Biography

Linda Shoemaker has been involved in civic and philanthropic affairs in Colorado since 1963 when she moved to Boulder, and began volunteering at the YWCA as a high school student. She brings a wealth of skills and experience to her work as a philanthropist and activist, having worked as a weekly newspaper publisher and corporate attorney and served as President of the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education.

In 2000, along with her husband, Steve Brett, Linda founded the Brett Family Foundation to address the needs of underserved communities in Boulder County, and create progressive social change throughout Colorado. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $2.5 million to direct service organizations, think tanks, advocacy and organizing groups.

Believing in the importance of alternative policy development and advocacy, Linda was the founding chair of the Board of the Bell Policy Center, a progressive think-tank in Colorado dedicated to opening gateways of opportunity for all Coloradans by providing the research and analysis necessary to stimulate public debate and develop effective policy alternatives. The Bell has provided leadership in addressing the fiscal and budgetary issues associated with TABOR (the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights.) In 2004, it worked to help build a coalition of people and organizations seeking to modify TABOR so that the state could meet the needs of its growing population. In addition to TABOR reform, the Bell works on issues such as increasing access to higher education and creating gateways to economic opportunity for the working poor.

In 2004, Linda initiated two new philanthropic projects aimed at strengthening the progressive infrastructure and fostering social change: 1) State of Change, an online resource connecting progressive donors to state-level advocacy and organizing nonprofits creating social change; and 2) Southwest Action, a regional support center that will provide resources and coordination to its state-level policy institutes, organizing and advocacy affiliates in Southwestern States.

In January 2002, The Daily Camera recognized Linda's achievements and contributions to the Boulder community by honoring her with their prestigious Pacesetter Award in the area of community service. In March 2002, the YWCA of Boulder County honored Linda with their Spirit of the Community Award. In 2004, Linda received the Award for Colorado's Outstanding Philanthropist from National Philanthropy Days.

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