AROUND TOWN: Six Colorado Springs Women of Distinction honored by Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts of Colorado have more than 100 special mentors and women to emulate, and six more were added to their Colorado Springs Women of Distinction on Feb. 23 at the Colorado Springs Marriott.
Named 2026 Women of Distinction were Beth Ann Taylor, Donna W. Guthrie, Gina Sacripanti, Promis Bruno, Trina Baldock and Stella Hodgkins.
They were described this way: “These women have displayed exemplary leadership and a commitment to advancing the profile of women and girls in our community. They serve as inspirations to Girl Scouts and demonstrate the courage, confidence, and character that girls gain through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.” They were chosen “based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally.”
The new honorees were welcomed by honoree alums.
Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado who had recently announced her retirement, said proceeds from the Women of Distinction celebration help support “leadership development programs in entrepreneurship, outdoors, STEM and life skills for nearly 15,000 youth members across Colorado.”
The Class of 2026:
Beth Ann Taylor, executive director, Colorado APEX Accelerator, who leads statewide initiatives to help small businesses compete and succeed in government contracting. Her nomination said, “Driven by a desire to give back to the state she loves, she spent the past 15 years dedicated to advancing Colorado’s economic development. Taylor previously served as vice president of economic development for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and also held a gubernatorial appointment with the Office of Economic Development and International trade, supporting 22 western Colorado counties and helping advance statewide initiatives” She received a major award for economic impact and job creation and most recently named Small Business Champion of the Year.
Donna W. Guthrie, a freelance writer who is the author of 23 books for children. She has written, directed and produced 83 video podcasts for homeschoolers, three award-winning documentaries and four animated films. This Woman of Distinction “lectures on the history of country music and hosts the podcast ‘Looking back on Music Row: The Musical History of the Stars and Sounds of Country Music.'” She is co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival.
Gina Sacripanti, general manager/president, AdPro Advertising, and chief communications officer, Phil Long Dealerships. Her nomination said she “is a natural-born leader who supports other women in business by showing up, speaking up, and elevating the profiles of established and emerging businesswomen.” During her career she has held numerous executive positions, is on the executive committee for Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and is on the development and fundraising committee for Homeward Pikes Peak. She was appointed by Gov. Jared Polis as the Pikes Peak region representative on the Colorado Transportation Investment Office Board of Directors.
Promis Bruno, elevated mentor, Sachs Foundation. The mother of three was homeless prevention coordinator in Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 and is now dean of restorative practices in Harrison School District 2. For seven years she has been an elevated mentor with Sachs Foundation, working with students and organizing tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities for youth “to broaden their vision for the future.”
Stella Hodgkins, senior vice president and Elevating Leadership Development program officer, El Pomar Foundation. “She leads initiatives that build inclusive leadership networks and strengthen civic engagement across Colorado. She oversees community partnerships and cultural events such as the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Induction Ceremony and has directed programs like the Forum for Civic Advancement.” Formerly she managed corporate citizenship at GE Johnson, overseeing more than $1 million in philanthropic giving and volunteer engagement. She is board chair for Peak Vista Community Health Centers and serves on multiple civic boards, advancing equity, education, and public health.
Trina Baldock, director of programs, Infinity Systems Engineering. She served seven years in the Air Force supporting GPS space operations and space training units. She has supported STEM education with the Girl Scouts of Colorado and volunteered with organizations including Hope and Home, Habitat for Humanity and Wreaths Across America. She also served on the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Board, “helping elevate the stories of influential Colorado women.”






