Rose Andom Named 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient, Honoring a Legacy of Business Success and Community Impact
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce recognizes the entrepreneur and philanthropist whose leadership has transformed opportunities for women and expanded support for survivors of violence.
The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) has named Rose Andom the recipient of its prestigious 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, recognizing a Colorado entrepreneur and philanthropist whose extraordinary career has demonstrated how professional achievement can become a powerful vehicle for community transformation.
Announced Thursday by the Chamber, the honor celebrates Andom’s decades of business leadership, philanthropy and advocacy for women, particularly survivors of domestic violence. Her accomplishments span corporate leadership, McDonald’s franchise ownership and the creation of an institution that has provided thousands of survivors with access to critical resources.
For Andom, whose remarkable journey from childhood adversity to entrepreneurial success and community leadership has earned widespread recognition, the award represents another significant milestone in a career defined by perseverance, financial independence and an enduring commitment to helping others.
The ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, contribute meaningfully to their communities and actively support women in achieving their leadership potential. Andom’s career reflects each of these principles, making her selection especially meaningful as the Chamber continues its work to strengthen women’s economic influence and advancement throughout Colorado.
Building an Extraordinary Business Career
Andom’s professional journey began with an understanding of the importance of education and economic independence. Growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, she witnessed her mother’s determination to support her children and create opportunities despite considerable hardship.
She became the first member of her family to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and an MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her early career included positions with Hallmark and Ford Motor Co. before she joined McDonald’s Corporation in 1981.
Through the company’s accelerated management development program, Andom advanced through several leadership positions, including restaurant management, business consulting and franchise development. Her experience eventually positioned her to become a franchise owner herself.
After purchasing her first McDonald’s restaurant in Kansas City in the early 1990s, she built an impressive portfolio of six restaurants across three states, including three locations at Denver International Airport.
Her success at the airport locations was particularly noteworthy. According to the Denver Health Foundation, when Andom acquired those restaurants, their combined annual sales totaled approximately $6 million. By her retirement in 2015, annual net sales had grown to nearly $20 million.
Beyond those financial accomplishments, Andom became an influential advocate for Black business ownership and leadership within the franchise industry. She served for more than two decades on the board of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, including four years as vice chair.
Her achievements culminated in her 2024 induction into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame, recognizing her entrepreneurial success and contributions to Colorado’s business community.
Transforming Personal Experience Into Community Impact
While Andom’s accomplishments in business established her financial independence and professional influence, her philanthropic leadership has created an equally significant legacy.
Having experienced domestic violence within her family and later in her own marriage, Andom understood the emotional, financial and practical challenges survivors face when attempting to rebuild their lives.
That understanding helped shape her involvement in establishing the Rose Andom Center, Colorado’s first family justice center, which opened in Denver in June 2016 following years of collaboration among nonprofit organizations, community leaders and government agencies.
Andom contributed an initial $1 million to help establish the facility and has since provided more than $2 million in support.
Located at 1330 Fox St., the center brings essential resources together in a coordinated environment, allowing survivors to access legal assistance, safety planning, counseling, advocacy and other services without having to navigate numerous agencies independently.
The center has continued expanding its work, adding services for survivors of sexual assault in 2025 and providing economic empowerment resources that help individuals establish greater stability and independence.
This year marks the center’s 10th anniversary, offering a particularly meaningful backdrop for Andom’s ATHENA recognition.
According to the organization’s 2024 annual report, the center served 1,482 clients that year, including 1,185 new clients. Its continued growth demonstrates an ongoing and substantial need for accessible, coordinated support for people experiencing violence.
Andom’s contributions have helped create an institution that brings together professionals, community organizations and public agencies to address those needs. Her approach reflects an understanding that sustainable solutions require collaboration, resources and the willingness to address systemic barriers.
In addition to serving as an Emeritus Board Member at the Rose Andom Center, her philanthropy also extends to organizations including Warren Village, the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Denver Rescue Mission, Food Bank of the Rockies and Denver Health Foundation. She has additionally expressed plans to advance affordable housing opportunities for people experiencing homelessness.
Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Leadership With Purpose
Andom’s recognition reflects CWCC’s longstanding commitment to advancing women’s leadership, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening women’s representation in business.
For more than 25 years, the Chamber has presented the ATHENA Leadership Award in Denver, honoring individuals whose professional achievements are accompanied by a demonstrated commitment to developing and supporting others.
The award is part of an international leadership recognition program established in 1982. According to the Chamber, more than 7,000 ATHENA awards have been presented across hundreds of communities worldwide.
Previous Colorado recipients include former Colorado first lady and pioneering public official Wilma J. Webb, Women’s Foundation of Colorado President and CEO Lauren Y. Casteel, former Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne and Judge Christine M. Arguello.
Through its leadership development programs, mentorship opportunities and signature events, CWCC continues to create pathways for women to advance professionally, build influential networks and contribute to Colorado’s economic future.
The Chamber’s recognition of Andom illustrates the breadth of leadership it seeks to elevate. Her accomplishments challenge conventional measures of business success by demonstrating how entrepreneurial achievement can generate opportunities for individuals facing significant barriers to safety, financial independence and personal advancement.
The organization will formally honor Andom during its 2026 ATHENA Leadership Awards Brunch on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at Asterisk Denver.
Presented by GlobalMindED, the ATHENA recognition will be part of a celebration featuring live jazz, community networking and the presentation of the Chamber’s second annual CWCC Ally Award, presented by the Community College of Denver Foundation.
The event will bring together business leaders, community advocates and supporters to recognize leadership that contributes to a stronger, more inclusive Colorado.
A Legacy That Continues to Create Opportunity
Andom’s latest recognition celebrates a legacy of leadership that continues to advance women’s economic independence, expand access to opportunity and strengthen community support for those facing significant barriers.
Her career demonstrates how financial independence can expand an individual’s ability to influence institutions and invest in meaningful change. Her philanthropy has translated that influence into tangible resources for people confronting circumstances that can undermine their safety and long-term stability.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Andom’s legacy is the relationship between the challenges she has overcome and the opportunities she has worked to create for others.
CWCC’s decision to honor her with the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes an exceptional business career while acknowledging the responsibility that can accompany professional success.
For the thousands of individuals who have turned to the Rose Andom Center for assistance, her impact extends far beyond awards or financial accomplishments.
Andom has used the opportunities she created for herself to help others reclaim their independence, and the institution bearing her name will continue that work for generations to come.
Editor’s note: Tickets to the ATHENA Leadership Awards Brunch are available for purchase at cwcc.org.
