2012 Maverick Thinker Honoree

This year, we are honoring Jeannie Ritter who has been a supporter of Urban Peak and homeless youth for many years.  During her time as First Lady of Colorado, Jeannie Ritter focused on creating mental health awareness and increasing access to mental health services.  Her other areas of focus have been youth advocacy, homelessness and suicide prevention.  Jeannie taught in Denver Public Schools for 10 years, specializing in classes for emotionally disturbed children.  She strongly believes Urban Peak's work is a powerful intervention strategy giving hope and new direction to the youth it serves.   Jeannie and Bill have four children – August, Abraham, Sam, and Tally.

Jeannie joins a distinguished list of past honorees that includes Caz Matthews, Rich Rainaldi and Martha Records, Walter Isenberg, Anne Warhover, Judi Wagner, Jim Bye, Gail Klapper, Noel Ginsburg, Frederick Mayer, Sam Gary and The Haynes family.  An exemplary Urban Peak youth will also be honored at the event for their outstanding accomplishments.