News & Updates

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Latest Updates

February 19, 2026

Women’s Resource Center Welcomes Local Leaders Ellen Stein and Rachel Hartgen to Board of Directors

The Women's Resource Center (WRC) is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished community leaders, Ellen Stein and Rachel Hartgen, to its Board of Directors. Their combined expertise in global development, strategic communications, and nonprofit leadership will further the WRC's mission to advocate for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in La Plata County.

Ellen Stein: A Force for Community and Equity:

With over 30 years of public service spanning the San Juan Mountains to West Africa, Ellen Stein brings a wealth of experience in building impactful institutions. An entrepreneurial leader, Stein founded the Mountain Studies Institute in Silverton and the Community Agriculture Alliance in Steamboat Springs and has held leadership roles in numerous organizations.

Currently, Stein serves as Opinion Editor and Editorial Board Member for The Durango Herald and The Cortez Journal in Cortez, using her background in strategic communications and philanthropy to strengthen the institutions that sustain local communities. A former Peace Corps volunteer and dedicated mentor, she has dedicated her career to strengthening communities and advancing equity.

"Ellen’s deep roots in Durango and her history of mission-driven leadership make her an invaluable asset to our board," said Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President. "Her commitment to equity is woven into everything she does."

Rachel Hartgen: A Strategic Powerhouse for Global and Local Impact:

Rachel Hartgen joins the board with 17 years of leadership experience across the non-profit and for-profit sectors. As the Senior Director of Education and Skills for CARE USA, Hartgen oversees a global portfolio designed to equip youth with the tools to succeed in the modern economy. Her professional expertise is anchored by a dual Master’s degree in Economics and International Development.

Since moving to Durango in 2025, Hartgen has quickly integrated into the local business community as the owner of Thrive Artisan Boutique on Main Street, a space dedicated to ethically made, handmade goods.

"Rachel’s ability to drive impact at scale, from local initiatives to global programs, brings a unique, strategic perspective to our organization," added Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President.

February 12, 2026

Women’s Resource Center Announces Kathleen Jones as its New Executive Director

It is with great excitement that we introduce Kathleen (Katie) Jones as our new Executive Director, beginning March 2, 2026. At a pivotal moment for women and families in La Plata County, Kathleen brings both global leadership experience and a deep commitment to the economic empowerment of women and girls.

Global Vision, Local Impact: Kathleen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges:

Humanitarian Heart: From designing multimillion-dollar programs to supporting communities in Africa and the Middle East to creating early warning systems that saved countless lives in South Sudan, Kathleen has been a champion for mission-driven work, advocating for women's rights and international peace and security.

Climate Leadership: Chief of Staff to the Director General for the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), supporting the leadership team in coordinating a 300+ person, international operation and stakeholder process that helped deliver landmark outcomes on fossil fuels and climate adaptation.

Expert Bridge-Builder: Kathleen is a master at mobilizing diverse groups of people–from local volunteers to international heads of state–to find common ground and secure the funding needed to make a real difference in people’s lives..

A Heart for Community and Stewardship: After two decades in international leadership, Kathleen has chosen to focus her experience and energy on strengthening the lives of women and girls here in La Plata County. A resident of Durango, she isn’t just a leader; she is our neighbor.  Whether she is working in her ceramic studio at the Smiley Building or representing parents on the School Accountability Committee for Animas Valley Elementary, Kathleen’s dedication to our community runs deep.

Looking Ahead: Kathleen is ready to bring her “steady under pressure” leadership style to the Women’s Resource Center, ensuring that women and girls in our community are served throughout their lives. “Kathleen’s ability to lead with clarity, compassion, collaboration, and strategic focus makes her an exceptional fit for this moment in our organization’s history,” said Ashley Truitt, WRC Board President.

Kathleen looks forward to meeting the partners, volunteers, clients, and community members who make this work possible and to building the next chapter of WRC’s impact together.

February 2026

We are pleased to announce the reopening of WRC

We are thrilled to open our doors once again. To ensure a smooth transition, we are starting with limited service hours: Monday & Thursday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Thank you for your patience and support. We are already working on extending our schedule and hope to offer more hours very soon!