May 30, 2025 11 AM to 2 PM
Noor Event Center Aurora, Colorado
Rosalind J. Harris
Denver Urban Spectrum Publisher
Welcome, and thank you for joining us today for the 2025 Colorful Stories: See Me, Hear Me Luncheon, a celebration of stories marked by tribulation, courage and triumph.
The inaugural Colorful Stories Luncheon took place on November 3, 2018, commemorating the 10th anniversary of my mother’s passing. She was a victim of elder abuse, and we honored her life by sharing her story and the colorful stories of four other courageous women. Though the pandemic temporarily prevented our plans to host the event annually, we are thrilled to begin again. We recognize the importance of sharing these inspirational stories as a means of empowering others and strengthening the belief that there is hope after hardship.
In addition to being dedicated to the memory of my mother, Ruth Boyd, today’s luncheon is held in honor of Rhonda Jackson, a close friend of mine who recently passed away after a long and courageous battle against lupus. We remember them both with deep love and respect.
This afternoon, I am proud to recognize four remarkable women who have overcome profound challenges – grief, domestic violence, sexual abuse and substance misuse. Their stories detail the obstacles and heartbreak they’ve faced, and are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
I am deeply grateful to each of these women for their willingness to share their powerful truths in an effort to uplift others; and to our expert panelists, for sharing their valuable insights. I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our panel moderator, Carolyn Love, and honorary chairs, Geta and Janice Asfaw, for their support.
As Simone Ross guides us through this colorful journey, I hope you leave here today feeling inspired and encouraged.
Thank you for being part of this important gathering, and for supporting the 2025 Colorful Stories: See Me, Hear Me Luncheon.
Peace and blessings to you all.
In Memory...Rhonda “Joy” Jackson
Rhonda Joy Levy-Jackson- August 25, 1957-February 4, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rhonda Joy Levy-Jackson, who left this world on February 4, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.
Born August 25, 1957, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rhonda lived a life filled with creativity, love and joy. Her family and friends will forever cherish the love, strength and elegance she brought into their lives.
A true artist at heart, her passion for art, theatre, literature and music illuminated every space she entered. Her creativity was expressed both in her work and in the way she nurtured and inspired those around her. She was a woman of grace, wisdom and warmth, always seeking beauty in the world and sharing it with those she loved.
Rhonda is survived by her devoted husband, Rene Bohannon; two beloved sons, Cole and Devin Jackson; two cherished sisters, Donna and Partia; a brother, Neel; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends and loved ones who were fortunate to know her.
Rhonda’s words to live by:
"You may not always be happy, but you can always be joyful."
We love you, Rhonda, and we will miss you beyond words.
- The Family of Rhonda Joy Levy-Jackson
Geta and Janice Asfaw
Honorary Chairs
Since the early 1980’s, Geta and Janice Asfaw have operated their family business in the Denver Metropolitan area as owner/ operators of McDonald’s restaurants. In 2006, they established the Asfaw Family Foundation a non-profit organization that is committed to giving back to the community with programs, specifically for youth and seniors. asfaw.org
Simone D. Ross
Luncheon Emcee
In an effort to catalyze change and elevate opportunities for women and people of color, Simone D. Ross, founded her consulting firm Simone D. Ross, LLC. She brings a refreshing voice and insight to many events as a host and auctioneer, and facilitates inspiring experiences, content and presentations, to "ignite the light" in the participants at the events she hosts. The entrepreneurial powerhouse also serves as CEO of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Women’s Chamber Foundation. simone-ross.com
Panel Moderator
Dr. Carolyn Love
Carolyn Love is the founder of Kebaya Coaching & Consulting, which enhances leadership talent in organizations, creates equitable and welcoming workplaces; and facilitates meaningful and sustainable change. She facilitates workshops and trainings on leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, while helping clients create and sustain inclusive environments. kebayaconsulting.com
Honoree Janet Buckner
Beyond Grief
Janet Buckner was elected by a vacancy committee in July 2015 to serve the remainder of the term of her late husband, John W. Buckner, House District 40. After the death of her husband and her experience in the legislature, she found a new purpose in life when she started working for the people of Colorado. She has now retired after 10 years of service to Colorado communities.
“I honestly and truly think that going down to the State Capitol and becoming a state representative is what saved me. It filled that void and it gave me purpose.”
“I don’t know if I ever really gave myself time to grieve. So that’s one of the things I’m doing now is just reflecting…making sure that I’ve really dealt with John’s death.”
To read Janet’s story in Denver Urban Spectrum, visit https://tinyurl.com/JanetColorfulStories
Honoree Rose Andom
Beyond Domestic Violence
The Rose Andom Center is named in honor of Denver entrepreneur and former McDonald’s franchise owner, Rose Andom, and her lead gift of $1 million. As a child in Oklahoma, she witnessed domestic violence perpetrated by her father against her mother, and later by her husband. Created in 2016, the Rose Andom Center provides safety, support and services for victims of domestic violence as they heal and rebuild their lives.
“There were signs before I ever married my husband, and like so many women I know, we ignore everything.”
“I had long hair, and he said it attracted too much attention, so I cut it…I had this cute sporty car, and he said it attracted too much attention, so I sold it.”
To read Rose’s story in Denver Urban Spectrum, visit https://tinyurl.com/RoseColorfulStories
Honoree Elycia Cook
Beyond Sexual Abuse
Elycia Cook is the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Colorado, a leading mentoring organization igniting the potential of youth. Born in Detroit, MI to a teen mom, Elycia lived a life of poverty while also experiencing sexual abuse. From the age of 3 to 12, she was physically, emotionally, verbally and sexually abused. She credits incredible mentors to the realization that her past would not define her future, and that her true passion was advocating for young people.
“My parents only had an 8th or 9th grade education. My mom was a single mom of three girls by the time she was 20 years old. A lot happened to me as a child.”
“Now that I’m older, I know that my mom did the best she could with what she had; and she had so much trauma in her life.”
To read Elycia’s story in Denver Urban Spectrum, visit https://tinyurl.com/ElyciaColorfulStories
Beyond Substance Abuse
Honoree Stephanie McCoy-Johnson
Stephanie McCoy-Johnson is the Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services with Second Chance Center. From 1988 To 1996 she battled drug addiction. She has been clean and sober since 2007. She has earned her master’s degree, and today she is a licensed addiction counselor working with adults, adolescents and children in the mental health and addictions field.
A childhood filled with turmoil, emotional suffering and ultimately, the decades-long severance of her relationship with her mother – “That was the core of my trauma…That dictated everything I did in life thereafter.”
“I feel that, because of my own recovery journey and my own trauma journey, this is why I experienced the things I experienced – to bring me into this ministry.”
To read Stephanie story in Denver Urban Spectrum, visit https://tinyurl.com/StephanieColorfulStories
Community Experts
Kinette Richards, PhD, MA, NCC - Beyond Grief
Dr. Kinette Richards is an award-winning school psychologist and nationally certified counselor with over 25 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and families. She has worked in school, hospital, and community settings, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Denver. In schools her work has centered on trauma-informed care, grief and loss, culturally responsive intervention, and systems-level support for students and families navigating complex emotional and academic needs. In addition to her work as a school psychologist, she is the founder and principal consultant of Creating Space Equity Consulting, LLC, a people, access and culture consultancy dedicated to transforming organizational culture through an equity lens. She holds a Doctorate in School Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and she is dedicated to building brave spaces where individuals engage in personal exploration and growth, and organizations pursue systemic change where all people can thrive. —kinetterl@gmail.com
Margaret Abrams, M.A. - Beyond Domestic Violence
Margaret Abrams has worked in the domestic violence field since 1981, serving survivors in shelter, agency and criminal justice settings. She most recently retired as Executive Director of the Rose Andom Center, Colorado’s first family justice center, serving survivors of domestic violence in the Denver metro region since 2016, coordinating 23 on-site community and criminal legal agencies to provide collaborative, wrap-around services to victims and their children. Previously, she also worked at the Denver District Attorney’s Office as Director of the Domestic Violence Early Intervention Team, supervising early victim contact and providing leadership to the development of a multidisciplinary high-risk team and the planning and development of what would become the Rose Andom Center. Her career also included supervising civil legal advocacy to survivors, providing expert witness testimony in criminal cases and co-founding the Denver Metro Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, one of the first such teams in the country. —margaretxa32@gmail.com
Rikki Gilford - Beyond Sexual Abuse
Rikki Gilford is a Colorado native and licensed therapist who values the journey of becoming, especially within communities of color. She owns I Am Becoming Counseling and is a member of the Therapists of Color Collaborative, offering services centered on healing and identity. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Regis University and is a certified Integrative Gestalt therapist with training in EMDR. She believes life’s complexities invite us to explore and embrace every part of ourselves. Rikki creates a therapeutic space that encourages growth, healing and alignment with one’s evolving identity. Her work focuses on teens, college students, young adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional regulation. She is a wife and mother of two, and she considers it an honor to walk alongside her clients as they discover who they are becoming. —rikki@therapistofcolor.com
Sharon Hawkins - Beyond Addiction
Sharon Hawkins is a Certified Addiction Specialist with IDEA Forum Inc. With over 40 years of experience in intervention and treatment, Sharon has worked extensively with adolescents and adults – both male and female – diagnosed with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Her background spans a wide range of treatment modalities, including harm reduction, medication-assisted treatment, traditional outpatient services, and short and long-term inpatient programs. She has supported individuals across the spectrum, from self-referred clients to those mandated by community corrections. Currently, she is engaged in prevention work with the Jeffco School District. —sharonhawkins@ideacares.com
Colorful Stories
Pre Luncheon Entertainment................................................................Yasuo Ishikawa Program
Welcome...............…....................................................................................Karen Davis
Opening Song.................................…“Angel”..................................Chester McSwain
Greetings.............................................................................................….Simone D. Ross
The Occasion…......................................................................................Norma J. Paige
Remarks.................................................................................…Geta and Janice Asfaw
Invocation…................................................................................Rev. Vernon Jones, Jr.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch and the video presentations (Thank you for keeping your conversations low and to a minimum)
Introduction of Moderator and Panelists
A Panel Conversation
RBEAF Video and Special Presentations................................…Rosalind “Bee” Harris
Acknowledgments….............................................................................Tanya Ishikawa
Song..............................“You Are So Beautiful”.............................…Chester McSwain
Closing Remarks..................................................................................…Simone D. Ross
Luncheon and PreLuncheon Entertainment
Yasuo Ishikawa Chester McSwain Dr. Michael Williams
Saxophonist
Vocalist
Keyboardist
Acknowledgements
Partners
Pynergy/EmpowerCom/AATA
Colorado Access
Rose Andom Center
Butler Snow
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
Montbello Organizing Committee
Asfaw Family Foundation
DEN
Alpine Bank
Clear Channel Outdoor
Big Brothers Big Sisters
GoJo Auto
Donations and Tickets
Ann White
Big Jon Platt
Chad Stewart
Edweena Gilmore
Eula Adams
Gerri Gomez Howard
Geta and Janice Asfaw
Gilmore Construction
Greg Shields
Linda Theus-Lee
Margarita Rivera
Maria Adams
Maxine Harris
Moses Brewer
Myra Donovan
Rhonda Fields
Roz Reese
Sarah Diamond
Senator James Coleman
Susan Trahan
Tina Walls
Wayne Vaden
Special Thanks
Chester McSwain
Cynthia Boykin
Deborah Walker
Denver Art Museum
Denver Botanic Gardens
Dr. Michael Williams
Eboni Coleman - EBPixs
Jody Gilbert/Kolor Graphix
KGNU Radio
KUVO – 89.3
Mark Walton - On The Mark Photo
One Luv
Rev. Vernon Jones
Tanya Ishikawa/Buffalo Trails
Vinson Powell - Wizz1
Yasuo Ishikawa
Committee Members
Caroline Price
Cherry Reynolds
Cheryl Carter
DeBorah A. Powell
Donald James
Helen Bradshaw
Joseph Enkson
Karen Davis
LaTerrell Bradford
Lawrence James
Lori Collier
Mable Sutton
Marion Boston
Misti Aas
Misty Bell
Norma J. Paige
Pauline Chappel
Rene Eberhart
Ruby Jones
Sandra Stephens
Todd Davis
Ruth Boyd & Her Story
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse and neglect affect one in six adults over the age of 60. The global population is rapidly aging, with the number of aging adults expected to rise from 900 million in 2015 to nearly two billion by 2050, drawing attention to the growing crisis and prompting healthcare professionals and human rights advocates to establish safeguards for this vulnerable group.
Rosalind “Bee” Harris knows the devastating toll of elder abuse firsthand. In 2008, her 80-year-old mother, Ruth Boyd, was tragically killed in her home – a heartbreaking loss that continues to impact Harris deeply. As part of her healing journey, she penned “The Story of Ruth,” a narrative memoir about her mother’s life, and released it on Mother’s Day 2023. The poignant memoir follows Ruth’s journey, from her early life as an only child in Mississippi, to her migration to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she raised a family and built a life before her tragic and untimely passing.
“Learning about my mother’s life, her struggles and her strength helped me process the grief,” Harris says, crediting her resilience during the painful process to the support of friends and family.
Determined to turn her pain into purpose, she founded the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation in 2019 to ensure safety, dignity and quality of life for elderly adults through education, advocacy and awareness.
The 2025 Colorful Stories: See Me, Hear Me Luncheon celebrates four extraordinary women who triumphed over adversity and emerged stronger on the other side, in addition to supporting the foundation’s mission, with proceeds helping to protect elderly individuals.
How You Can Support:
•The Story of Ruth (ISBN: 9798988333302) is available for purchase online wherever books are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
•To learn more about the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation, please visit www.ruthboydfoundation.org, email info@ruthboydfoundation.org, or call 303-292-6446.
•Scan the Zelle QR code to make a donation to the Ruth Boyd Elder Abuse Foundation.
One Woman’s Spiritual Journey The Story of Ruth
Rosalind J. Harris
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