Colorado 50-50 is excited to announce speakers for the 2025 Ready to Run® campaign training coming up on May 10 in Denver. Many smart and dedicated women who have served our communities and our state will be sharing their insights, wisdom, and lessons learned.
Gigi Dennis served in the Colorado State Senate from 1994 to 2001 when she was appointed by President George W. Bush to run USDA Rural Development in Colorado. In 2005, she was appointed by Governor Bill Owens to serve as Colorado Secretary of State. Currently, Dennis serves as City Manager in Monte Vista.
Consuelo Redhorse is the President of the Summit School District Board of Education. Elected in 2019 and again in 2023, she draws on over a decade of civil engagement to help her lead a dynamic and effective school board focused on academic and personal success for all students, equitable systems, and family and community engagement.
Barbara Kirkmeyer is a State Senator from Weld and Larimer counties. She currently serves on the Joint Budget Committee and Appropriations. Previously, she served as a Weld County Commissioner.
Val Nosler Beck served on the Wheat Ridge City Council from 2019-2024, as well as running for State House. As the founder of Upstream Consulting and The Steady, she brings a wealth of practical political and public service experience to trainings she offers to candidates and campaign managers.
Alyssa Nilemo was a candidate for the Colorado House in 2024, and previously served as a campaign manager for a congressional campaign. Throughout her career, she has worked in higher education, governmental administration, disability services, and early childhood education. Alyssa is passionate about moving the needle for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation. Right now, there are no Colorado AAPI elected officials serving in state or federal roles.
Zara DeGroot is an experienced digital strategist specializing in copywriting, fundraising, and organizing for progressive candidates and causes. She began her career in digital strategy in the political and advocacy space in 2019 on John Hickenlooper’s presidential campaign. Since then, she has led digital efforts for advocacy groups and candidates up and down the ballot.
Stacy Suniga is a former Greeley City Council member and has been appointed by Governor Jared Polis to several state commissions to represent Northern Colorado. She also is co-owner of BST Strategies, a political campaign agency. She has worked on major Colorado races, including gubernatorial, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and congressional.
Naomi Amaha is an award-winning public affairs leader with over a decade of experience in advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and civic engagement. She is the Director of Policy and Government Affairs for The Denver Foundation, overseeing the foundation’s strategy for advocacy and grantmaking to advance systems change in Metro Denver.
Monica VanBuskirk is a former State Senate candidate who has translated her healthcare policy expertise into powerful advocacy. She regularly testifies before Colorado’s legislative committees. Through her firm, MEAPTA Inc., Monica provides not only policy analytics but also specialized coaching for clients preparing for committee testimonies, media appearances, and high-stakes presentations.
Gena Ozols is currently running for State House. She’s the Vice President of Political Affairs at the nonprofit Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. Gena owns a small business, which provides strategic consultation to smaller nonprofits, and has deep experience in skills-based and power building candidate training.
Huge thanks to our partners who are supporting and promoting the event, including the Center for American Women in Politics, the Colorado League of Women Voters, the Rocky Mountain NAACP, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and the Colorado Women’s Bar Association.
