Celebrating Our Women Leaders in Mancos

A Tribute to the Heart of Mancos

A few years ago, Midge Kirk (of the Mancos Public Library) and I wanted to do something for Women’s History Month. We wanted to highlight the amazing, powerful, and passionate women who do so much for our community and beyond, and so, this event was born.

Digging deeper, in our small Mancos Valley, we discovered an incredible number of phenomenal women; we were surprised – but not really, to find a wealth of women that have touched countless lives and have made our community, and the world, a better place.

These are the types of women who do not brag about their accomplishments, and we believe people need to know their stories and to join us in celebrating them.

In our past two celebrations, I have been so inspired by our Mancos women’s leadership and resilience; I’ve learned so much about women “I thought I knew”, whose strength has touched me to the core. This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and also discover the potential for leadership within ourselves.

Thank you for joining us—let’s get to the heart of our event and begin introducing the true heart of Mancos: our women leaders.

Holly has been blessed by nature all her life: she was born in the midwest, encircled by an emerald necklace of state parks. With her husband Pete’s 20 years of US Navy service, they have lived from coast to coast, experiencing every type of topography and climate imaginable. Having been a volunteer of some kind since she was 13, Holly knows that making the world a better place is a big part of her own nature.

Becoming a Master Gardener in Virginia Beach lit the fire to learn more. After receiving her MS of Science in horticulture at Virginia Tech, Holly began her own company. Holly’s proudest moment was being chosen designer for the multi-acre endowed Bristol Butterfly Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Since then, it has taken on a life of its own, and is amazing. The butterfly house that was still in the “portable” stage when she moved to CO was named the “Number 1 Butterfly House in the USA” in a national USA poll in the spring of 2025. (You can Google both Garden and House for YouTube videos!)

Searching for a permanent retirement spot in the mid nineties, Holly and Pete were in SW CO, traveling along HWY 160; they discovered Mancos, and bought property – becoming future Mancosites. They moved into our newly finished home in 2003; Holly then trained and became certified as a CO Native Plant Master.

Before Holly actually retired, she designed and oversaw the installation of the New Mancos Valley Bank building landscape. Then, when the new Green Mancos Public Library building was finished, she designed a teaching garden landscape where plant materials are situated according to their water needs: from the river progressing out the the street where the most drought tolerant are located. Since Holly has a casual home garden nursery, it was easy for her to donate iris and daylilies to the library for 3 separate fundraising benefits. Through the years, donations have appeared all around town! Holly has since consulted on the Boyle Park town plan regarding sidewalk siting; the Gene Bott neighborhood street tree choices, and added to the Painted Turtle garden when she was volunteering there.

Holly spent a term on the Mancos Chamber of Commerce, serving as Treasurer; she reestablished the Tree Board by promoting Arbor Day plantings, providing 3rd graders tree seedlings, and brought Mancos back within the Tree City USA circle.

Other activities include several years on the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee and three years as a Balloon Festival volunteer and “chaser” with Pete. We cannot forget that Holly and a few joint owners brought the Columbine Bar back from the dead, providing free entertainment, steak nights, free food at parties, receptions, karaoke, and giving hot chocolate and cookies to the Rudolph runners!

As a volunteer for the Mancos Water Conservancy, after water quality training, Holly began monthly sampling and testing on 4 sites on the Mancos River for three years to establish a water health baseline for the Conservancy and Colorado River Watch.

During Holly’s time on the Willowtail Springs Board, the owners desired a horticulture component towards their goal of becoming a nature center, and she facilitated the effort by bringing the CO Extension Service advisors to the table.

Recent fun projects for Holly include establishing the beer garden for Mancos Brewing Company and the starting the initial phase of a micro Monarch butterfly stopover site at the United Methodist Church.

Message: My message is that we are blessed in this valley to have our own water sources, sustainable farming and healthy forests. Let’s not take it for granted. It takes more than a village, we must all be thankful, good stewards of our natural resources.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Linda was part of the second wave of Kettle Moraine High School graduates from Wales, WI to head to the “big city” of Denver in 1998, following Matthew, who initiated the first wave a year earlier. Linda graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2004 with a B.A. in Sociology, and in 2005 she bought a home in Mancos to live out Matt’s dream of building a small coffee‑roasting operation. And when you buy a house and start a business, Mancos deems you married; officially they are not.

Matt opened Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters espresso bar off the highway in 2006, and while Linda worked part‑time there, she also balanced other jobs in Durango and Cortez and entertained plans for law school.

When FCR moved to Grand Avenue in 2010, Liinda stepped in full-time. Since then, Linda has managed the espresso bar while baking, cooking, and feeling genuinely honored to help shape it into the community hub it is today.

Message: Community has always been at the center of her life, and living in Mancos has only strengthened that. Being part of Fahrenheit and watching our community grow, connect, and unite has been an honor. Every day, Linda gets to stand in the middle of it — witnessing the small, positive interactions that make this place resilient and genuinely connected. Being fortunate to travel and experience communities around the world has only reinforced her gratitude for the team we have here. Those experiences continually remind Linda how engaged and deeply rooted our own community truly is and how thankful she is to be part of that team.

Rena Wilson is a dedicated community leader whose passion for rural vitality and creative growth has left a lasting mark on Mancos, Colorado.

Rena co-founded “Mancos on the Move” with Jamie Bade, an initiative designed to promote 7 new businesses that opened doors together in 2009. One of the businesses was “Arborena”, her local affordable restaurant, that also promoted local artists, changing art shows bi-monthly. Rena continued to curate art shows at “Olio” when Arborena was sold.

Rena started the “Mancos Melt” in 2010. The Melt is a fun way to Celebrate the Snow Melt and Return to Spring; it also helps our Mancos economy by promoting our local businesses. The money raised goes a local 501C3 in need, like Mancos FoodShare, Mancos Historical Society and the Montelores Backpack Drive..

As president of the Chamber of Commerce board, she worked tirelessly to strengthen local businesses, foster collaboration, and build a thriving economic environment rooted in community values.

Recognizing the power of arts and culture as economic drivers, Rena successfully applied for and secured designation as a “Colorado Creative District” for the Town of Mancos along with Town Manager Andrea Phillips. This achievement positioned Mancos as a recognized hub for creativity, cultural tourism, and artistic enterprise, opening doors for funding, visibility, and sustainable growth.

After that, she also co-founded and ran the “Mancos School of the West” for several years.

Rena’s leadership reflects her belief that small towns thrive when people step forward with courage, collaboration, and heart.

Rena is also a proud mother who approaches life with boundless artistic energy, Rena is deeply honored to be recognized by the community she calls home. Her Message is to go forth and “Live Life fully each day!”

When Jenni received word that she was nominated for this Women’s Celebration, she was surprised, shocked, and grateful for this recognition.

Jenni spent her early adult years studying and earning a BS in Health and Wellness and a MS in Health Education; she chooses to work at the Mancos Public Library with teens and tweens because they are the future. She dearly hopes that we can watch them do better than we have done for this planet. With knowledge that is accessible, Jenni knows that they have a better chance at creating a better world – one that is more inclusive, diverse, and equitable.

At work, Jenni lets her inner child guide her path – and it lets her play with Legos, take part in board and video games, and watch way too many teen movies! Jenni believes that she is a good leader because she knows how to follow the lead. She is led by her young library patrons.

Jenni has flourished in her career as she speaks with teens about important issues; she knows that it is a privilege to be at our library and play such a large role with the kids of our community.

Jenni’s core belief is that intellectual freedom can create personal growth and cultural competence. This is why she works hard to bring our youth into the library and to line the shelves with so many great stories. Jenni wants them to feel accepted and safe to be their wonderful selves.

Jenni is a mother, grandmother, poet, painter, dancer, singer, nutritionist, a messy human, and most of all, a lover of life. She is a woman with a mission, although the path isn’t always free of bad weather.

Jenni says that she would not be the person she is today without the women who came before her and the people she sees moving forward every day.

Message: Jenni would like to thank the public libraries that have always been there to support her growth in knowledge and freedom serve as essential pillars for local connection and discovery. She hopes to see more community members using the spaces in this library, and others, as much as they can because they offer free access to endless resources and shared learning. This collective engagement strengthens our communities and ensures these vital institutions continue to thrive for everyone.

For the last 35 years, the Mancos Valley has been more than Carrie’s home—it has been the center of her life. After her divorce, as a single mother with three children, she became deeply invested in Mancos. Many of you may remember her involvement with Mancos Schools during her kids’ younger years, leading story time at the Mancos Library, or perhaps your own children were among those she cared for when she owned and operated a local preschool.

Carrie’s roots in this region also deepened through 25 years of traveling the Four Corners, where she founded several local tourism magazines.

Carrie loves helping others—whether through volunteering with the Adaptive Sports Association for the past 15 years, teaching kids with challenges how to ski; preserving our history at the Mancos Museum; coordinating the Mancos Giving Tree; and hosting the Mancos Community Christmas Dinner, a free meal! Carrie is also currently the president of the Fairview Cemetery Preservation Association in Santa Fe, where her family roots run deep. Carrie has also served six years as Mancos Chamber President; and was the organizer for the Mancos Farmers Market for 12 years;

As the owner of Colorado Ranch & Home Realty, Carrie is honored to help others find their own piece of this valley. In her free time, you will find Carrie in her garden or out on the trails with her horses and dogs.

To Carrie, Mancos isn’t just where she lives—it is truly who she is.

Message: Mancos Giving Tree – The Giving Tree team collects toys, food baskets and monetary donations to help ease the stress of the holidays for Mancos families. Donations are also used to host a Free Christmas Dinner for all in December at the Mancos Community Center.

In 2025, The Mancos Giving Tree made Christmas brighter for 201 people and hosted 60 people for the holiday dinner.

Lille Diane is a Southwest Colorado-based singer-songwriter, artist, and creative mentor known for her “My Postcard Life” brand and art journaling workshops. Self-described as a “human sparkler,” she shares her creative process in mixed media and DIY projects on social media, often focusing on art as soul medicine.

Of all of Lille’s contributions to our community, her favorites include teaching the Mancos high school students how to paint murals – and they created the wonderful mural on the Zircon container at the library, just outside! You may have also seen Lille painting and adding the vibrant colors to Zuma’s entrance.

Today, she spends her time mentoring local individuals, one-on-one, with marketing ideas and helping them launch their bold dreams into reality. Lille also mentors young artists encouraging, guiding and often furnishing them with art supplies.

Message: Lille wants to thank the community for nominating her for this Women’s Celebration and to encourage everyone to live life to its fullest by embracing their own unique spark. She hopes to see more community members pursuing their boldest dreams because adding color and joy to our daily lives makes the world more vibrant for everyone. When we share our creativity and support one another, we truly add a touch of sparkle to the entire community.

When Angela rolled into Mancos on her bus over ten years ago, she knew this was where she needed to be. Angela loves this town and is happy that she found this community. Angela is an Accountant by day and everything else in between on her off time.

Angela and her daughter Zosha are the founders of The Cookout, a non-profit organization that serves the community with Mutual Aid For All. You can find Angela working every once in a while with her second family at the Brewery. Angela is on the Mancos Public Library Board, the Mancos Days Board – where I have been lucky enough to work with her – and she also works in the schools with our youth.

Angela enjoys reading, roller skating and hanging out in the woods or the river. Angela says that her greatest accomplishment and treasure is her daughter Zosha, who is also here today. She is Angela’s favorite person and an amazing young woman who devotes all of her time to helping others over herself.

Angela is so honored to be chosen and she appreciates the acknowledgment that it comes with.

Victoria’s Message about Angela: After working alongside Angela on the Mancos Days board for the past two years, I am constantly blown away by her tireless dedication and passion. She brings a “super cool chillness” and a complete lack of drama to every project, making her an absolute joy to collaborate with. She is also fierce and not afraid to speak up and take action when something isn’t right. I’ve learned that when this woman says she is going to do something, you can trust that it happens. Thank you, Angela.

Claudia is the director of the National Capital Crime Assistance Network. The Network’s mission is to help death row prisoners and people serving life sentences gain access to legal and community support and to act as skilled self-advocates. They specifically work to prevent wrongful convictions and help free the wrongfully convicted and innocent people who are currently incarcerated. All of their efforts are free of charge. She and her late husband, Laird, started the Cell Door, a magazine sent to prisoners and others who requested it. (Durango Herald Monday Feb 20, 2017.) “Mancos woman works to free innocent prisoners across the country.”

Claudia works from her Mancos home, but makes frequent trips to visit her clients, the majority of whom are incarcerated in Michigan, Louisiana, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia and Texas.

Claudia is an active member of the Mount Lookout Grange in Mancos, an active contributing member at Raven House Gallery, and a yearly volunteer at the Martin Luther King Breakfast.

Claudia has been known to gather musicians together to play music, and she has had several lovely installations on the Mancos Library Art Wall.

Zosha is happy to call Mancos home. She loves our little community and the kids. Moving from a big city to our little town was a huge change, for the better.

Zosha is involved in mutual aid and community growth in all of her work. Whether it be serving food at Food Not Bombs, providing skate boards at Beech Street, giving youth advice and an ear to listen at every turn, helping parents feel supported to support the youth, she works tirelessly to weave a stronger safety net for our neighborhood’s future.

Co-founded by Zosha and her mother, Angela, The Cookout began as an initiative to connect people of color with the outdoors. Since then, it has evolved into a vital community hub that bridges gaps in mutual aid and accessible nature experiences. The organization now fosters both essential local support and a deeper connection to the wilderness.

Message: Zosha is honored to represent her community and remains deeply committed to building a reliable support system for those who need it most. She believes that by truly listening to people, she can provide practical resources to empower individuals to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Her passion lies in ensuring that every Mancos neighbor has access to mutual aid and to be able to experience this beautiful place we all call home.

Kenna Hartman is an outstanding example of compassion, service, and dedication to her community.

Kenna consistently gives her time and energy to volunteer efforts, always showing up with a positive attitude and a genuine desire to help others.

Working in the medical field, caring for people isn’t just her job—it’s who she is. Kenna brings empathy, patience, and kindness into everything she does, whether she’s supporting those in need through her work or giving back locally through volunteering.

Her commitment to service makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and she truly embodies the spirit of community that Women’s History Month celebrates.

As the afternoon shifted into a lively social hour, the room was filled with the best kind of energy—the sound of  the community and our women ‘she-roes’ connecting, sharing, and realizing the leadership potential – all within themselves.

We walked away reminded that these “women we thought we knew” are the true heart of Mancos, and their legacies make our community and the world a better place. Thank you to everyone who joined us to ensure these stories are told, celebrated, and carried forward.