A former middle school science teacher who’s become an educator’s educator will be honored for her accomplishments and contributions to the Grand Valley community.

Heidi Ragsdale will receive the Women Who Make History Award from the Grand Junction branch of the American Association of University Women.

The award will be presented at a luncheon set to begin at 11:30 a.m. April 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, located at 743 Horizon Drive.

The event is open to the public. Tickets sell for $35, a portion of which goes to support women veterans scholarships. Advance registration and payment is required by April 10. To purchase tickets, call Lalee at (970) 523-5510 or log on to http://grandjunction-co.aauw.net.

Ragsdale runs STEM is My Future in Grand Junction, providing professional development for teachers on geographic information systems and problem-based learning. She provides virtual training through the Grand Junction MakerSpace at the Business Incubator Center.

She’s a certified geospatial educator, National Geographic certified educator and mentor and teacher advisory council member with National Geographic.

She’s also a space exploration educator crew Orion member with Space Center Houston and Space Foundation teacher liaison.

She also serves as webmaster for Colorado Delta Kappa Gamma, which promotes the professional growth of women educators, and a board member of the Latin Anglo Alliance Foundation. She belongs to GJSpaceLadies, a group of space-loving educators.

In 2022, Girl Scouts of Colorado named Ragsdale one of three Western Slope Women of Distinction.

“I am astounded at the accomplishments in STEM, education and space exploration that Heidi has made in not that many years,” said Jane Fitzgerald, president of the Grand Junction Branch of the AAUW. “She is someone whose name will long be remembered for her contributions not only to this community, but to the advancement of women and girls in science. AAUW is very pleased to make this award to Heidi.”

A national organization founded in 1881, the AAUW advances equality for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. The group is open to anyone with an associates, bachelors or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.