Boulder Chamber Announces 2024 Women Who Light The Community Honorees

For decades, the Boulder Chamber has hosted the Women Who Light The Community signature event, a tradition honoring the extraordinary contributions of businesswomen in the Boulder Region. This event goes beyond an evening of awards and fellowship; it’s a celebration of the remarkable, passionate women who tirelessly drive positive change and make a dedicated impact across our community.

Each year, six honorees are selected from a pool of peer-nominated businesswomen, representing leadership from across sectors, including business, nonprofit, education, arts, and local initiatives. These honorees were selected for being trailblazers whose innovative approaches are shaping Boulder and beyond.

This year’s honorees share a common goal: a dedication to changing our community and our world through leadership and passion. Their work lights the way for future change and a strong, inclusive future for all, inspiring us all to make a difference.

2024 Women Who Light the Community Honorees:

Adderly Grant-Lord, NAACP Boulder County, and AdderlyArt

Adderly Grant-Lord is an attorney, mentor, community board member, and accomplished artist. She has made significant strides in advocating for healthcare and the representation of the BIPOC community through her initiative, “Black Futures In Art.” Through her efforts, Grant-Lord has transformed narratives surrounding BIPOC artists in predominantly white spaces, making a lasting impact on the community. Her artistic work carries profound messages of identity, culture, and resilience. Adderly’s contributions continue to inspire, leaving a mark on Boulder and beyond.

Ava Hamilton, Arapaho Nation Independent Motion Pictures and Film Professional

Ava Hamilton, a respected Arapaho elder, has profoundly impacted numerous communities in Boulder, sharing the timeless wisdom and invaluable lessons of Indigenous knowledge. She is an independent documentary producer, historian, and an avid fighter for climate justice. Through her work, she has partnered with the Museum of Boulder, University of Colorado Bioneers, local gardeners, Right Relationship Boulder, and The Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Ava has dedicated herself to bridging the gap in Boulder, which was once Arapaho land, fostering mutual understanding among its diverse communities.

Jena Griswold, Colorado Secretary of State

Jena Griswold is Colorado’s 39th Secretary of State and was elected in 2018 as the youngest to hold the role in the United States. She graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania and subsequently received two prestigious fellowships: the Watson Foundation Fellowship and the Penn Law International Human Rights Fellowship. She has consistently focused on legislation that helps small businesses while also focusing on voting reform, even establishing a voter hotline for anyone needing help translating their ballot.

Sandra Weeks, Blue Spruce Construction Services

Sandra Weeks has worked in the Boulder County area for thirty years, helping to shape diversity and inclusion along the way. In 1997, Weeks started Blue Spruce Construction Services. Her company is consistently named one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses in Colorado, a Top 25 Boulder County General Contractor, and one of the Top 250 Private Companies in the State of Colorado. Recognized for her community service by the YWCA and Rotary Club, she is impassioned by being hands-on in the community. Additionally, Sandra serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Chautauqua Association and TGTHR.

Sarah Meshak, Boulder Community Health

Sarah Meshak has been an impactful leader in the Boulder County area for several years. She’s practiced healthcare law for over thirty years, joining many community boards along the way. She was both a board member and Board Chair for People’s Clinic, she joined the Community Mediation Project as a mediator, Boulder Valley Women Health Center as a Board Chair, and most recently serves as Board Chair for the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Sarah is known for her dedication to her employees and active engagement in important programs and initiatives in Boulder. 

Tyler Jacobs, Emerging Youth Honoree

Tyler Jacobs is a strong leader with a natural pull towards community engagement. As a regular volunteer at The New Local nonprofit, she also runs a nonprofit of her own, ‘The Period Pal Project’, alongside her mother. While working on the student council at Boulder High School, Tyler recognized the increasing need for accessible feminine products. She addresses this need through ‘Period Pals’ and advocates for social change. 

You’re invited to join us in celebration on September 10 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Boulder as we honor these world-changing leaders. Your ticket will include engaging networking, appetizers, dinner, dessert, and drinks.

Tables are available for purchase and include front-of-the-room seating, company designation, and special recognition of your support. This is an opportunity to bring your company and celebrate women who are inspiring change in our community while hearing their stories of impact, innovation, and change.

Register today to confirm your spot at this evening of inspiration and honor!

Women Who Light The Community is presented by Corden Pharma.