Maria Garcia Berry and Girls With Books to be Honored at WorldDenver’s Annual Celebration of the Global Achievements of Women
On Friday March 7, WorldDenver will gather more than 700 community leaders, business executives, students, and elected officials to celebrate the global achievements of women at Colorado’s premier International Women’s Day Celebration presented by Raymond James and Raymond James Investment Management at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale.
WorldDenver’s IWD celebration is one of the largest events of its kind in the country. This year’s celebration will feature a keynote from Ellen Ochoa, PhD, 2024 Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, first Latina astronaut in space, and former Director of the Johnson Space Center.
“This International Women’s Day, we will recognize the power, determination, and leadership of women worldwide,” said event co-chair Patrice Henning, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. “It’s a day to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to acknowledge the work still ahead, as we support one another in striving for equality, justice, and opportunity for all women, everywhere.”
At the 2025 event, WorldDenver will honor global community and business leader Maria Garcia Berry, Founder of CRL Associates, Inc, and Girls With Books!, a Colorado-based nonprofit that advances literacy and education for girls in South Sudan.
“International Women’s Day is an important reminder that even in the face of global challenges, our collective spirit and shared commitment to equality and empowerment light the way forward,” said event co-chair Maria Gonzales, Vice President of Development for Protect Our Winters. “This year, it’s especially important for our community to celebrate and remind each other of the power of unity in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.”
Prior to the ticketed luncheon at 11:30 a.m., WorldDenver will present a free panel of Women Leaders in STEM. The panel will feature Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno, US Space Force (ret.), Alejandra Spray, CEO of the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, Jenny Schiavone, City of Denver Chief Digital Officer, and Iswari Natarajan, President of St. Mary’s Academy. The panel will be moderated by CBS Colorado’s Michelle Griego.
Along with Henning and Gonzales, this year’s IWD Celebration is led by Co-Chair Laura Morales, FirstBank Multicultural Banking Manager (ret.)
Both events – the community panel and the luncheon – will be held at the Infinity Park Event Center starting at 9:00 am. Press is invited to cover the event. To arrange an interview with Dr. Ochoa, honorees, panelists, or co-chairs, contact Lauren Osga at Lauren@WorldDenver.org.
