Power in preservation

From an early age, Jo Elizabeth Pinto understood the power of words.

Her father often read to her when she was a child, and Pinto, who is blind, was sad when the story ended. But her spirits lifted when her dad offered to start over.

“I couldn’t see what he was reading but remember being amazed that the story was tucked away safely in the book,” she said. “I thought, ‘I want to save words in books so people can read anytime.’ ” That experience sparked a flame still burning in Pinto today, one that contributed to her recently being chosen as a 2022 Corn Mothers inductee. The Corn Mothers project, now in its 14th year, celebrates the voices of women of the Southwest as an act of narrative preservation. This year’s class of extraordinary women have their stories showcased in an exhibition at History Colorado through September.

Pinto has spent her life preserving narratives. She landed her first publication in Jack and Jill magazine at age 12. A short-story collection she developed in high school later became her first book, one of several, including a memoir titled “Daddy Won’t Let Mommy Drive the Car: True Tales of Parenting in the Dark.”

The author also helps preserve other people’s voices. Since 1997, she has proofread Braille books such as English, history and math textbooks (and “the occasional murder mystery”).

Pinto, who grew up in Brighton, came to Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2002 to study Nonprofit Management. Transitioning from a career in social work, she relished the opportunity to also work in the University’s Access Center, teaching students how to use adaptive technology.

Her commitment to service was recognized at the Corn Mothers exhibit opening in October. She expressed gratitude for the honor but stressed that the work of narrative preservation continues.

As for our shared story, Pinto believes compassion is a prerequisite for making change.

“I just want people to know our communities are our responsibility,” she said. “Everybody can do something. And if we live with our eyes and hearts open, the world will be a better place.”

AUTHOR AND ALUMNA JO

ELIZABETH PINTO’S LIFETIME

COMMITMENT ENSURES THAT

STORIES ARE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL.

PORTRAIT

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