Girl Scouts announces 2026 Colorado Springs Women of Distinction

February 01, 2026

Six extraordinary women honored

This year, Girl Scouts of Colorado is honoring six outstanding women in the Pikes Peak region as the new class of Women of Distinction. These women have displayed exemplary leadership and a commitment to advancing the profile of women and girls in our community. They serve as inspirations to Girl Scouts and demonstrate the courage, confidence, and character that girls gain through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This year’s honorees were selected by a committee of their peers and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. These women join a network of more than 100 Women of Distinction alums in the Colorado Springs area. They are shining examples of corporate, civic, educational and philanthropic leaders, who serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow.

Class of 2026, Women of Distinction

Beth Ann Taylor, Executive Director, Colorado APEX Accelerator - As the state director for Colorado APEX, Beth Ann Taylor leads statewide initiatives to help small businesses compete and succeed in government contracting. Driven by a desire to give back to the state she loves, she spent the past 15 years dedicated to advancing Colorado’s economic development. Taylor previously served as vice president of economic development for the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and also held a gubernatorial appointment with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, supporting 22 Western Colorado counties and helping advance key statewide initiatives. Her impact has earned major recognition with an award for economic impact and job creation, and she was named one of the 2025 Women of Influence by the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Donna W. Guthrie, Freelance Writer - As a child, Donna W. Guthrie always had her nose in a book, but it wasn’t until she was in high school and was encouraged by a teacher that she knew she would pursue a career as a writer. Today, Guthrie is a writer, filmmaker, playwright, and lecturer. She is the author of 23 books for children and has written, directed, and produced 83 video podcasts for homeschoolers, three award-winning documentaries,and four animated films. Guthrie lectures on the history of country music and hosts the podcast Looking back on Music Row, The Musical History of the Stars, and Sounds of Country Music. She is an avid movie-goer and the co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival, North America’s longest-running women’s film festival.
Gina Sacripanti, General Manager/President, AdPro and Chief Communications Officer, Phil Long Dealerships - Gina Sacripanti is a natural-born leader who supports other women in business by showing up, speaking up, and elevating the profiles of established and emerging businesswomen. Throughout her career, Sacripanti has held numerous executive positions, including her present roles of general manager and president of AdPro Advertising Agency, and chief communications officer of Phil Long Dealerships. She currently serves on the executive committee for the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and on the development and fundraising committee for Homeward Pikes Peak. In 2024, she was appointed by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to serve as the Pikes Peak region representative on the Colorado Transportation Investment Office Board of Directors.
Promis Bruno, Elevated Mentor, Sachs Foundation - Promis Bruno is a proud mother of three whose passion for serving the community began at an early age. Her work in School District 8 is where that passion truly took off, serving as the homeless prevention coordinator. In that role, she built strong community partnerships to expand support for families, including launching a food pantry and clothing closet, writing grants to sustain those programs, and providing homeless youth with laptops as they transitioned to higher education. Bruno is currently in her seventh year as an elevated mentor with the Sachs Foundation, where she mentors students and organizes tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to broaden their vision for the future. She also serves as a school administrator in District 2.
Stella Hodgkins, Senior Vice President and Elevating Leadership Development Program Officer, El Pomar Foundation – In her roles with the El Pomar Foundation, Stella Hodgkins leads initiatives that build inclusive leadership networks and strengthen civic engagement across Colorado. She oversees community partnerships and cultural events such as the Milton E. Proby Cultural Heritage Induction Ceremony and has directed programs like the Forum for Civic Advancement. Previously, Hodgkins managed corporate citizenship at GE Johnson, overseeing more than $1 million in philanthropic giving and volunteer engagement. With a background in sustainability and green building, she contributed to landmark projects including the Pikes Peak Summit Complex and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Hodgkins serves as board chair for Peak Vista Community Health Centers and on multiple civic boards, advancing equity, education, and public health.
Trina Baldock, Director of Programs, Infinity Systems Engineering - Over her 25 years with Inﬁnity, Trina Baldock has held key roles in program management, systems engineering, integration and test, and training development. In her current role, Baldock leads program execution, contract management, and strategic planning. Before entering the industry, Baldock served seven years in the U.S. Air Force supporting GPS Space Operations and Space Training units. Her commitment to service extends into the community, where she has supported STEM education with the Girl Scouts of Colorado and volunteered with organizations including Hope and Home, Habitat for Humanity, and Wreaths Across America. She also served on the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Board, helping elevate the stories of inﬂuential Colorado women.

Girl Scouts of Colorado will welcome the Class of 2026 honorees from 5:30 to 8 p.m., April 23, at the Colorado Springs Marriott (5580 Tech Center Dr, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919).

“It is an honor to introduce this year’s remarkable Women of Distinction class. They are strong, bold, empowered women who represent the leadership and excellence that powers today’s world, and they are outstanding role models for our girls,” said Leanna Clark, CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado.

Proceeds from the event will support Girl Scouts of Colorado’s crucial leadership development programs in entrepreneurship, outdoors, STEM, and life skills for nearly15,000 youth members across Colorado.

We Are Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org.