tears, sorrow and laughter of my work. Sometimes I get on a roll—I can spin rapidly from bold to bolder to boldest. Emily can rein me in with her favorite admonition, "Oh, Mom, you are so embarrassing!" Youth can help the boldest among us stay humble.

I also want to acknowledge the dedicated donors in the audience tonight whose 20 years of financial contributions have grown the Women's Foundation and supported the work of the Be Bold Award winners. The YWCA has been a recipient of your generosity, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication and your dollars.

A little bit of money sustains our hope. Substantial support gives us results. Changing lives requires ongoing financial commitment. Thank you for 20 years of being bold!