2023 Andrus Award for Community Service

AARP Colorado named Dr. Irene Martinez Jordan to receive the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award.

“This award goes to an individual who continues to amaze AARP and the people around her with continuous devotion to advocacy and service,” said AARP Colorado state director Sara Schueneman, who presented the award to Martinez Jordan at a recent ceremony. “In the memory of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, we are thrilled to name Irene Martinez Jordan the 2023 AARP Andrus Award winner.”

Martinez Jordan has been heavily involved with state legislation concerning retirement security, education, food insecurity, housing, elections, and so much more. She also volunteers for AARP El Comité, a Hispanic advisory subgroup, which supports the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) commitment of AARP. Martinez Jordan is one of the original members of the Latina Calling Tree, who makes sure minority groups are front of mind for legislators when drafting bills.

“Irene has been instrumental in the areas of retirement security,” said Carol Pace, an AARP advocacy member. In addition, “Irene has served on many boards, helping to advance all children and is one of the kindest people I know.”

Outside of her work with AARP Colorado, Martinez Jordan is a retired school principal, who dedicated her working life helping kids reach their educational goals. She also is the co-founder and co-director of West Food Bank, sponsored by alumni of West High School, where she invests many hours each week.

“AARP Colorado is truly grateful to have Irene as a dedicated team member and looks forward to supporting her in all the amazing things she continues to do,” Schueneman said.

Other Award Winners include the following:

Leslie Kalechman, chair of the AARP Colorado Legislative Advocates, was named AARP 2023 Volunteer of the Year for her expansive knowledge of legislative issues, politics, lobbying protocol and more. She has crafted legislative advocate handbooks, guided subject matter, and she understands the implications of countless bills.

Barb Lotze, co-founder of the non-profit Cycling Without Age in Littleton, received the Wish of a Lifetime award for her continued dedication to share the opportunities the organization offers to older adults.

Christine Taraskiewicz, who began volunteering with Senior Planet last year, was awarded the Senior Planet Award for her passion and cheerful outlook in her work with the program that helps older adults learn modern technologies.

The AARP Community Partner of the Year Award went to Metro Caring, a frontline anti-hunger organization that promotes healthy living, for embodiment of the AARP spirit.

In addition, the Community Partner Award went to Basha and Little Man Ice Cream for their collaboration with AARP on many significant community events.

Bill Levis, one of AARP Colorado’s advocacy members who specializes in utilities, was awarded the AARP Program Strategic Award for his dedication to fighting utility price hikes and translating complex issues into terms everyone can understand.

Carol Pace received the AARP Legislative Volunteer of the Year Award. Pace’s testimony to the Colorado Legislature this year was truly above and beyond, helping to pass critical anti-hunger legislation, among other issues.

Nancy Mahoney, a long-time volunteer with the AARP fraud office, was awarded the AARP Lifetime Achievement Award for continuing to eagerly fill in wherever help is needed, whether that is the helpline, at community events, or training new volunteers.