Phoenix Rising: The 2021 Awards Reception

On Saturday October 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m., the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce will host Phoenix Rising: The 2021 Awards Reception, at the McNichols Civic Center in Denver, CO.

This year’s award winners include Representative Naquetta Ricks, winning the title of Government Official of the Year. She has sponsored bills such as the Immigration Legal Defense Fund, a bill that, “awards grants from the fund to qualifying nonprofit organizations that provide legal advice, counseling, and representation for, and on behalf of, indigent clients who are subject to an immigration proceeding.”

Another winner includes Charles Jordy, taking the title of Business Community Leader of the Year. You might recognize his name from Jordy Construction, whose website boasts, “Jordy Construction is proud to be a Certified LGBT Diverse Supplier designated by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.” He has worked alongside organizations such as One Colorado, We Don’t Waste, and Colorado Health Network.

Last but not least, Kelly Brough—president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce—has won the title of Allied Person of the Year.

“Kelly Brough is focused on putting more Coloradans to work—in really great jobs. It’s a clear call to action that’s driven this CEO from higher education to City Hall to the Chamber. Kelly has worked to advance our state and find opportunities for improvement, whether it’s advocating for P-20 education reform, implementing ground breaking programs like 3-1-1 and pay for performance for the City and County of Denver or consulting on dispute resolution for local governments.

“She’s directed an internationally recognized leadership program, been the chief of staff to then-Mayor John Hickenlooper and was the first female director of human resources for the City and County of Denver—in a common theme, she was also the first female snow plow driver at Stapleton International Airport and the first female CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber. Though born and raised in a small town in Montana, she’s Colorado to the core.”

If you haven’t already, you can register for the awards reception here.