Vice President of Programs Celebrates 10 Years at WFCO
Profile in Philanthropy: Louise Myrland, Vice President of Programs, Reaches 10-Years at WFCO
Vice President of Programs Louise Myrland reached her 10-year anniversary with WFCO in February 2024. Louise’s impact and commitment to gender, racial, and economic equity is felt across our Foundation and community every day. From the creation of the WAGES and WINcome grantmaking programs to her team’s influence in the public policy arena, her work changes lives of Colorado women and their families. Louise and her team played an integral role in advocating for Equal Pay for Equal Work Act policies in 2019 and 2023, establishing Colorado as a national leader in pay transparency. She consistently grounds our team in our values and serves as a strategic sounding board for all of us. Get to know more about Louise in her anniversary profile!
Tell us something not many people know about you?
Since I haven’t played in years, not many people know that I played soccer for most of my life before moving to Colorado. It began with Coach Moon at age 4 and continued through high school. In college and even after grad school I played in rec leagues, including one at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. While I miss playing now, I love to cheer on the US Women’s National Team – on the pitch and in their fight for equal pay!
What are you most proud of during your time at WFCO?
During my time at WFCO, The Foundation’s engagement and impact through public policy has expanded considerably. Policy and systems change are essential to realize WFCO’s vision for an equitable Colorado where women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals of every background and identity prosper. I am so proud to have worked with incredible partners on policy changes that make the context of our communities more fair and improve daily life for Coloradans – from pay transparency to paid leave – and I am excited to keep building on this momentum.
What action do you hope people will take to support women in Colorado?
I hope Coloradans will approach every decision on their ballots with a commitment to making our communities more equitable and just. I hope voters will use and share WFCO’s Womanifesto ballot guide when it’s released this fall.
Who have been mentors on your journey?
A mentor who had tremendous influence early in my career is Dr. Susan Olesik. She is an award-winning analytical chemist who broke barriers in her field and has been recognized for her commitment to inclusion and equitable access to educational and career opportunities in the sciences. Through our science education outreach work together at The Ohio State University, I learned about the power of philanthropy to fuel and scale the impact of dedicated community leaders. My career path would look very different without Susan’s influence – I am eternally grateful for her!
Where do you find the most joy in your life?
I am happiest skiing at Winter Park with my family! I am so grateful for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and scale of the Rocky Mountains together.
If you had to teach a class, what would it be?
I can’t choose just one! The knowledge I most love to share includes everything you need to know about Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work law and how to navigate the gluten-free lifestyle (with joy and delicious meals).
What would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Trust yourself!
Feel free to reach out to Louise to offer your congratulations!
