Elbra Wedgeworth facts for kids

Elbra Mae Wedgeworth (born 1956) is an important leader who has worked for the city of Denver, Colorado. She is special because she is the only person in recent times to have worked in all three parts of Denver's city government. This means she helped make laws, carry out laws, and even worked in the courts for the city.

Who is Elbra Wedgeworth?

Elbra Mae Wedgeworth was born on January 23, 1956. Her parents were Castella Price and Walter Wedgeworth, Sr. She grew up in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Denver. In 1974, she graduated from Manual High School. When she was younger, Elbra thought about becoming a social worker.

Elbra's Education

Elbra Wedgeworth went to the University of Redlands. In 1978, she earned her college degree in sociology and anthropology.

Elbra Wedgeworth's Career in Denver

Elbra Wedgeworth has had a long and important career helping the city of Denver. She has worked in many different roles.

Working for the City Council

In 1989, Elbra Wedgeworth became a Senior Analyst for the City Council. This means she helped the city council members with their work. From 1994 to 1996, she was the Clerk and Recorder for Denver. She also worked with the Denver Election Commission.

Leading at Denver Health

From 1996 to 1999, Elbra was the Director of Community Relations at Denver Health. This is a big hospital in Denver. In this job, she helped restart the hospital's Board of Directors. She also started the Denver Health Foundation, which helps raise money for the hospital.

Serving on the Denver City Council

In 1999, Elbra Wedgeworth was elected to the Denver City Council. She represented District 8. She became the City Council President Pro Tempore from 2001 to 2002. Then, from 2003 to 2005, she served as the Denver City Council President. She was the second African American person to hold this important position.

Returning to Denver Health

In 2007, Elbra left the City Council. She became the Chief Government and Community Relations Officer for Denver Health. In this role, she connected the hospital with government leaders. She also helped with community projects. She played a big part in getting a $1 billion bond in 2017. This money helped build a new medical center for the hospital.

Helping Downtown Denver Grow

Elbra Wedgeworth was the Chair of the Union Station Redevelopment Project. She helped oversee the reopening of Union Station. This is a major transportation hub in Denver. She was also the first African American woman to lead the Downtown Denver Partnership. This group works to make downtown Denver a great place.

Leading a National Convention

Elbra Wedgeworth was the President and Chair of the Board for the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. This committee helped organize the Democratic National Convention in Denver. She was the first African American person to lead a national convention host committee.

Retirement and New Roles

Elbra Wedgeworth retired from Denver Health on December 31, 2019. However, she continued to help her community. In 2020, she joined Denver Public Schools as a senior adviser. Her job was to support schools and help coordinate efforts to reduce youth violence. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of the Redlands.

Awards and Recognition

Elbra Wedgeworth has received many awards for her hard work and dedication:

• 2001 - Denver Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business
• 2006 - Martin Luther King Jr Humanitarian Award
• 2013 - Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award
• 2014 - Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame
• 2015 - Legacy Award from Denver Business Journal
• 2018 - City Year Honoree and Ripples of Hope Recipient from Denver Health
• 2021 - David J. Cole Denver Public Safety Citizens Award

In August 2014, a building in Denver was named after her. The Elbra M. Wedgeworth Municipal Building is in Denver's Five Points neighborhood. This was done to honor her many years of service to the city.