Julie Coleman I Contributing Writer W hen the nonprofit Cowgirls Historical Foundation was founded 20 years ago by Julee Brady, she combined her passion for horses, community involvement, patriotism and fashion. Brady’s mission of serving and uplifting others has guided the organization and only grown stronger over time. “We believe the past is a present for the future,” said Marjon Brady Brown, CHF member and Julee’s daughter. “Promoting and preserving our Western heritage and the equestrian way of life is our mission,” she said. The 20 women volunteers of CHF not only share an interest in preserving the Western lifestyle but have high integrity and appreciate the code of the West — respect and honoring family, heritage and patriotism. These core beliefs feed into a “sisterhood” that recognizes there is much to understand and learn from the past and the importance of applying those lessons to today. Becoming a Cowgirl is done through a rigorous, invitation-only process. All members are women of accomplishment, including public office holders, professionals in the aerospace engineering field, professional cowgirls, horse trainers, working mothers and every kind of equestrian. A program exists to mentor incoming Cowgirls by assigning them an experienced member who leads them in understanding STYLE UNLOCKED {living fashionably} SADDLED UP FOR SERVICE COWGIRLS HISTORICAL FOUNDATION SHOWCASES BEAUTY FROM HEAD TO TOE The Brady women from left to right: founder Julee Brady, Shanda Brady Riggs, Marjon Brady Brown, Kelsee Brady Bradshaw and Taryn Brady Hale FEB 2021 | 36 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

the organization’s values and mission and accompanies them to various events and activities throughout the year. Membership stands the test of time and knows no geographic boundaries as involvement in the organization ebbs and flows with the Cowgirls’ personal lives. Some members have been involved since CHF began, others have moved away or taken a break. Regardless, all are considered a part of the group. “Our love for the CHF principles and how passionate we feel about instilling them in our children, other people’s children and in communities runs through our veins,” said Kelsee Brady Bradshaw, CHF member and Julee’s daughter. “The quality of women Our love for the CHF principles and how passionate we feel about instilling them in our children, other people’s children and in communities runs through our veins. “ “ we get to be surrounded by makes it so much more meaningful in not only sharing the glad messages of our Western heritage but working together in striving to be great examples of honesty and integrity everywhere we go, whether or not someone is watching.” The Cowgirls have put many miles on their boots as they travel throughout Arizona and the country. Community involvement includes performing at rodeos and parades, participating in fashion shows and fundraisers, and even visiting elementary schools to provide educational programming on topics such as Arizona’s statehood and the Pony Express. Education doesn’t stop with kids — adults and kids alike are the focus of CHF’s “Kick ‘N Up Kindness” platform that highlights “good-deed detectives,” who participate and share acts of kindness with others to make the world a better place. The hundreds of volunteer activities the Cowgirls participate in annually represent a blend of longtime Cowgirls performing during the Tournament of Roses ( top left ), with the legendary Sandra Day O’Connor ( above ) and at a classroom educational event ( left ). FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 37 | FEB 2021