Linda Alvarado: 1952—: Entrepreneur

In 1992 Alvarado was approached by a group of six Denver business leaders—all men—who were seeking to purchase a major league baseball franchise for the city. After meeting with the governor, the group prepared its bid for the $95 million franchise. "I was the first woman to write a check," she told the IMDiversity website. "It was high risk, since the sizable deposit check would be lost if we didn't get the franchise." But the group won the bid, and the Colorado Rockies baseball franchise was born. Not only had Alvarado become the first Hispanic to own part of a major league sports team, but as she noted in Enterprising Women, "it was the first time in history that a woman, not through marriage, but as an independent entrepreneur, had become an owner of a major league franchise." She continued, "It was viewed as a significant breakthrough and created great feelings of pride for women and Hispanics in this non-traditional role, generating media and speaking requests."

Involvement with the Colorado Rockies has also helped Alvarado pursue another of her passions—giving back to the community. "I take kids on tours of the stadium, and take them to the sports box and talk to them about careers in journalism, and to the offices to talk about marketing, and in the bullpen to talk about careers in sports," she told the Hispanic Magazine website. "We let them sit in the front bleachers during the games, where the mayor and the president sits, and I say to them, 'Someday you'll be here too.'" This commitment to youth helped earn Alvarado a prestigious Horatio Alger Award in 2001, at a Washington, D.C., ceremony presided over by the President of the United States. Past recipients include American presidents, artists, business leaders, and sports heroes. The award recognizes people who have triumphed over adversity through hard work to become a success and an inspiration for others. Alvarado believes that success is obtainable for all, but has acknowledged that vigilance against racism and sexism must continue. "Given a level playing field, people can succeed," she told the Albuquerque Journal. "We need to continue to advocate for a level playing field in all areas. We are in the game, but getting in the game doesn't keep you there."