In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Women’s History Week. Since 1995, every U.S. president has designated March as Women’s History Month—an opportunity to reflect on both progress and the work that remains.
In 2026, that tension is clear. Women have made meaningful gains in representation, leadership, and legal protections, yet significant challenges persist. In recognition of International Women’s Day, the United Nations described this moment as one in which women and girls have never been “closer to equality—and never closer to losing it.” While protections and opportunities have expanded in many countries, rights are also being rolled back in plain sight, and women still do not enjoy equal legal status globally.
Today, only 28 countries are led by women. In the United States, 155 women serve in Congress, including 26 senators, and the country has the highest number of female governors in its history. Here in Colorado, women benefit from some of the strongest reproductive rights protections in the country and play a central role in the workforce. Still, persistent inequities remain—from income gaps to disparities in health, education, and safety across race, ethnicity, and geography.
The Posner community has long played a role in advancing protections, expanding opportunity, and uplifting women and girls. That work continues today—driven by organizations and leaders committed to building a more equitable and just future. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re proud to highlight just a few members of the Posner community and the impact they’re making every day.
Beyond the numbers: Check out how the Posner community is helping to write the story for Colorado and beyond:
🗣️ Sharing Stories & Shaping Narratives For Women & Girls
Through storytelling and creative expression Motus Theater is helping ensure that voices are not only heard—but centered. In recent work, they’ve highlighted stories that challenge dominant narratives and elevate lived experience as a form of power.
This month Motus brought forward stories of Asian adoptee identity across cultures, the experiences of parents of trans and nonbinary adults, and narratives that highlight the importance of connection and compassion for immigrant communities.
🛠️ Making a Difference Every Day with Essential Services
Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) and Voluntad are making a difference every day for victims and survivors of human trafficking. Together, these organizations provide critical services to individuals and communities most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation—crimes that disproportionately impact women, girls, and trans and nonbinary individuals.
LCHT operates Colorado’s statewide 24/7 hotline, connecting people to the support, resources, and referrals they need. Since 2018, the hotline has received more than 8,000 calls—serving as a lifeline for individuals across the state. Voluntad provides essential, survivor-centered services that support healing, stability, and long-term empowerment.
Together, these organizations are working alongside communities across Colorado to prevent trafficking and address its root causes. Their collaboration within the Posner Center is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when organizations come together to confront complex challenges.
🌱 Nourishing Families & Communities
Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is one of the largest independent networks of food-producing gardens in the country. Across Denver, DUG’s community spaces serve as sites of nourishment and connection—where access to food, land, and education supports women and families in meaningful, tangible ways.
DUG supports more than 200 community gardens and food forests throughout the Denver metro area. Yet the need remains significant: according to the City of Denver, approximately 15% of residents experience food insecurity, and two-thirds of those individuals report that access to healthy, fresh food is financially out of reach.
Through its work, DUG helps expand access while fostering independence, resilience, and dignity for communities across the city.
🚀 Preparing for the Future
From workforce development to education, organizations like TechNation and Zero Dropouts are building pathways for long-term equity—ensuring women and girls are prepared not just to participate in the future, but to lead it.
Zero Dropouts provides innovative programming ranging from GED preparation for 16–20-year-olds to individualized support for high school students recovering academic credit, as well as guidance for those pursuing postsecondary education. TechNation works to break down barriers for internationally trained professionals by connecting their skills to meaningful opportunities and strengthening Colorado’s tech talent pipeline.
Together, these organizations reflect how the Posner Center community is empowering women and girls to access opportunity and shape the future.
⚽ Empowering the Next Generation
Sometimes the most meaningful lessons are learned through play. Soccer Without Borders (SWB) creates belonging through soccer, education, and community—supporting young people both on and off the field.
For more than 20 years, SWB has provided opportunities for underserved youth around the world, with a focus on refugee and immigrant communities. Their holistic approach centers the whole person, offering not just athletic development, but the tools, support, and connection young people need to thrive.
To date, SWB has reached more than 60,000 youth from 122 countries, speaking 112 languages—demonstrating the power of sport to build confidence, community, and a sense of belonging.
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that progress is not guaranteed—it is built, protected, and advanced through collective action. At Posner, that work is happening every day through organizations that are expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and advocating for a more equitable future. Women’s history is not just something we reflect on each March—it’s something we continue to write together.
This is just a snapshot of the incredible work being done everyday. Stay connected with us so we can help share your stories. Members can receive our monthly newsletter, and share events, job opportunities and more. Not a member? No problem! Become a member today.