Colorado Women's Hall of Fame Nomination Process
The Selection Process
The Hall selects new inductees every two years to be inducted the following year . The Hall depends on members of the public to nominate extraordinary women. Inductees are selected by an independent, diverse panel of community members drafted from across Colorado.
The Selection Committee reviews all nominations and selects nominees for induction based on clear criteria and the strength of the nomination.
Nominate Someone
Anyone can nominate. A mix of both contemporary and historical Inductees are selected. The best way to get the attention of the Selection Committee is to have a complete, well-prepared and well-documented nomination. Refer to Inductee biographies on the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame website Inductees page to fully understand the level of achievement the Hall is seeking.
Writing a Strong Nomination: Tell a compelling, powerful story
The CWHF is looking for women who were not only accomplished in their professions and/or the community, we’re looking for those women who also raised the bar, set a new standard, opened or widened the opportunities for others, and through their positive accomplishments led the way for future generations.
Highlight essential and inspirational accomplishments while being concise. Provide context for the nominee’s accomplishments, particularly historical nominees. Expand upon why the contributions and achievements have made a difference for our communities, other women, and in their specific field. A long nomination is not necessarily better. Quality is more important than quantity. For example, a copy of every award the nominee received is not necessary; a list of awards will suffice.
- Differentiate your nominee from all others in her field. How do her contributions differ from those of other people in her field today? What makes her stand out?
- Address the criteria separately and completely. Gather information and talk to co-sponsors. Do not provide website links as they will not be used.
- The selection committee evaluates nominations solely on the information you submit and you should assume they do not know or have heard of your nominee. Do not create your own format or questions. Write a powerful and concise nomination and be as detailed and specific as possible. Proofread to avoid errors and to ensure all the information is accurate and complete.
- If you have any questions during the nomination process, contact The Colorado Women’s Hall at this email: nominate@cogreatwomen.org
Nominations Now closed for 2025
The Hall recruits an independent Selection Committee comprised of diverse community members drafted from across the state who are experts in their fields.
The selection committee presents a slate of nominees to the CWHF Board of Directors for final approval. The selected women are officially inducted at a gala induction event the following year.
Criteria for Nomination
The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame inducts contemporary and historical women with significant ties to Colorado who have:
Criteria One: Made significant and enduring contributions to her field(s) or specific life focus - scientific, cultural/societal, political, knowledge, etc.
These contributions must be exemplary with significant impact and influence on a wide-ranging audience and in their field or life focus. What difference did the nominee make that would make future generations think her achievement was outstanding? Are they normal for a woman in her field or well beyond normal? Were these achievements extraordinary within the context of the time in which it occurred? Will these accomplishments stand the test of time? Will your nominees’ achievement represent a significant and enduring accomplishment 50 years from now? If yes, nominate her. Verify your facts. Do not make assumptions. (35%)
Criteria Two: Elevated or affirmed the status of women and helped open/expand new opportunities for women and others in society with respect to their own time, place and environment.
Highlight through observable examples and testimonies how women or others were positively impacted by your nominee’s accomplishments. Describe the scope of impact from her accomplishments including the numbers of women and others who were impacted. How did the nominee and or her accomplishments enhance society’s view of women and others? What changed as a result of your nominee’s actions including status, position, rank, condition or equity for women and others? What did she accomplish that changed the future for women and others in society? (35%)
Criteria 3: Inspired others as a role model, especially women and girls, by her actions and behaviors
Highlight your nominee’s impact on others as a role model, mentor, coach, advocate or supporter. Describe specific examples of the characteristics and actions that make her a role model for others. Explore the depth, time frames, and scope of the number of women, girls and others impacted by her actions, support and sharing of resources. Provide examples of specific actions taken to advocate for and support women, girls and others and the duration of those efforts and the impact. Describe what positive and lasting changes occurred based on the nominee’s achievements locally, nationally, or internationally which demonstrates the impact of the inspiration and support. (25%)
Criteria 4: Nominee’s significant ties to Colorado (examples: lived in the state, most notable achievements here, etc.)
Highlight the Nominee’s significant ties to Colorado. Time she lived here and her most notable achievements while in Colorado.This is an extremely competitive process. Be persistent. Some inductees were nominated many times before being selected. Some of the variables that may influence selection during each review cycle are the number of applications received, the pool of women represented within professions, the level of accomplishments of the nominees, etc. If your nominee is not selected, you may submit the nomination again during the next review cycle. You may choose to strengthen the nomination by adding to it or editing it. (5%)
Completing the Form
Limited pertinent supporting documentation will be accepted. Do not attach letters of recommendation or submit extraneous supporting documentation. Extraneous documentation will not be distributed to the committee. If a person other than the nominator wishes to contribute a statement specific to questions 1-4, please add the statement, attribute it to that person, and add the statement to that specific section. Add the person’s name and contact information to the list of references and contact information.
How to submit
- Complete the nomination form fully. Incomplete or late forms will not be considered. Nominations must be submitted electronically.
- If you are putting forth two women for a single contribution, submit one nomination form on behalf of both women. You must provide complete identifying information for both women.
- Follow the format of the nomination form and do not create your own questions or format. Adherence to the form and the guidelines will ensure your nomination will receive a thorough and fair review by the Selection Committee.
- Sign the affirmation at the end of the form attesting to the validity of the information provided, to the best of your knowledge.
- E-Mail a copy of the form and a copy of all supporting documentation to the email address provided.
Please note:
- Prior to finalization of the selected Inductees, the Colorado State Historian will review and confirm the veracity of the nominations.
- Materials submitted in conjunction with the nomination will not be returned to the nominator.
- If your candidate is chosen, whether contemporary or historical, CWHF will request a large-format digital photo of the inductee. As the nominator, if the inductee is a historical figure, you will be asked to attend the Induction Gala and, if a relative or appropriate organizational individual is not available, you may be asked to accept the honor on her behalf.
Nominations are closed for 2025.
If you have any questions during the nomination process, contact
The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame at this email: nominate@cogreatwomen.org
