Whether you consider 2008 the "Year of the Woman" or not, females undoubtedly busted barriers this year. For the first time, our country had a viable female presidential candidate: Hillary Clinton. We also witnessed the second female vice-presidential nominee: Sarah Palin. And as we currently await President-elect Barack Obama to officially settle into the White House as the first African American president, we're seeing him appoint women to many high-profile Cabinet posts. Things are changing.

Yes, there were disappointments. Yes, the progression of women in politics is moving slower than we'd like. But major moves were made in '08 and we can only go up from here.

At the end of August, Colorado women especially got a first-hand grasp on politics when the Democratic National Convention was held in Denver. The last time this city hosted the DNC was in 1908. (That was 12 years before women could vote!) One hundred years later, females have much to be thankful for, but much to still fight for. 

While great gals were making strides in '08 nationally, other women were really kickin' butt locally. And now is the perfect time to get caught up on some of the Colorado women who made an impact in 2008 (in no particular order, of course).
 
Wende Curtis

Long-time Comedy Works owner Wende Curtis opened another venue for more laughs in October: Comedy Works South in the Denver Tech Center.

Almost everything you've ever wanted to know about Denver's queen of comedy is packed into this fantastic feature from Denver Magazine.

If there's a woman paving the way for local ladies to further their careers in comedy, Wende's the one.

Teresa Robbins

Teresa Robbins was the visionary and planner for Venus de Miles, the first women's-only bike ride in Colorado which took place on Aug. 17.

While she was planning the event, Robbins was on maternity leave (from her job as a manager/accountant for Greenhouse Partners), taking care of her one-year-old and doing it all as a volunteer. Now that's dedication. Check out Robbins' recap from the day.

Nancy Ariano

The Colorado Automobile Dealers Association has been around for 75 years. For the first time in CADA's history, a woman was elected as the new chair in July.

Hats off to Nancy Ariano, of Durango, for being the first chairwoman.

Go Nancy! Vrrroom! Vrrroom! Read more here.

Vicki Ferrari and Abbe Dorn

Denver Police Officers Vicki Ferrari and Abbe Dorn tried out for spots on American Gladiators and made it on the show. Need I say more? Read more at WomenOf.com.

Read up on the American Gladiators tryouts that took place in February.
 
Gretchen Bleiler

27-year-old Gretchen Bleiler, who currently resides in Aspen, is said to be one of the best female snowboarders in the world. She's a role model for women who ride and a pioneer who's surely paving the way. Bleiler has racked up too many awards to name, but her 2008 winnings pretty much top 'em all:

• 2008 ESPY Award for best female action sports athlete
• 2008 Winter Dew Tour Superpipe Champion (Breckenridge, CO)
• 2008 X Games Halfpipe Gold Medalist

Read more on Bleiler.

Jen and Ann Garner

This year, Jen and Ann Garner co-founded the Neopolitan Art Gallery, a little art spot located on one of the most locally-owned strips on East Colfax. Near The Shoppe and the Fabric Lab, this woman-owned gallery features Denver artists every month. For more information or to contact the gallery, call Jen or Ann at 303-362-0199. Read up on a recent art show at Neopolitan.

Heather Browne

Colorado resident Heather Browne pretty much lives for one thing: music. And on her blog, I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS, she busts her ass to keep locals in the loop and often appears on NPR.

Nick Hornby of The New York Times even mentioned her blog as one of his favorite sites in an October article Living With Music: A Playlist by Nick Hornby. (Scroll to No. 11.) Make Browne your go-to gal for what's hot in the Denver music scene and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled for her in 2009.

Dusti Gurule

Dusti Gurule is the Executive Director of Latina Initiative. She is an active participant in organizing and policy reform on a variety of issues, including Latina civic engagement and economic/civil rights. Women's eNews recently named 21 Leaders for the 21st Century and Gurule made the list. They said:

"Believing that full participation in society is central to self esteem and social change, Dusti Garrison Gurule's Denver-based Latina Initiative has gained attention for a voter-education program that informs young Latinas about the political issues and engages them with policies that directly affect their lives."

Faith Winter

Faith Winter, National Field Director for the White House Project, is the youngest elected woman in Colorado, where she also serves on the Westminster City Council. Winter provides training, inspiration and empowerment to promote women's political leadership in Colorado and the Southwest region.

And during the DNC, she busted her butt to make sure Colorado women knew what was up - and continues to do so.

I interviewed Winter in August about Hillary Clinton's impact on women in politics. Read what she had to say.

Jessica Corry

Jessica Corry is a public policy analyst and political strategist who specializes in civil rights, land use policy and higher education. She is one determined woman with an already extensive bio and list of achievements.

In 2007, she was named one of Colorado's top political "Movers and Shakers" by the Colorado Statesman and, well, she's kept at it in 2008. There's no doubt about that. (I can't do her justice by simply summing her up in a few sentences.) Go read up on this gal.