2026 Champions of Democracy Celebration
May 31, 2026

Thank You for Joining the Celebration!

Keynote Speaker: Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury

2026 Champions of Democracy Award Honoree:
Congressman Joe Neguse

2026 Tom Mayer Award for Community Service:
Kristen Aldretti and Cathy Carlson

2026 Josie Heath Outstanding Young Democrat Award:
Andrew Barton

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Sold Out! ~ Thank you!!

Sponsorships available
Email Champions@bocodems.org for more information

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We're thrilled to announce this year's Champions of Democracy Speaker is  Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury! 

Melanie Stansbury is a proud New Mexican who has spent her career working to protect our lands and waters and address the critical issues facing our communities. As someone who grew up in a working family in Albuquerque, Melanie knows what it means to struggle to make ends meet and knows the urgency of bringing real solutions to help our families. Serving in the New Mexico House of Representatives (2019-2021), Melanie was a leader in tackling the pandemic, food and hunger issues, climate change, growing our economy and meaningful jobs, rebuilding our infrastructure, and protecting our natural resources. As our Congresswoman, Melanie took that fight to Washington D.C. in 2021 because the stakes are high and New Mexico needs a leader who will fight for our communities and the issues that matter most. Rep. Stansbury currently sits on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. 

Champions of Democracy Award Winner

The 2026 Champion of Democracy Award goes to Congressman Joe Neguse!

In Congress, Joe Neguse has worked tirelessly to serve our community — enacting more laws than any member of the state’s delegation, including legislation to protect consumers, preserve our forests & public lands, strengthen ethics and anti-trust laws, expand opportunities for small businesses, and invest in our rural schools and mountain economies.

Congressman Neguse served as an impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s 2nd trial in front of the United States Senate on the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He underscored the importance of holding Trump accountable for his efforts to subvert the results of the 2020 election and pushing for the preservation of the peaceful transfer of power.

We're so grateful for Joe's leadership and thrilled to honor him as this year's Champion of Democracy.

Tom Mayer Award for Community Service

This year's Tom Mayer Award for Community Service goes to Kristen Aldretti and Cathy Carlson! 

Kristen Aldretti, inspired by her immigrant family roots in Southern Colorado coal mining, began supporting newcomers in Metro Denver in late 2023 by coordinating essential supplies and helping families find stable housing. Since early 2025, she has co-led the Boulder County Immigrant Partnership Team, focusing on public action and community engagement. She also participates in several immigrant rights organizations, including Interfaith Immigration Network, Coloradans for Immigrant Rights, and No Concentration Camps in Colorado.

Cathy Carlson is a retired lobbyist and consultant with experience in conservation efforts at the national, state, and local levels. She worked for 15 years at the National Wildlife Federation in Washington DC and Boulder, and since 2001 has focused on environmental policy and nonprofit management. Currently, Cathy co-leads the Immigrant Partnership Team for Boulder County, supporting vulnerable families facing housing, food insecurity, and immigration concerns. She is active in Colorado and national politics, serves on the boards of Democratic Women of Boulder County and the Colorado BlueFlower Fund helping women win political office.

Josie Heath Outstanding Young Democrat Award

This year's Josie Heath Young Democrat Award to Andrew Barton! 

Andrew Barton has been a longtime Boulder County organizer dedicated to building a more inclusive, representative, and participatory democracy. He has worked across candidate and issue campaigns, knocked tens of thousands of doors, and helped elect Democrats, grow progressive majorities, and advance policies that reflect the values of our community.

His commitment has also shaped policy work at the Colorado Capitol, where he has supported members of Boulder County’s legislative delegation on issues including clean energy adoption, gun violence prevention, and expanded access and funding for public schools and educators.

Andrew also restarted the Boulder County Young Democrats, creating space for the next generation of Democratic and civic leaders to organize, lead, and be heard. Through his work with organizations such as New Era Colorado and Common Cause, he has helped break down barriers to democratic participation, including efforts to protect voters from intimidation and strengthen voting rights in Colorado.

Andrew’s leadership reflects the spirit of this award: service, courage, organizing, and a deep belief that democracy is strongest when more people can participate.

Please join us in congratulating Andrew Burton on this well-deserved recognition.