2025 Well-Being Awards Winners
2025 Individual Award- Judge Kelley Southerland
The Judicial Individual Award recognizes a judicial officer who supports the well-being of their colleagues and employees. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working alongside District Judge Kelley Southerland will not be surprised that she is our 2025 Individual Well-Being Award Winner. She is one of the most selfless and helpful individuals who nurtures and uplifts her colleagues, which is truly remarkable. Her nomination is centered on founding and leading the Clarity group. The Judicial Well-Being Clarity group is open to any judicial officer seeking community with others on a path of substance-free living. The only requirement to participate is to be sober for any judicial activities you choose to join. Clarity focuses on the important initiative it supports, which is sobriety. Members of the Clarity group can be seen wearing "Clarity" name badges at judicial events, where they support other colleagues on their journey to sobriety. Judge Southerland has made the clarity group a feature of judicial well-being in Colorado, and the group's efforts are being recognized in other states. Judge Southerland has been described by many judicial colleagues as a ray of sunshine who brings understanding and a positive attitude to this daunting topic. Congrats to Judge Southerland.
2025 District Award- 1st Judicial District
Over the past two years, the 1st JD has undertaken a bold and employee-driven effort to transform our organizational culture and prioritize well-being across courts and probation. Our Workplace Culture Initiative (WCI) is rooted in trauma-informed principles, authentic connection, and shared leadership. This initiative was not mandated; it was created by staff who saw the need for change and stepped forward to lead it.
The WCI is led by a multidisciplinary Core Team of staff from every level of the organization. The structure intentionally flattens traditional hierarchies to ensure all voices are heard, especially those often left out of decision-making. Work groups have been established around five priority areas: connection, communication, evaluation, governance, and training. Together, these groups have cultivated a culture of inclusion, transparency, and sustainability.
The feedback from staff tells a compelling story of progress and impact. Employees report increased trust, psychological safety, and a sense of ownership in shaping our culture. Many note that peer-to-peer relationships have improved, and there's clear buy-in from across the organization. There is appreciation for the Core Team's work and recognition that WCI has made meaningful strides in improving how we work and interact. Initiatives like "Let's Do Lunch," job shadowing opportunities, and trauma-informed training have been well received. Professional development offerings have expanded, and many employees have commented on the positive shift in leadership, describing supervisors and managers as more supportive, approachable, and invested in staff well-being. One employee shared, "You can feel the difference—it's not perfect, but it's real. And it's working."
The 1st Judicial District is proud of the courageous, creative, and consistent efforts of our staff. What makes our work powerful is not just the strategy, it's the spirit. This is a movement fueled by people who believe in a better future and are actively building it. We believe our district exemplifies the values of this award through its inclusive, collaborative, and impactful commitment to workplace well-being.
