Title
Recognition of the Colorado Park & Recreation Association Award for Community Champion Presented Posthumously to Stephannie Finley-Fortune
Presenter:
Britt Haley - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Body
Summary:
The Colorado Parks & Recreation Association Awards Program is intended to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations that contribute to the success and value of parks and recreation in the state of Colorado. Designed to bring attention to its recipients, the awards program highlights the successes of association members and community champions. On Thursday, September 28, 2023, Stephannie Finley-Fortune was posthumously awarded the Community Champion award.
Background:
Stephannie's influence in Colorado Springs has been immeasurable. Over her 25+ years in Colorado Springs, she played a vital role in supporting numerous leaders and initiatives dedicated to propelling positive change across the city. After an exceptional career in government affairs and many years of board service to community non-profits, Stephannie decided to take her talents to City Council.
It was Stephannie's collaborative spirit that also made her an exceptional City Councilwoman. With enthusiasm, she embraced the needs of District 3, actively engaging residents and advocating for the unique needs of the Westside. One notable initiative she took great pride in was the operational transition at the Westside Community Center (WCC). Working alongside city staff, she supported hiring a skilled facilitator to conduct community visioning exercises, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of the community were heard and incorporated into the path forward. Despite inheriting the WCC operational transition as a sensitive and often conflictual topic within her district, Stephannie navigated it with compassion - empowering and inspiring residents for the future. As a result of this successful process during Stephannie's council tenure, the ...
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