When DENVER WOMAN premiered its inaugural issue,
the publisher knew he was onto something big. He was at
the leading edge of a trend that has continued to grow, the
emergence of women in positions of power and prominence.
Especially in Colorado, women are rising to the top of corporations,
nonprofits and home-based businesses.
Their purchasing power is immeasurable, and they are recognized
as the decision makers in households when it comes to big-ticket items.
Recent studies reveal that today women are responsible for 83 percent of all
consumer goods purchased, 94 percent of home furnishings, 92 percent of vacations,
91 percent of houses, 51 percent of consumer products and 60 percent of
automobiles. Currently, women control in excess of $14 trillion and are a strong
force in terms of philanthropic giving.
And women are smart, and getting smarter. Today they earn more than half of
all bachelor’s degrees, compared to 43 percent in 1970. By 2011, it is projected that
women will outnumber men in both undergraduate and graduate programs.
What does this mean for our society and our city? Clearly, the collective influence
wielded by women literally demands that this group is a force to be reckoned with,
to be valued and listened to. Every day our staff is approached by many of these
women, who are both readers and loyal supporters of our effort to bring to light the
fabulous work and lives of hard-working individuals who are successfully balancing
work and family, while finding time to positively impact their community.
In this issue we focus on how women can live their best lives in the coming
year. We talk with medical professionals who offer practical advice for every
generation and look at the importance of the brain and how important it is to
keep it healthy and functioning. This month we profile Ellen Hart, a shining
example of someone who has struggled to overcome challenges that would
surely seem insurmountable to many. Her life’s work, whether training as a
triathlete or striving to help others who are victims of eating disorders, never
seems to waver from a commitment to rise above the crowd and make her
mark. At 50, the Ellen Hart of today is a far cry from the 25-year-old woman who
nearly succumbed to a life-threatening disease. Now strong, vibrant and full of
optimistic enthusiasm, Hart is living her best life and making no bones about it.
The women of Denver — they’re always on the go, they’re quick to lend a
helping hand, and they’re making news locally and around the country. And
best of all, they’re always changing, growing and giving their all.
Ellen Gray
