About Women Partnering
Our History
In early 1998 three Sisters of St Francis (Sr. Jeannette, Sr. Frances, and Sr. Marilyn) of Colorado Springs came together with a research team of financially vulnerable women (Cynthia E, Pat F., Tanya G., Robin H., Diane W., and Sharon W.) with the goal of identifying and meeting the unmet needs of women and children in Colorado Springs.
The women led the process as they were the experts with lived experience. Their first objective was to reject the term “poor,” redefining themselves as financially vulnerable. The research team also identified the idea of a network that would not duplicate existing services. The recommendations of this research process both initiated and continues to shape Women Partnering.
In June 1998, researchers presented their findings to the Sisters of St Francis. Recommending that instead of one more program to respond to the unmet needs of women and children who were financially vulnerable, there should be a network. Women from a variety of backgrounds who would walk side-by-side and build on each other’s strengths. There needed to be a place where women could go and learn from one another. Women who were financially vulnerable needed to continue to partner with other women in working for empowerment, equity, and mutuality. This presentation ended with the Sisters of St Francis voting to fund the project going forward, with the added stipulation that the services would be given at no cost to the women.
In November 2000, the first board of what would become Women Partnering was convened. A board of women from diverse ethnic, educational, and age groups needed to be developed that honored the lived experience and knowledge of financially vulnerable women as much as professional knowledge and experience. The name for the organization was taken directly from the sub-title of the research: Women Partnering. Three women committed to serve on the board, and the others committed to be involved in service. Women Partnering opened the door to serve the first women in 2001. Since then, Women Partnering has served more than 5,400 women and 5,000 children.
Meet The Team
Jennifer Trujillo Taylor, BA
Executive Director
Jennifer Trujillo Taylor is the Executive Director of Women Partnering and has served in this role since 2021. She is proud of providing women with the tools to reach economic sustainability. Jennifer graduated from Occidental College with a Political Science Degree. She has worked in the non-profit sector
for over 30 years working with vulnerable and diverse populations such as inmates transitioning from prison, people struggling with addictions, and victims of abuse. It has been rewarding for Jennifer to be a part of assisting others achieve their goals, heal, and become successful in
their pursuits. Jennifer is married and has 3 children. She loves board games, reading, biking, and camping but only in a trailer with a cozy bed.
Ana C. Olivas, Master CC
Bilingual Woman Navigator
Ana was born in Mexico and raised in El Paso, TX as the oldest of seven siblings. She married, and a mother of 3 and stepmom to 3, all young adults; and to many fur babies. Ana has worked in many non-profit roles in Colorado, and has a Masters in Community Counselling. Her passion is serving those in our community facing domestic violence and abuse situations. She loves the arts: theater, music, and crafts.
"My favorite scripture and my guide in life is
Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things through Christ which strengthens me."
Sister Marilyn Uhing OSF, MSW
Former Woman's Story Director, Women Partnering Volunteer
Sister Marilyn has served the community in many capacities. She has taught in rural communities and at universities. She also founded Franciscan Community Counseling and served as the director and counselor. She also started Woman’s Story in tandem with Women Partnering as a way to provide more opportunity for spiritual growth and overall wellness. She co-leads our Drop-In groups to enrich the lives of women in the Colorado Springs area.
Valkyrie
Women Partnering Specialist
Valkyrie first joined Women Partnering in 2020 as a Partner, then became a volunteer, joined the Women Partnering board, and now works as the newly appointed Women Partnering Specialist. This role was created to aid Women Partnering as we continue to rise to meet the needs of our community.
Board Members
Board Chair: Sandra D'Angelo
President/Executive Director: Jennifer Trujillo Taylor
Vice President: Frances Sedlacek, OSF
Treasurer: Carol Booth
Secretary: Dora Gonzales
Micah Sutton
Sharon King
Sister Jeannette Kneifel OSF, Ph.D
Founder
Sister Jeannette was well ahead of her time when she created Women Partnering. She focused on equity before it became a common topic, pursuing her degree so that she would be able to bring financially vulnerable women to the table, ensuring that their voices are heard.
