Better Because of Her Award: Manuela Stewart Sifuentes
YWCA Boulder County is proud to present the Better Because of Her Award to Manuela Stewart Sifuentes. The Better Because of Her Award celebrates extraordinary women who have dedicated their time, passion, and expertise to advancing women's rights and eliminating barriers, leaving our community stronger and more equitable for generations to come. Manuela’s work as the Language Access Program Manager for the City of Boulder embodies the significance of this award, highlighting her commitment to fostering an inclusive community where language is not a barrier in access to services and information.
Born in Guatemala and raised both in Guatemala and Boulder, Manuela’s personal journey is deeply connected to her professional mission. Her parents instilled in her the values of advocacy and empowerment, motivating her to speak up for those who may not have the opportunity to do so. With a background in public health and years of experience interpreting for her family, Manuela recognized the critical gaps in bilingual communication within government and nonprofit sectors in Boulder County. She became an advocate for effective language access, ensuring that every resident can engage meaningfully with their local government and access services.
Manuela’s leadership is demonstrated through her development of the city’s first Language Access Plan, a comprehensive initiative designed to facilitate communication for Spanish-speaking residents. By introducing professional interpretation services at city meetings, she has transformed the way community members participate in local governance. This work not only empowers individuals to engage in local democratic processes but also strengthens Boulder County’s community by ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
At the core of Manuela’s work is a commitment to collective empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of listening to diverse experiences and minimizing personal ego leadership roles. Manuela believes that effective change comes from collaboration and shared responsibility, creating an environment where everyone can contribute to the community's growth. Her approach has been pivotal in encouraging a culture of inclusivity within Boulder, reminding us that true progress is achieved when we uplift one another. Manuela also shares her passion for community and culture as a host of the KGNU radio show “Corriente”, where you can find her on the first Saturday of every month.
Receiving the Better Because of Her Award reflects Manuela’s significant impact on the community and her dedication to equity. Her work exhibits the belief that everyone deserves a life in which they can feel empowered and thrive, free from the barriers that language can form. Manuela Stewart Sifuentes continues to inspire others through her passion for accessibility and advocacy, creating a more equitable Boulder for all.
Join us in honoring Manuela at the Better Because of Her Luncheon on April 16. https://www.ywcaboulder.org/events-feed/luncheon