Renee Ferrufino has become the first Latina to be named as president and CEO of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado.
Ferrufino will lead the organization that is focused on catalyzing community to advance and accelerate economic opportunities for Colorado women and their families.
Prior to taking the role to lead The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Ferrufino oversaw fundraising strategies as the organization’s vice president of development. In that role, Ferrufino grew annual contributions from $2.3 million in 2016 to nearly $6 million in fiscal year 2023-2024. Ferrufino also increased donor-advised funds and giving circles from six to more than 80.
“With our shared vision and dedication, we’ll continue creating transformative change for women and families across Colorado. As the first Latina president and CEO, I’m honored and exhilarated to guide our Foundation forward, working alongside our passionate staff, board, and community to advance gender, racial, and economic equity in our communities,” said Ferrufino in a LinkedIn post announcing her now position.
During her time with The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Ferrufino designed the Women & Girls of Color Fund, which has granted more than $2.5 million to nonprofits since 2021 and expanded options of impact investing opportunities for donors.
Among Ferrufino’s accomplishments include being named a 2024 “Who’s Who In Impact Investing” by the Denver Business Journal and a 2024 “Top 25 Most Powerful Women In Business” honoree by The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Outside of her work with The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Ferrufino is a board member of Philanthropy Colorado, a member of the Colorado Inclusive Economy’s 2024 cohort and the Women’s Funding Network Gender & Capital Leverage Strategy Design Council.
Today, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado serves as the only statewide community foundation dedicated to gender, racial, and economic equity.
Started in 1987, the organization has funded dozens of research reports that identify systemic barriers that keep women from earning a livable wage.
Additionally, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado has helped to pass more than 50 pieces of legislation that aims to create economic opportunities. The organization has also granted more than $23 million to nonprofits that work with women and families in urban and rural communities statewide.
“Renee is a proven leader who brings unmatched organizational knowledge, financial acumen, fundraising and impact investing expertise, and a unifying vision. The board of trustees is confident she will guide The Foundation successfully into our next chapter of growth and impact,” said Tania Zeigler, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado chair of the board, in a statement. “It is especially meaningful to promote a longstanding leader from within The Foundation who has fostered powerful, trusting relationships with donors, foundations, grantee partners, board and staff, and community leaders.”
