Human Relations Awards

• Individual Award: Recognizes an adult (19 years or older) who has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to advocating for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area for at least three years. This individual actively works to create inclusive spaces, challenge inequities and promote meaningful change within their community.
• Organization/Team Award: Celebrates a non-profit, for-profit business, or team within an organization that has consistently championed inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility initiatives in Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area for at least three years. This group demonstrates leadership in fostering inclusive practices, implementing impactful programs, and driving systemic change in their industry or community.
• Rising Star Award: Recognizes an individual or organization that has recently begun their inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility advocacy journey (three years or less) but has already made a meaningful difference. This award highlights emerging voices and initiatives that show great promise in advancing inclusion within Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area. 
• Youth Award: Honors a young leader (18 years or less) who is making a significant impact in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area. This award recognizes young advocates who inspire change, foster inclusivity, and work to create a more just and equitable community.

Individuals and organizations that have been award recipients in the last four years are not eligible for a 2026 award in the same category. However, they are eligible to be nominated in a different award category. For example, if someone was the Youth Award recipient last year, they are eligible to be nominated this year for the Individual or Organization/Team Award. View previous awards recipients below. 

Although there is not a residency requirement, the impact of the nominee’s work should be focused on the City of Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area. 

• Positively impacts underserved populations in our community.
• Serves as a role model by motivating others to effect positive change in underserved communities.
• Demonstrates impact in making Fort Collins a safe and welcoming community for all through inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility initiatives.
• Builds effective partnerships with other individuals and organizations to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within Fort Collins and/or the Growth Management Area.

Submit a nomination online, by email or by mail.

If you have questions about the awards or nomination process, please email HRC@FortCollins.gov.

• Individual Award: Patricia Alvarez Harrell
• Individual Award: Beth Seymour
• Organization/Team Award: Mi Voz
• Organization/Team Award: Yarrow Collective
• Youth Award: Sarah D. Fitzpatrick
• Rising Star Award: Church World Service
• Rising Start Award: Jessica Jackson and Alexander Pittman

• Individual Award: Arpi Misha Miller
• Individual Award: Nina Rubin
• Organization/Team Award: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
• Organization/Team Award: Project Self Sufficiency

• Youth Award: TAC 212
• Individual Award: Laura Michelle MacWaters
• Individual Award: Karen Wong-Brown
• Organization/Team Award: Cultural Enrichment Center
• Organization/Team Award: Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association 

• Youth Award: Olivia “Livi” Christiansen
• Individual Award: Janet Krech
• Individual Award: Dedria “Queen” Johnson
• Organization Award: Heart of the Rockies Christian Church
• Organization Award: 8th Judicial/Larimer County Competency Docket
• Public Service Personnel: Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik