The Adams County Board of Commissioners proudly recognizes Women's History Month with a historical moment—a supermajority of women leading at the helm. This significant shift sees four of the five Board members being women: Lynn Baca, Julie Duran Mullica, Kathy Henson, and Emma Pinter, with Baca serving as Chair and Mullica as Vice Chair. In a statement obtained by the official Adams County news release, Baca, who notably is the first Latina Asian Pacific Islander on the board, emphasized the impact of representation: "This month, celebrating alongside the four other women on the Adams County Commission, it feels like a celebration for every little girl in our community who wants to lead. When they look at our county's leaders, they can see themselves."
With the addition of two members to bring the board's total to five, Adams County has come a long way since Elaine Valente broke ground as its first female commissioner in 1988. Indeed, to fully realize the full force of the journey's extent, you have to acknowledge that all nine women who have ever served as county commissioners in the county's 123-year history did so in the last 40 years—and four of them are currently seated.
During a public hearing last Tuesday, the BoCC officially recognized Women's History Month, pointing to how women have contributed vitally to county, state, and national history. Commissioner Kathy Henson spoke to the universality of the female experience in leadership during her first term: "To the little girl, the young professional, the stay-at-home mom—every woman out there wondering what she has to offer her community—I’ve been in your shoes," Henson told the Adams County official news outlet. Her message was a clear invitation for women from all walks of life to embrace the possibility of leadership.
Gender parity extends beyond the BoCC, with most of Adams County’s Executive Leadership Team being women, including Senior Deputy County Manager Alisha Reis, Deputy County Managers Dionne Stroter and Kristin Sullivan, County Attorney Heidi Miller, and Chief of Staff Lindsey Melki. They collectively showcase what can be achieved when the paths to leadership are equitable. As Emma Pinter put it, "It has always taken grace and guts for women in leadership to forge new paths and break new ground. Being the first Board to do something is exciting, but importantly, it signals we won’t be the last," according to the Adams County news release. Pinter's observation on the importance of “being the first” illustrates the Board's recognition of both their place in history and their role in paving the way for future generations.
Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio, the board’s only male member and its most veteran, joined the chorus of voices celebrating the step forward for women's representation in county leadership. He spoke with admiration for his female colleagues, reflecting on strong women's influence throughout his life and career. "Adams County and Colorado continue to recognize and celebrate women’s history, legacy, and future. I am proud to help amplify the voices of the incredible women around me and the remarkably strong women who shaped me," O’Dorisio mentioned as per the news published by Adams County.
