Online Education Pioneer Is Denver Business Journal’s 2010 Outstanding Women in Business Winner in the Mile High Leader Category

Centennial, CO (August 27, 2010) Heather O’Mara, CEO of Englewood-based Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op, whose work in online education has redefined educational choice, employment in urban neighborhoods and academic efficacy among at-risk youth, is the Denver Business Journal’s 2010 Outstanding Women in Business winner in the Mile High Leader category.

O’Mara, formerly an established educator in the business world, now a respected professional in k-12 education, leveraged her expertise in online education as the former President of Jones Knowledge, Inc. into viable partnerships between community leaders and educators utilizing technology to prepare young people, particularly those whose academic careers are most vulnerable, for 21^st century leadership.  In a national “first,” O’Mara mobilized an online educational model by bringing together licensed teachers and individualized online curriculum in a safe environment with trained mentors from the local community, thus empowering and educating the whole child.  Through Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op, the compassionate entrepreneur provided a sustainable and practical method for neighborhood communities to meaningfully engage in educating their youth through hands-on involvement. 

Along the way, O’Mara’s undeterred efforts have spurred changes to Colorado’s online education laws.  With her intimate involvement, the Colorado Online Education Act – Senate Bill 07-215 codified single and multi-district online programs as well as learning centers.  This achievement firmly established Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op’s place in Colorado’s public education industry and broadened its sphere of influence.  Simultaneously, the new model for education envisioned by O’Mara created careers and jobs in some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the metro-Denver area while renewing the hope of thousands of students in search of academic achievement despite the prevalence of unstable home lives, insufficient income and general lack of access to resources. 

With ample drive to do “what is right and what is required,” O’Mara’s imagination and skill inspired community leaders and 75 dedicated staff members who faithfully follow their leader in serving countless Colorado students with passion and purpose.  The loyalty of Hope Online employees to the students they serve further demonstrates the esteemed executive’s infectious commitment to remedy the plight of the underserved child. 

“Whether it be her leadership in advancing the first fully-online accredited university and numerous spin-off businesses or her founding of the first k-12 online education offering to bridge the digital divide, creating access for disadvantaged and disenfranchised youth across Colorado,” notes former Superintendent of Douglas County School District Jim Christensen, “Ms. O’Mara’s competency in building teams, managing change, establishing vision, building a culture of accountability and driving success is truly extraordinary.”

In her trademark focus on the success of her students, O’Mara acknowledges those who compelled her forward through adversity, “I am grateful to the Denver Business Journal for this award, particularly because it affirms the collaborative efforts of education and community leaders who believe in the Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op vision for Colorado students.  Our students are the reason for Hope because the right to a meaningful education is the right of every student.  This prestigious commendation will serve as an encouragement to many, and it is shared with all the students who achieve academically against the odds and daily inspire me with their courage to grow and to leave a legacy of hope for others to follow in their footsteps.”

About Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op

Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op is a unique online public charter school that bridges the digital divide by affording k-12 students the benefits of online education in a safe and supportive classroom environment. Chartered by the Douglas County School District, Hope Online enrolls students statewide, with the majority of students representing minority populations that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Hope Online provides the only opportunity for Colorado’s at-risk students with working parents to participate in online education. For more information, visit http://www.hopeonline.org or call 303-989-3539.