5 Rad Colorado Women Who Give Us Smile Power

Hear them roar! These women defied societal standards and made history...like bosses. Who knew the Rocky Mountains were rockin' with so much girl power? Get your Smile Power℠ on and zigazig ah.

Caroline Jacobson / Delta Dental of Colorado

MARGARET "MOLLY" BROWN [1867—1932]

Delta Dental of Colorado

You may know "The Unsinkable Molly Brown” from the sinkable ship (but very profitable movie), Titanic. But this tenacious mine-heiress was much more than who you saw on the silver screen. While working at a Leadville department store, Brown spoke out against mine workers’ harsh conditions and poor wages. Ironically, in 1893, Brown’s husband hit it big in a Colorado gold mine. Instead of living the luxurious lifestyle, Brown used her newfound freedom to take her charity and activism efforts to the next level.

Smile Power Peak: In 1901, she attempted to win a seat in the state senate, blowing minds across the country. Her action defied the common maxim, a ridiculous standard which stated, "a woman's name should appear in the newspaper only three times: at her birth, upon her marriage, and at her death." This was the first step in Brown’s 20-year girl-empowering career. Good golly, Ms. Molly—you’re still the queen of the world!

JUSTINA FORD [1871—1952]

Delta Dental of Colorado

As an African-American woman in the 1900s, Justina Ford dealt with double diversity. Regardless, Ford fought for her passion to become a doctor. After graduating from medical school in Chicago, she was denied a medical license. Instead of throwing in the towel, Ford moved to Denver, Colorado and set up her own practice.

Smile Power Peak: Ford and her practice were like Oprah: “You get an appointment. You get an appointment. EVERYBODY GETS AN APPOINTMENT!” No matter their race, gender, language, or financial situation, all patients were accepted. In 1950, Ford finally got hers. She was accepted into the Colorado and American Medical Associations, making her the first African-American doctor in Denver.

HELEN BONFILS [1889—1972]

Delta Dental of Colorado

All the world was a stage for Denver arts philanthropist, Helen Bonfils. Bonfils was the daughter of The Denver Post co-founder, Frederick G. Bonfils. After his death in 1933, Helen took the leading role at the Post. And like any Broadway star, she was a triple threat: owner of The Denver Post, a leading arts philanthropist, and an occasional actress.

Smile Power Peak: Bonfils' legacy lives on through the Bonfils Memorial Theatre and Tony Award-winning Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). DCPA is now the nation’s largest nonprofit theater organization. Bravo, Helen! Your contributions are worthy of a standing ovation.

BARTLEY MARIE SCOTT [1896—1979]

Delta Dental of Colorado

At less than 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, Bartley Marie Scott was a Colorado cattle rancher. Her small size was ironic, considering she was one of the largest female legends on the Western Slope. Anything men could do, Scott could do better. To prove it, Scott axed the apron and started her own cattle herd at age 16.

Smile Power Peak: Her new homestead lassoed in new opportunities for Western women. Scott fought her way through a “man’s world” and gained mad respect as both a conservationist and rancher.

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT [1937—Still Making Waves]

Delta Dental of Colorado

Born in Czechoslovakia, Albright immigrated to the United States in 1948 and spent her teen years in Denver, graduating from Kent Denver School (Go Sun Devils). Before Aerosmith, it was Albright telling women to "walk this way." She made history when she became the first female secretary of state.

Smile Power Peak: To this day, Albright is still rockin’ it for women’s rights. She continues to impact politics, making sure younger women face fewer obstacles than those in past generations.