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Ellen Hart Peña

Wife of the Honorable Federico Peña, the forty-forth Mayor of Denver. First Lady of Denver from January, 2011 to July, 2011.  

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Read the articles below to learn more about Ellen.

Her Story

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Education and Employment

  • Graduate of Harvard University, A.B. 1980

  • Graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, J.D. 1988

  • Lawyer for Morrison & Foerster, Denver office; also did brief clerkship with Judge Jim Carrigan, US Federal District Court, Denver CO. 1988-90

  • The subject of the made-for-TV movie, Dying to Be Perfect, the Ellen Hart Peña Story, and consultant on the project, ABC 1996. The movie dealt with themes of eating disorders, athletics, and the relationship with the Mayor of Denver.

  • Co-founder of Eating Disorder Foundation

Ellen Hart Peña was born on May 19th, 1958. She is the mother of three children and a grandmother to one baby. 

       Denver 2003, an organization dedicated to the prevention and elimination of eating disorders, by education, support,       

       advocacy, and providing resources.

  • Public speaker 1996-2015, primarily on the subject of eating disorders, and raising awareness of their seriousness. Spoke at Harvard, Dartmouth, Clinton School of Public Service, and others.

  • Nutrition educator for Cooking Matters, part of Share Our Strength, an anti-hunger organization, 2009-2012

  • CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Boulder County, 2018 to present. CASAs are assigned to children in abuse & neglect cases, working with the children, their families, and the justice and social service networks until the case is resolved.
    CASAs advocate for the children’s best interests and advise the court on placement.

Athletic Accomplishments

  • Won 8 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and track and field at Harvard University,1976-1980

  • Accomplished long-distance runner 1980-85, including World’s best at 20K, American record at 30K, and Olympic Trials 1980 and 1984 Masters (over age 40) athlete in running, triathlon, and duathlon 1988 to present

  • Won 18 World and 3 National Championships, including:

    • First place age group at Ironman World Championship, Kona 2010, 2014, 2015 (swim 1.2 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles)

    • Ranked #1 in the age group for triathlon by USAT (USA Triathlon) in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2016

    • USAT Athlete of the Year 2008, 2015

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Mayor Peña

Term 19983-1991

Denver’s first Latino mayor, Federico Peña, was sworn into office in 1983. Originally from Texas and an attorney by trade, Peña had already served in the Colorado House of Representatives when he was elected Mayor. 

Plaque Biography

Personal

Born May 19, 1958. Ellen is a graduate of Harvard University, A.B. 1980 and a graduate of the University of Colorado Law School, J.D. 1988.

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Family

Mother of three children, one grandchild. 

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Of Note

Competitive Olympic Athlete and World Champion Master Triathlete.  Ms. Hart was the subject of a made-for-television movie, Dying to be Perfect, the Ellen Hart Peña Story, 1996. Co-Founder of Eating Disorder Foundation, located in Denver, Colorado – 2003. 

Court Appointed Special Advocate, Boulder County, Colorado, 2018 through present.  Served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Served as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

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