By Lisa-Marie Martinez

In 1995, and again in 2004, the Denver Urban Spectrum named Elbra Mae Wedgeworth as one of the “African American People Who Make a Difference.”

In May 2007, Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth of District 8 (who in 1999 was the first woman elected to City Council from District 8) will leave the office because of term-limits. Although poverty and struggle were the dominating forces in the formative years of her life, Wedgeworth paved paths to success.

Growing up in subsidized housing in the Curtis Park Projects and coming from a poor family made Wedgeworth want to “make it” and prove herself, she said.

“At times, with different circumstances, failure is a great motivator; and so as a woman you not only have to walk into a room and know that you can prove yourself, but you must also believe it and carry it with you,” said Wedgeworth. “I think that is why I have been successful about what I do. You become fearless about different challenges because you have gone through so much already, so it empowers you.”

According to Denver ’s Web site, www.denvergov.org, Wedgeworth is the only person of recent memory who has worked for all three branches of city government: City Council, Auditor’s Office, and Mayor’s Office.

She began her career in the public sector as a senior analyst in 1989 for the City Council when a friend informed her of the position. Later, then City Auditor Wellington E. Webb appointed her to serve in the Auditor’s Office. In 1991, Webb won the Mayor’s seat and tabbed her to work for him in his office.

“While working for Mayor Webb, I was utilized to develop the new administration and was appointed to various positions through 1995,” said Wedgeworth. “My two passions, health care and affordable housing for the underserved, have been my motivations.”

In 1996, she returned to the private sector as the director of Denver Health and Hospitals. When Hiawatha Davis resigned from City Council District 8 in September 1999, Wedgeworth ran for the vacant seat.

“Although it was not something I was thinking of at the time, it was the combination of my concerns, passions and interests that contributed to my evolution into running,” she said. “Since I was the first woman to win the seat, I knew how important it was. I utilized my background to represent my constituents of District 8.”

Wedgeworth has seen many changes within District 8, one of which is its cultural diversity.

“When I go to community meetings, it is important for me to make sure that I not only hear the people who are there, but I want to know what the people think who are not there, those who do not have time to go to community meetings, who have other challenges to deal with,” said Wedgeworth. “That is going to be the challenge for my successor, to really keep that balance, to make sure everybody is heard, and that all their issues are addressed no matter who they are; because it does not matter, you have to treat everyone the same.”

Wedgeworth said it is “very important” to give equal representation because you have been elected to represent all of the people.

“Relationships with my colleagues are very important. You must get seven votes to gain approval for community projects, so it is important for my colleagues to know what I do and what is important in my district,” said Wedgeworth. “Politics is very circular, and you will not get anything done unless you build collaborations or partnerships. That is what I learned very early in my career.”

A Colorado Institute for Leadership Training and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Programs graduate, Wedgeworth believes “the main attribute of being a leader” is to be very honest with people and yourself, utilize the lessons learned to help you in your various circumstances and to provide leadership to others.

“When you are in leadership you have to do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it; and that people can trust you and that there is no doubt in their minds about what they can expect from you,” she said. “You will be very honest with them and tell them when you disagree with them and why you disagree; that you will be straightforward and honest about yourself in what you represent and how you want to represent them.”