AARP Colorado named Dr. Irene Martinez Jordan to receive the 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. “This award goes to an individual who continues to amaze AARP and the people around her with continuous devotion to advocacy and service,” said AARP Colorado state director Sara Schueneman, who presented the award to Martinez Jordan at a recent ceremony. “In the memory of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, we are thrilled to name Irene Martinez Jordan the 2023 AARP Andrus Award winner.”
AARP Andrus Award Dr Irene Martinez
Martinez Jordan has been heavily involved with state legislation concerning retirement security, education, food insecurity, housing, elections, and so much more. She also volunteers for AARP El Comité, a Hispanic advisory subgroup, which supports the Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) commitment of AARP. Martinez Jordan is one of the original members of the Latina Calling Tree, who makes sure minority groups are front of mind for legislators when drafting bills.
“Irene has been instrumental in the areas of retirement security,” said Carol Pace, an AARP advocacy member. In addition, “Irene has served on many boards, helping to advance all children and is one of the kindest people I know.”
Outside of her work with AARP Colorado, Martinez Jordan is a retired school principal, who dedicated her working life helping kids reach their educational goals. She also is the co-founder and co-director of West Food Bank, sponsored by alumni of West High School, where she invests many hours each week.
“AARP Colorado is truly grateful to have Irene as a dedicated team member and looks forward to supporting her in all the amazing things she continues to do,” Schueneman said.