2019 CWEE Volunteer & Partner Awards

Each year, as CWEE helps hundreds of parents train for and launch careers, we rely on the commitment and expertise of our many volunteers and partners.

This past year, our volunteers spent nearly 300 hours working on-site at CWEE, not to mention the many people who supported CWEE from afar by reviewing resumes, conducting informational interviews, and holding supply drives.

Our partners also go above and beyond for CWEE. They are on site weekly providing workshops, panels, and employer meet-and-greets. They attend CWEE’s professional networking event and support our annual fundraiser, Harvesting Opportunities. What’s more, our partners help keep CWEE’s curriculum at the leading edge by sharing their hiring and industry expertise.

CWEE is proud to celebrate our supportive community by announcing the 2019 Volunteer and Partner Award winners. Each winner will receive an award and be invited to lunch with CWEE Board Chair Susan Hill and CEO Katy Hamilton.
Congratulations to all! Thank you for the fabulous CWEE support!

Volunteers of the Year

Kelly Turow: Since 2015, Kelly has been sharing her industry knowledge as a recruiter with CWEE career seekers. For two years Kelly has chaired CWEE’s Employer Advisory Council (EAC), incorporating innovative and relevant workshops into CWEE’s programming. A recruiter, advisory chair, and stellar fundraiser – Kelly is a triple threat. Thank you, Kelly, for being a true CWEE champion!

Shannon Gray: For two years Shannon has chaired CWEE’s Leadership Council and brings a passion for providing opportunities for low-income families to achieve financial independence. During her time at the University of Denver, Shannon partnered with CWEE’s Employment Services team to create internship opportunities for CWEE career-seekers. Shannon is now serving as the co-chair for CWEE’s annual fundraising event, Harvesting Opportunities. Under her leadership, the Leadership Council has raised over $100,000 for CWEE this year. Shannon, we appreciate all you have done for CWEE!

Employer Partner of the Year
City and County of Denver: As the city’s largest employer, the City and County of Denver’s partnership with CWEE is instrumental. Through this partnership, CWEE is able to connect CWEE career seekers to hundreds of job opportunities each year. Recently the City and County of Denver hosted an exclusive career exploration tour, giving CWEE career seekers an inside look at available career paths and inspiring many participants to apply. Special thanks to Kim Desmond, whose leadership was a catalyst in building this partnership and to the Human Resources office, which has created a streamlined process for CWEE applicants. Thank you for the support, City and County of Denver!

Nonprofit Program Partner of the Year
Educational Opportunity Center: The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) partners with CWEE to provide counseling and information on college admissions to participants interested in postsecondary education. The EOC’s College 101 workshop emphasizes the importance of career exploration, education planning, and making informed financial decisions. EOC site coordinator Paul Richards has also met with over 30 CWEE participants in 2019 to provide guidance on college selection, the application process, and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Thanks to the EOC, five CWEE participants have recently enrolled in a postsecondary program!