A Legacy of Service and Leadership: Shirley Martinez Honored with the Prestigious Julie Penrose Award

Last month, community leaders, advocates, and friends gathered at the El Pomar Foundation’s Night of Excellence on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to celebrate outstanding leadership across Colorado. Among the evening’s honorees was our very own Shirley Martinez, veteran, community leader, and President of the Pikes Peak Diversity Council (PPDC), who received the prestigious Julie Penrose Award.   

Celebrating a Woman of Impact

The Julie Penrose Award recognizes women across Colorado who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Named in honor of philanthropist Julie Penrose, the award celebrates changemakers whose dedication, compassion, and vision create transformative, lasting positive impacts in their communities.

Shirley Martinez receives the 2026 Julie Penrose Award during the El Pomar Foundation Night of Excellence ceremony.

A Lifelong Dedication to Community and Country

For Shirley Martinez, this honor is the culmination of decades spent building bridges, advocating for underrepresented voices, and lifting others up. A decorated military veteran with more than 20 years of service across both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army, Shirley served as a Top-Secret Court Reporter and Chief Legal Non-Commissioned Officer.

Her commitment to service only grew after hanging up the uniform:

• Championing Equity and Inclusion: Serving as President of PPDC and previously as the Director of DEI, Multicultural Outreach, and Accessibility for the Pikes Peak Library District.

• Public and Civic Leadership: Serving on the Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 Board of Education and spearheading cultural partnerships and events across the Pikes Peak region.

• Consulting and Accessibility: Guiding organizations through her firm, SAJM Bridging Connections LLC, to make workplaces and programs accessible and welcoming to all.   

In Her Own Words

Taking to social media following the gala, Shirley shared her heartfelt gratitude for the honor:   

“Last night at the El Pomar Excellence Awards, I had the greatest honor to receive the Julie Penrose Award. Recognition like this is deeply humbling, but it is also a reminder of why we do the work. It is all about lifting up others, honoring those who paved the way, and creating spaces where every person in our community feels valued and supported.”   

Looking Ahead

Shirley’s passion for uplifting service members, veterans, and diverse families continues to guide her daily work. This month, she brings that same heart and leadership to the upcoming Women Veterans, Spouses & Friends: A Time to Connect gathering on Saturday, November 14, 2026, offering another dedicated space for women who have served to connect, share their stories, and rise together.   

Please join all of us at the Pikes Peak Diversity Council in congratulating Shirley on this well-deserved recognition!