Jacobus tenBroek Award Presentation
Presented by Pam Allen
Pam Allen: Each year, the National Federation of the Blind honors an individual whose leadership, service, and spirit embody the legacy of our founder Dr. Jacobus tenBroek. This award is not given lightly. It is reserved for those whose work reshapes the landscape for blind people and whose life stands as both a challenge and an invitation to the rest of us to do more, to expect more, to give more.
The person we recognize this evening has spent decades building not just programs or partners but people. They understand that confidence grows through opportunity, that independence thrives in high expectations, and that belief—true belief—in the capacity of blind people is the most powerful force in our movement. This leader has mentored countless individuals in large and small ways, always going above and beyond, often sacrificing personal time, whether through an encouraging word or providing a chance to conquer a fear. Their fingerprints are on dreams realized and barriers broken. Their approach is both imaginative and deeply personal, believing in people before they believe in themselves, holding fast to the idea that blindness is not the characteristic that defines a person or their future.
To this individual, that is not just a tagline. It is a way of life. Many in this room recognize immediately this individual’s voice, warm laughter, compassionate heart, and insistence on excellence. Many more know the ripple effect of this person’s work, even if they don’t realize it came from this person. Tonight, we honor a woman whose career and character exemplify the values of Dr. Jacobus tenBroek. She has served with humility and kindness, led with wisdom and integrity, and lifted others with a fierce and loving determination. I first had the true honor to work with her during an incredible opportunity the NFB had to provide training to blind people in Poland and I knew, like so many here tonight, that my life would be forever changed because of her. It is my distinct privilege to present the 2025 Jacobus tenBroek Award to Julie Deden. [Cheers and applause]
As Julie is making her way up here, I want to thank Norma Crosby and Barbara Manuel who are on our committee. Julie has spent over twenty-five years as the executive director of the Colorado Center for the Blind. [Applause] Under her leadership, the Center has grown and expanded its reach. Lives are transformed every day. Students walk in and see what is possible and walk out knowing they can change the world.
They have the skills and, most importantly, grounding in the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind. Julie lives that philosophy every day through her words and her actions. Julie’s impact goes far beyond the Center. She has been a key leader in the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, holding various leadership positions at both the chapter and affiliate level, helping shape the direction of the affiliate through her advocacy, mentorship, and engagement.
She is also an officer in the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals. Julie’s articles and presentations continue to make a positive and long-lasting difference in the field of blindness. She has a powerful voice in state and national conversations about what blind people can do and should expect from rehabilitation, education, and society. But what truly distinguishes Julie is her heart. She believes in people. She helps students transform fears to hope, encourages staff through her patient example, and motivates everyone she meets to find the best in themselves. Through trial and triumph, Julie perseveres. Her leadership is not about the spotlight; it is about the people. All who know Julie recognize how important her family is in her life, both her human family and her four-legged family members. Her husband Dan is a constant source of love and support. Julie is a loving mother to her son Robert and a cherished sister and daughter. Her family is her foundation and a testament to the values that guide her every step. Julie is also a loving and loyal friend, of that I can attest. We have probably spent thousands of hours on the phone together and shared so many experiences through laughter and tears, so many memories.
I am so grateful. Julie, you have shown us what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in love and faith and unshakable belief in the human potential. Your work has changed lives. Your leadership has changed this movement. We thank you. We celebrate you. We love you. And tonight, we honor you with the highest recognition the Federation can bestow.
[Applause] I will present Julie with a beautiful Braille plaque that I’m going to hold up. It’s absolutely—this is produced by 64 Oz. Games and it is imprinted in Braille.
It is absolutely gorgeous. I’m going to hand this to you.
Julie Deden: Okay, thank you.
Pam Allen: It’s heavy. And I will read it—I will read the plaque to everybody, so you know what it says. It has our logo on it. A tactile logo.
“Jacobus tenBroek Award, presented to Julie Deden for your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment on behalf of the blind of this nation. Your contribution is measured not in steps but in miles, not by individual experiences but by your impact on the lives of the blind of the nation. Whenever we have asked, you have answered. We call you our colleague with respect. We call you our friend with love. July 13, 2025.” Congratulations. [Applause]
Julie Deden: It is with—I’m so honored to be standing up here in front of all of you, my NFB family. And I walked into my first convention in 1978 in Baltimore, Maryland. I walked into the hotel, and there were two amazing, wonderful people from Texas there to greet me. And I felt immediately at home with the National Federation of the Blind. I wouldn’t be here, though, if it weren’t for so many of you. And I’ll just thank a couple because we have to finish the banquet up.
But first of all, I would really love to thank my mentor and the woman that I love and my role model, Diane McGeorge. [Applause]
Diane taught me from the very beginning about the wonder of the National Federation of the Blind. From the very beginning when I started my journey here, I had an opportunity to go to Idaho, to demonstrate so we could have a BEP program at the courthouse. I got to picket many a time against the National Accreditation Council of Agencies Serving the Blind. And I got to attend so many Washington Seminars and everything else. And that’s how I grew up in the National Federation of the Blind. [Applause]
I also—I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for my husband that I just love so much, Dan Burke. Dan has been with me and has really propelled me to continue on being the director at the Colorado Center for the Blind. And I cannot tell any of you how much I have gained from my work in the National Federation of the Blind. I have gained so much from all of you. I can never, ever give back what you all have given to me in the National Federation of the Blind. I love all of you so much. And I just—I’m shaking up here. And I’m so surprised. I just want to tell all of you how much I love you, and thank you to my NFB family. Thank you.