I believe that a college education provides a bright future for not only an individual, it creates a whole new cycle of prosperity for an entire family for generations.
My grandfather worked his whole life as a miner in the mountains above Boulder, but he inspired and empowered my mother and her two sisters to graduate from the University of Colorado. On the other side of my family, my paternal grandmother proudly told anyone who would listen that I was among the fourth generation of her family to attend the University of Wyoming.
Attaining a college degree was a deeply engrained part of my family expectations, and I have benefited so greatly from that tradition. That’s why I believe so strongly in DSF’s mission and consider myself lucky to be part of this team that’s working to empower a generation of Denver’s youth with college degrees.
After I graduated from the University of Wyoming with my degree in journalism, I moved to Seattle and worked for a short time as a newspaper reporter. Soon the allure of being on the inside of the story, rather than writing about it from the outside, led me to take a job in the press office for the Washington State Legislature and later to a public affairs firm. In 1999, I moved to Denver to take a position as the chief spokesperson and communications director for US WEST.
In more recent years I’ve focused my experience and skills in the nonprofit sector, working as the communications director for Mile High United Way and now managing communications for DSF.
My part-time position here gives me the tremendous opportunity to help change the future for Denver’s students, and it also gives me flexibility for the other great role of my life – raising two great kids.