Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab’s Executive Director, Ivan Luevanos-Elms remembers State Senator, LP founding member, and friend, Faith Winter.
In a year where bold leadership has been so necessary, we are grieving the loss of a fighter and a force who served as one of the founding members of Local Progress – State Senator Faith Winter.
Faith was with us from the very beginning, joining over 20 local elected officials as a Westminster City Councilmember in 2012. During that meeting in a basement, Faith and other founding members laid out a vision for a national network committed to racial and economic justice! From that moment, Faith continued to build our amazing membership from Colorado to the rest of the nation. She believed deeply in the mission of Local Progress, seeing this unique network as not just an organized force for good but a caring community grounded in sustainability.
Faith was integral to establishing what is now the Progressive Governance Academy – including launching our first Progressive Governance Lab in New York City in August of 2021. And as a woman in elected office, Faith deeply believed in building the leadership of women and femmes, helping to develop and organize Local Progress’ identity space through the Women’s Caucus.
Beyond how Faith championed our mission and values, she was an extraordinary mother and a caring friend who embodied the team sport spirit in her relationships that is necessary to bring forth a future where all people can live, work, learn, and play with dignity and respect. Faith’s leadership and advocacy was always grounded in joy and rooted in a commitment to do good for workers, families, and the communities she served.
Local Progress will carry Faith’s legacy forward by bringing likely and unlikely elected officials together from every level of government, showing up with authenticity, and deeply loving the communities we serve.
Personally, I will miss being in a training space where she would imbue a new wave of leaders with the confidence and knowledge to wield their power effectively then close out dancing the night away.
Rest in power my friend, and know that we will carry your legacy of joy and justice across Colorado, this country and beyond.
Statement from Faith’s family.
The Local Progress team sends our love and condolences to Faith’s family and friends. Please consider contributing to the GoFundMe for Memorial and Education Fund for her son & daughter.
