University of Northern Colorado-Greeley

Lydia and Robert Ruyle Gallery
July 15 to October 15, 2026

EXHIBITION


JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THESE INSPIRING WOMEN AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY 

RECEPTION AND INDUCTION CEREMONY  • October 2, 2026 • 5pm TO 7PM

Open to the public and free of charge the event will feature music, food, and an honoring ceremony for all Corn Mothers, past and present.

2026  inductees:

Elena Guerrero Townsend: 

Community activist, writer and poet, one of the 1st female traqueras for Santa Fe Rail Road, Member of Brighton Cultural Arts Commission (BCAC), and the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council.

Alicia Johnson (Ally):

Civic leader who is recognized as the first Latina appointed to the Evans City Council, Ward #3. Her work focuses on civic engagement, equity, and community advocacy for residents of Weld County.

Nomie Ketterling:

Philanthropist named the 2023 United Way of Weld Humanitarian of the Year, recognized for developing programs across Weld County that have meaningfully improved quality of life for countless residents.

Juanita Martinez Rocha:

Retired educator, member of  Hispanic Women of Weld County,  Mexican American History Project  & The Friends of a Woman's Place. Greeley Dream Team board member, a non-profit working collaboratively with Greeley-Evans School District 6.

Emma Pena-McClave:

Project Coordinator for the Mexican American History Project Greeley, a multi-year project, documenting the contributions and history of Mexican Americans in Greely.  Appointee to the Greeley Museum Board by the Greeley City Council

Teresa Rodriguez McNeill:

Former Weld County Head Start Program Parent Involvement Coordinator and Health Coordinator where she worked to better the lives of  migrant families. Founder of the Ballet Folkloric group Orgullo Latino.

Joni Steiner:

Permaculture educator and Earth Mountain director Joni advances sustainable farming, community projects, and environmental advocacy in Colorado.



These seven women will have their portraits and stories added to the multi-generational and multi-cultural love letter to the women of the Southwest, whose lives and work embody the spirit of community. This award-winning traveling photographic exhibition features photos and stories of 70 women, all past and present, who represent the spirit of the Corn Mothers.