Dear Friends and Supporters,
On behalf of the entire Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) family, thank you for joining us as we celebrate the 47th Annual Tribute to Black Women. It is truly an honor to welcome you to this momentous occasion.
We are living through a time of intense political division, targeted rollbacks of civil rights, and renewed attacks on the progress Black women have fought hard to achieve. But let me be clear: we will not be silenced. We will continue to rise, organize, and advocate. We will keep fighting— not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.
Since our founding in 1977 by 13 visionary Black women, including the late State Senator Gloria Tanner, CBWPA has remained steadfast in our mission: to create a powerful platform for political engagement, advocacy, and leadership development—centered unapologetically on Black women. Nearly five decades later, we are still here, expanding a legacy rooted in justice, equity, and self-determination.
This year’s theme, “The 92: Rest, Resist, Repeat,” reflects the unwavering resilience and brilliance of Black women. It speaks to the rhythm of our survival, our strategy for liberation—and our sacred right to rest. In these demanding times, it also calls us to prioritize self, to reclaim wellness as a political act, and to resist in ways that are sustainable and life-affirming. Today, as we uplift trailblazers, advocates, and changemakers, we reaffirm our collective power, purpose, and possibility. Your presence and continued support make this vital work not only possible—but unstoppable.
We are especially proud to welcome our keynote speaker, Symone Sanders-Townsend—Anchor, Strategist, Author, and Advocate. Her voice, courage, and clarity embody the spirit of this moment and the heart of our mission.
To our Board of Directors, Planning Committee, Youth Committee, volunteers, interns, and the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel team—thank you for your tireless commitment in bringing this event to life. And to our honorees—congratulations. Your leadership lights the path forward.
Thank you for standing with CBWPA. Thank you for believing in the power of Black women. Together, we honor our past, shape our present, and fight fiercely for our future.
Bianka Emerson, JD President, Colorado Black Women for Political Action
The Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) is deeply committed to building an infrastructure of opportunity that empowers Black women and youth to reach their full potential. Through our programs, we create pathways for growth, leadership, and community transformation. The impact of these initiatives demonstrates the importance of continued support and funding.
POLITICS 101: VOTER EDUCATION FOR EMPOWERMENT
This signature initiative goes beyond election season. Politics 101 offers foundational education on how the political process works—from local to federal levels. It helps firsttime and returning voters become informed participants in democracy by breaking down ballots, policies, and procedures in an accessible way.
GIRL, GET YOUR VOTE ON!
CBWPA’s bold call to action, “Girl, Get Your Vote On!”, pays homage to the most consistent voting block, energizing Black women to exercise their political power at the polls. With voter registration drives, election-day resources, and community mobilization, we make civic engagement joyful, visible, and powerful for all.
YOUTH & LEADERSHIP
CBWPA hosts programming that blends wellness, mentorship, civic engagement, and advocacy. These programs provide safe, empowering spaces for young people to share their stories and translate leadership and advocacy into human-centered narratives.
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP FOR OUR TIMES
CBWPA’s Political Leadership for Our Times program is a multi-week training program designed to prepare emerging leaders for civic engagement, campaigns, and public service. Participants gain skills in advocacy, organizing, and policy leadership—building the next generation of political changemakers.
Becoming a member of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) means joining a powerful statewide network of leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are shaping the future of Colorado. Anyone can join—allyship is important and necessary to the work that we do. As members, we:
Prioritize Civic Engagement & Advocacy – We set bold policy agendas, testify at the legislature, and fight for issues that matter most to marginalized communities.
Build Community & Connections – From member happy hours to networking opportunities, we create spaces where meaningful relationships thrive.
Think Global, Act Local – Our impact stretches beyond Colorado. We’ve hosted international women’s delegations, including leaders from Vietnam, the Mayor of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, global women in leadership, and Angela Alsobrooks—one of only two Black women in the U.S. Senate.
Live Our Motto: “We Do Politics!” – Whether it’s grassroots advocacy, civic education, or elevating women’s voices in decision-making spaces, CBWPA members are on the frontlines of progress. As a member, you gain access to advocacy opportunities through interactions with political leaders and organizations. We work in partnership with the people engaged in this vital work.
By becoming a member, you not only gain access to a vibrant community of leaders but also help drive meaningful change for Black women, girls, and communities across Colorado.
Join Today!
Welcome
President, Bianka Emerson
Invocation / Blessings
Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr. President and CEO | Iliff School of Theology
National Black Anthem
Dinner
Presentation of Awards
President, Bianka Emerson & Vice President, Youth & Faith Chair, Noel Emerson Napue
Toast to Honorees
Mark-Bright Neba
Keynote Speaker
Symone D. Sanders Townsend
Celebrating Our Impact & Youth Summit
Call to Action
Simone Ross
President’s Award
President, Bianka Emerson
Benediction
Noel Emerson Napue
Symone Sanders Townsend has never been one to wait her turn. A powerhouse in politics and media, she has spent her career breaking barriers, shaping national conversations, and using her voice to advocate for change. From campaign war rooms to the White House to the anchor desk, Symone has made her mark as a strategist, communicator, and trusted political analyst.
Her meteoric rise began in 2016 when, at just 25 years old, she became the youngest presidential press secretary in history while working on Senator Bernie Sanders’s campaign. Her sharp political instincts and commanding presence earned her a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of 16 Young Americans shaping the 2016 election. But that was just the beginning.
By 29, she had published her first book, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America, and played a pivotal role as a senior advisor in President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. Shortly after, she made history once again, joining the Biden-Harris administration as Deputy Assistant to President Biden and Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris—the first Black woman to ever hold that position.
Beyond the political arena, Symone has always been passionate about problem-solving and social justice. Before stepping onto the national stage, she was a fierce advocate for juvenile justice reform, serving as the national chair of the Coalition of Juvenile Justice Emerging Leaders Committee. She later launched her own consulting firm, helping clients navigate the complex intersection of politics, policy, and public messaging.
Her voice has also resonated across major media platforms. A former CNN political commentator, Symone brought her signature blend of insight and straight talk to television before making the leap to MSNBC, where she launched her own show, SYMONE. Today, as co-host of The Weekend, she continues to provide essential analysis on the most pressing issues facing the country.
In addition to her work in politics and media, Symone has been deeply involved in academia, serving as a resident fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for Politics and Public Service, Harvard’s Institute of Politics at the Kennedy School and the University of Southern California’s Center for the Political Future. Through these roles, she has mentored the next generation of political leaders, sharing insights from her career at the highest levels of government and media.
A North Omaha Nebraska native, Symone has been recognized for her contributions with numerous honors, including an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from American University and Black Enterprise’s Luminary Award at the Women of Power Summit. She is a proud member of the Cherry Blossom (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and when she’s not on-air or in the halls of power, she enjoys life in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Shawn Townsend.
Through every chapter of her career, Symone Sanders Townsend has remained a force—challenging conventions, shaping discourse, and ensuring that the voices of everyday people are heard at the highest levels.
BLACK WOMEN’S SUMMIT
The Black Women’s Summit is a powerful, intergenerational gathering focused on uplifting and activating Black women and young girls to lead in every arena of life. Rooted in the belief that Black women deserve spaces that center our voices, with advocacy at its core, the summit primarily focuses on Mental Health & Wellness, Reproductive Justice, Entrepreneurship, Economics & Wealth Building.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Annually, we recognize Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, focusing on closing the racial and gender wage gap through salary negotiation workshops, policy advocacy, and financial empowerment. During Black August, we honor the legacy of Black freedom fighters and the Civil Rights Movement by supporting Black-owned businesses and developing our annual Black Agenda—a policy blueprint presented to the Colorado Black Caucus. Together, these efforts reflect CBWPA’s unwavering commitment to economic justice, political power, and liberation for Black women across Colorado.
OUR PHILOSOPHY: WE DO POLITICS.
At CBWPA, our philosophy is simple yet powerful: We do politics.
Many people say, “I’m not into politics.” That’s fine—but politics is into you. Every law, every policy, every decision made in the halls of power impacts your daily life. That’s why we engage, educate, and empower. When we help a Black woman succeed, she strengthens her family. When families thrive, entire communities rise. Exposure, opportunity, and impact are the pillars of our programming. And with your continued support, we will expand this vital work—not just for today, but for generations to come.
BIANKA EMERSON - President, CBWPA
LORI COLLIER - Luncheon Chair
BRITTNI JOY WEST-WARE - Communications Chair, CBWPA
GEORG HILL - Georg Hill Management
BRITTANY WINKFIELD
RUBY JONES
INTERN | KHALEIGH REED
JORDAN BLAIR
NOEL EMERSON
STEPHANIE WATSON LEWIS
LYNN NEELY
HELEN BRADSHAW
CORNELIA DOCKINS
KELLEY FLEMING
VITA BROWN
EMPOWER MEDIA EXCHANGE
PROFESSOR MADIAMA MBAYE - Videographer
JODY GILBERT - Kolorgraphix | Program Design
TURBO PRESS - Program Printing
PRETTY PAGES - Website Design
SPOTLIGHT COLORADO - Online Registration
The Renée Crown Wellness Center, CU Boulder
Jazzmyne
NIKKI SWARN
Youth Roots
SHANA from Compound of Compassion
African Leadership Group (ALG)
VICTORIA KYAKUWA
PANELS & PANELISTS
HEALTH & WELLNESS
“Becoming The Best Me: Mind, Body & Soul”
Nikki Swarn
Dr. Alexis Toussaint
Candace Strother
Monica Badgett
Michelle Simmons
POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
“Show Up or Shut Up: Claiming our Seats at the Table”
Hon. Elbra Wedgeworth
Marlo Hampton
Taishya Adams
Congresswoman Brittany Petterson
ADVOCACY 101
“My Voice, My Power: Turning Passion into Policy”
MiDian Shofner
Wanda James
Regina English
Sade Cooper
Elizabeth Wamukoya
JoAnne Franklin
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
“FROM THE ‘TA-TA’S TO THE ‘WOO HA’: PROTECTING OUR WHOLE SELVES"
Vanessa Davis-Warner
Toni Gifford
Alynsia Howard
Ariana Sims
Dr. Oswaldo Grenardo
ECONOMICS & WEALTH
"MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY: SECURING THE BAG & THE BLUEPRINT"
Aisha Weeks
Michelle Adams
Nicole Wright
Rosine Bouobda
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
"VISION TO ACTION: BUILDING YOUR LEGACY NOW"
Sumayyah Emeh-Edu
Lisa Sullivan
Fatima Dickerson
A huge thank you to Youth Roots, The Renée Crown Wellness Center, Shana from Compound of Compassion, African Leadership Group (ALG), and Victoria Kyakuwa for helping
make this year’s Youth Summit such a wonderful and impactful event. And most importantly, thank you to all the incredible young ladies who attended, you are the reason we do this work! Your voices, energy, and leadership inspire us all. The future is bright because of you.
Remember to always keep your cape off and keep your crown up high.
Thank you,
Noel Emerson Napue, Youth Chair Jordan Blair, Recording Secretary
With heartfelt gratitude, we thank our Sponsors, Community Partners, and Donors whose generous support makes the 47th Annual Tribute to Black Women Luncheon possible.
IDA B. WELLS
Casel & Associates/Butler Snow DEN Xcel Energy
MENTOR/YOUTH
Denver Kids vs. Big Tobacco & Classique, LLC
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity & Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Community College of Aurora (CCA)
Deb & Liz SEIU
COMMUNITY TABLE
Doublewave
Black Resilience in Colorado Fund/BRIC FaithBridge Black Caucus
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Junie Joseph
Lori Collier Events
Denver Urban Spectrum
Cobalt (Dani Newsum)
V Thomas Jones Enterprises
Women of Aurora
Black Star Communications Haynes and Garnett
DONATIONS
Mommy Does All The Things
Colorado Black Round Table CHASE
Top Teens of AmericaTop Ladies of Distinction
Black Girl Vitamins
Bomani Beauty MD
The Candy Lady Cosmetics
PRODUCT & SERVICE PARTNERS
Encore
Sheraton Hotel
Lori Collier Events
JODY GILBERT - Kolorgraphix
PRETTY PAGES - Website Design
EMPOWER MEDIA EXCHANGE
