University to Honor Six Women on October 2
The University of Northern Colorado will induct six local women into the 25-year-old Corn Mothers project.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hispanic
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On October 2, 2026, the University of Northern Colorado will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring six women for their regional contributions. The ceremony will unveil new portraits and biographies as part of the long-standing Corn Mothers project.
Why it matters
This induction recognizes the advocacy, arts, and cultural preservation efforts of Hispanic and multicultural women in Greeley and Weld County. The event highlights their significant role in documenting and shaping the regional community over the past quarter-century.
The Corn Mothers Project, now 25 years old, honors women who have made significant regional impacts. The upcoming ceremony will feature six women at the Campus Commons building.
The players
Juanita Martinez Rocha
She is a member of Hispanic Women of Weld County and serves on the board of the Greeley Dream Team.
Emma Peña McCleave
She founded the Mexican American History Project Greeley and serves on the board of Greeley Museums.
Elena Guerrero Townsend
A member of the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, she became the first woman trackman for the Santa Fe Railway in 1977.
Nomie Ketterling
She received the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year award from the United Way of Weld County.
The details
The induction ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m., showcases the accomplishments of individuals like Juanita Martinez Rocha, Emma Peña McCleave, Elena Guerrero Townsend, and Nomie Ketterling. The event honors their work with local organizations, such as the Greeley Dream Team, Greeley Museums, and the United Way of Weld County.
Timeline
1977 marks when Elena Guerrero Townsend became a Santa Fe Railway trackman.
2023 was the year Nomie Ketterling was named Humanitarian of the Year.
October 2, 2026, is the date for the new Corn Mothers induction ceremony.
Culture Shift
The Corn Mothers project operates as a multi-state archive that challenges traditional historical narratives by centering the lives of multicultural women. This event aligns with the broader societal movement toward recognizing grassroots community leadership and preserving marginalized cultural histories.
Residents can attend the public induction ceremony at the Campus Commons building to learn about the history of their community through the lives of these honorees. Engaging with this event offers a deeper understanding of the diverse leadership roles that have shaped Weld County.
The takeaway
Celebrating these community leaders provides residents with a richer perspective on the history of Greeley and the surrounding region. Implementing this practice of recognizing local contributions can inspire others to engage more actively in their own neighborhoods.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural preservation efforts by visiting our Hispanic section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUNC.
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