Baca Receives Governor's Citizenship Medal

Photo by Julius Garrido<br>

Earlier this year, AARP Colorado El Comité member Polly Baca was awarded the Governor’s Citizenship Medal for Vanguard Legacy by Gov. Jared Polis for her lifetime of community leadership.

Baca was named as part of the 2020 Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals. The ceremony was streamed live from the Colorado History Museum on Jan. 28.

In addition, the League of Women Voters honored Baca with the Leadership Award in a ceremony that was held the following month, just days before Baca’s 80^th birthday on Feb. 13.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Baca said.

Baca served in the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate. She was the first woman of color elected to the senate and the first female chair of the Democratic Caucus. Over the years, she has been highly active in politics and community. She was executive director of the Colorado Hispanic Institute and president and CEO of the Latin American Research and Service Agency.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more than Polly,” said Roberto Rey, AARP Colorado multicultural outreach director. “Polly has done so much for this state and beyond, it is nearly impossible to list all the ways she has given back to the community and helped to elevate women and people of color. We at AARP are proud that she serves on our Hispanic advisory team, and we are so happy and proud for her.”