Community
Gloria Gutierrez built a legacy of service in Pueblo during Hispanic Heritage Month
The former executive assistant to eight CSU Pueblo presidents received the Latino Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of work across Pueblo and southern Colorado
PUEBLO, Colo. Gloria Gutierrez spent nearly three decades in the Office of the President at Colorado State University Pueblo. During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino Chamber Foundation honored her for a career of public service that extended across Pueblo and southern Colorado.
The foundation presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its 19th annual Latino Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony on the CSU Pueblo campus. She shared the honor with David Abeyta, who was recognized posthumously for his service to the community.
Gutierrez graduated from Pueblo Central High School and became the first in her family to earn a college degree. She earned a Bachelor of Science in mass communications in 1998 while she worked full time at the university, then known as the University of Southern Colorado. From 1976 to 2003, she managed the Office of the President and served as executive assistant to eight presidents.
From December 2003 to December 2007, Gutierrez served as executive director of the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation set a telethon record of $242,000 and grew its sponsored scholarships from 15 to 55 over four years.
From 2009 to 2015, she served as southern Colorado regional director for U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, covering 19 counties. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper later appointed her to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10th Judicial District. She also served on the Pueblo Human Relations Commission and the boards of Catholic Charities and the Boys & Girls Club. The YWCA honored her with the Anna Taussig Outstanding Community Service Award in 2015.
In 2015, Gutierrez helped establish the Pueblo Latino Veterans Legacies of Courage Committee and served as its founding chair. She now serves as board president of the nonprofit, which has honored 58 Latino veterans to date. The group's awards ceremony, set for Oct. 10 at 5 p.m., honors Latino veterans especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, she told the audience.
Her son grew up on campus and went to community events with her from middle school through high school. "She has always been my role model," he said.
Pueblo County commissioners and the Pueblo City Council proclaimed Sept. 17 as Latino Lifetime Achievement Awards Day. A county commissioner called Pueblo "the best place to live, the best place to raise little ones."
"This award is a testament to the power of believing you can make a difference, dedication to a cause or a purpose in helping others, and perseverance," Gutierrez said. "Success is never achieved alone. It is built on faith, in community, on shared dreams and relentless effort."
She asked her husband to stand during her remarks. "Every challenge, every triumph, you were right there by me."
"I remain committed to pushing boundaries, inspiring the next generation and contributing meaningfully to the work and community I love," she said.
