Know a Golden or Jefferson County woman who deserves recognition for her volunteer efforts, or an innovative woman who has successfully created a new product, service, or organization to make the world a better place? Nominate her for “Volunteer Woman of the Year” or “Innovator Woman of the Year.” The winners will be recognized at the annual JeffCo International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2018 at Baldoria on the Water in Lakewood, CO. Applications, which are due no later than noon, Friday, January 19, 2018, can be found at: https://www.ixpowerfoundation.org/women-s-day/woman-of-the-year-applications/ The JeffCo International Women’s Day celebration is an official International Women’s Day event and can be found on the international website at: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Events The recognition for Volunteer Woman of the Year and Innovator Woman of the Year, is just one of the elements of this popular annual event which complements the global International Women’s Day celebration on March 8 every year. Other activities for the day in Jefferson County include a series of speed seminars (25 minutes each) on various topics of interest to today’s busy women, a “showcase” of local businesses and organizations, and the luncheon itself. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Brynn Watson, a noted aerospace engineer with Lockheed Martin, who will discuss women in STEM careers. Additionally, awards will be presented by the DECTech female students at the Colorado School of Mines, to the winners of the Golden Library’s “Girls in STEM” competition which has already begun. After a very successful event the last two years, the Golden Library is again coordinating the Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) competition for all young women in the county in grades 5 through 8. Entries require competitors to use their imagination and STEM knowledge to make the world a better place, or solve an everyday problem with an original design or concept. Participants may work individually or in groups of 4 or less. For more information about the contest, pick up information at the Golden Library, 1019 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401, or call Stephanie Douglas at 303.235.5275. The submission deadline is February 3, 2018. Jefferson County merchants either owned or operated by a woman, or featuring a product or service for women, also have the opportunity to participate in International Women’s Day with a coupon or flyer about a special discount or deal to mark the day, in the guest bag that will be at each seat at the luncheon. Additionally, special deals for Women’s Day will be promoted on the website, in press releases, and in advertising where appropriate. For information about becoming a Women’s Day merchant, visit: https://www.ixpowerfoundation.org/women-s-day/special-merchant-offers-for-women-s-day/ History This is the third year that International Women’s Day has been celebrated in Jefferson County, Colorado. In many countries around the world, this is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic, or political. International Women's Day first emerged at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe and the first time it was observed nationally in the U.S. was in 1909. Sponsorships featuring a number of benefits are still available for the March 8, 2018 JeffCo International Women’s Day luncheon. More information about sponsorships and reservations can be made by visiting https://www.ixpowerfoundation.org/women-s-day/sponsorships-tickets-1/ or calling 303-277-9520. #