I'm running for Arvada City Council District 3 to lead the conversations that shape our community. I believe in building thoughtful programs, policies, and plans that reflect both the legacy of Arvada and its future as a growing and increasingly diverse city. We are in a period of transition as a city between generations, values, and visions. I am a voice that helps bridge those differences through respectful dialogue and decision making.

I’ve seen firsthand the power of volunteers and I want to strengthen community engagement by creating more spaces for honest and uncomfortable conversations. When people are informed and feel heard, fear gives way to understanding. My goal is to help educate, empower, and unite our community as we grow together.

I’m originally from a small college town on the East Coast, where I grew up surrounded by nature, a strong sense of community, and skies full of stars. My hometown was built around a fabric mill with a strong sense of history and  fifteen years ago, I moved to Denver.

Like the explorers who built Arvada, I was in search of opportunity, adventure, and what I like to call my version of “gold”.  A strong economy, a growing workforce, and the chance to build a meaningful life. I’m proud to call Arvada home and . The city’s deep roots and the presence of the old flour mill remind me of where I came from. It brings a sense of comfort and connection, and I’m truly grateful to be part of this community.

I hold a degree in hospitality and have spent the past two decades building a career rooted in service, communication, and leadership. While some children dream of becoming astronauts or engineers, I’ve always felt called to serve others by supporting people, solving problems, and leading with empathy.

When I moved to Colorado, my first job was at a hotel in Stapleton, working the front desk while also bartending and serving. We were a designated property for United Airlines, meaning we often welcomed passengers from canceled flights. Many of these guests arrived cold, frustrated and far from the tropical destinations they had planned and this challenging experience was deeply formative. I learned to approach conflict with curiosity rather than defensiveness and came to understand that when emotions run high, it’s often because a fundamental human need (usually to be heard and understood) is not being met.

Hospitality has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, to listen actively, and to navigate difficult conversations with compassion. These skills have also been essential in my personal life. My husband and I have worked hard to build a strong marriage through the emotional journey of trying to grow our family, raising our daughter and our own evolving perspectives. I believe that healthy communication is the foundation for lasting relationships and meaningful change, both personally and professionally.

Early in my career, I also had the opportunity to work with organizations like the ESPN X Games, the US Pro Challenge, and Walt Disney World. These internships and seasonal roles taught me the importance of operational excellence and endurance and as a venue and office manager, I thrived in demanding environments,whether in extreme weather or high pressure situations.

Values are the compass by which we should navigate both life and leadership. Bravery, growth, and reliability are the principles that ground my decisions and define how I show up for my community.

Bravery means standing firm on what matters, even when it’s uncomfortable. I believe in speaking honestly, confronting challenges head on and creating space for others to share their perspectives without fear.

Growth is about showing up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to listen and evolve. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I believe in learning alongside others and adapting when it makes us stronger.

Reliability is the foundation of trust. I follow through on my commitments and show up consistently with honesty, accountability and care. You can count on me to be present, engaged, and prepared.

These values guide every decision I make. Even when perspectives differ, you’ll always know where I stand and that I stand with integrity.

My family has deeply shaped who I am and my path toward public service. I was raised in a home where political debate was a regular part of dinner because my grandmother was a Democrat and  my grandfather a Republican. Differing opinions weren’t just tolerated, they were expected and welcomed. That environment taught me early on how to listen, challenge ideas respectfully and find common ground.

Though I’m a registered Democrat, I was raised by Republicans and some of the best conversations I’ve had have come from the willingness to sit with opposing views. Over time, I’ve learned that the most meaningful change often comes not from winning an argument, but from discovering shared values or what I call the true “gold” of productive dialogue.

I also grew up singing beside my dad, who played guitar at church. That experience, rooted in service and connection, helped spark my love of public speaking and shaped my commitment to community engagement.

I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of civic and volunteer roles across Arvada that reflect my deep commitment to community, operational excellence and historical preservation. Most notably, I served as Chair of the Arvada Festivals Commission (AFC), where I have been a member since 2019. I joined during a time of transition, shortly before the pandemic disrupted public gatherings. Over the years, I have held multiple roles such as festival chair, volunteer coordinator, and ultimately the commission chair. As Chair, I led the creation of clear roles, expectations, and operational procedures to reduce burnout and improve member retention. I spearheaded the development of the commission’s operations subcommittee, which unified sustainability, safety, logistics, and data collection. This work not only protected volunteer time and energy but laid the foundation for long-term organizational resilience. I also played a key role in securing a grant for zero-waste initiatives, reflecting my commitment to environmental responsibility.

Beyond the Festivals Commission, I have applied my skills in project management and process automation to other organizations. At the Arvada Community Garden, I led efforts within the membership committee to modernize and automate member tracking systems. Similarly, I am currently working with the Arvada Historical Society to update and streamline its volunteer and membership operations. This work is especially meaningful to me, having grown up in New England, I’ve always valued history, and I am passionate about preserving Arvada’s unique heritage rooted in the mining and gold rush eras.

I serve as a member of the League of Women Voters, Arvada Historical Society, Arvada Community Garden, Arvada Festivals Commission and the Arvada Kiwanis Club - where I’ve been nominated to the 2025–26 board. Since 2021, I’ve worked at the Arvada Center, further strengthening my connection to the arts and civic life. Across all these roles, I’ve consistently focused on empowering others, improving systems, and creating sustainable change that benefits our entire community.

My background in operations, leadership, and community engagement has prepared me to step into public office with both a strategic mindset and a deep commitment to people. I’ve spent years cultivating collaboration, solving complex problems, and building trust through clear communication and follow through.

As the former Chair of the Arvada Festivals Commission, I led efforts to improve organizational structure, define roles, and create systems that help volunteers thrive. These experiences taught me how to bring clarity to complex projects and ensure everyone at the table feels valued and supported. I also brought these skills to the Arvada Community Garden, where I implemented tools that improved coordination and accountability, helping a passionate group of residents work more effectively together.

Before moving into local advocacy, I held operational roles with ESPN X Games and other large scale events, where I learned firsthand how to manage logistics, safety protocols, and high pressure environments. My background in hospitality and entrepreneurship has sharpened my adaptability, strengthened my public speaking skills, and taught me the value of service and resilience.

I’m also a certified yoga instructor and a self-taught artist. These roles are reminders of creativity, balance, and well-being in leadership. My approach to public office is rooted in listening, learning, and leading with both heart and purpose. I care deeply about Arvada and am committed to bringing transparency, thoughtful problem-solving, and meaningful connection to every decision I make on behalf of our community.

I am currently  involved in tackling a few key local challenges, like improving communication between the city and residents, boosting volunteer engagement, and working with others to address homelessness as a regional issue. I’m also passionate about educating our community and breaking down stigmas around mental health, housing, and homelessness. These are tough topics, but I believe real change starts with honest conversations and community-driven solutions.

Some of the most pressing issues I see in our district include housing, homelessness, and the need for a stronger relationship between the city and our school district. These challenges are interconnected and addressing them requires both compassion and strategy.

I believe we must prioritize the stability and well-being of individuals and families whether through mental health resources, affordable housing, or economic support. When our homes are stable, our children thrive, and we’re better positioned to care for others, including our unhoused neighbors. I also want to ensure the city is working hand-in-hand with our school board to support education, youth opportunities, and long-term community health.

I want to be a leader who operates with integrity, transparency, and a clear sense of purpose. For me, leadership starts with core values and well-managed expectations. I bring the perspective of a mother, wife, beekeeper, homeowner and a community advocate to each role,  teaching me how to lead with empathy, discipline, and perspective.

I don’t believe leadership is about balance, because life is rarely equal. Instead, I believe in the harmony of knowing when to give more to family, when to give more to public service, and when to recharge. I measure every decision by the true cost of time and energy and as a city leader, I will honor those investments by being consistent, trustworthy, and focused on non-partisan, community solutions.

In my first two years, I hope to build trust and confidence in our local government by being transparent, both with residents and my fellow city council members. Right now, too much of our political climate is driven by partisanship and personal agendas rather than shared purpose. I grew up in a home where my parents could disagree, but once a decision was made, they stood together. That example taught me the importance of respectful dialogue and unity in leadership. I believe City Council should operate the same way by welcoming different perspectives and ultimately standing behind our collective decisions as a unified body. I’m committed to raising the standard of leadership on council and showing that unity and respect are not only possible, they’re necessary.

I live with them every day and as a mother and wife, I understand firsthand the challenges that shape our lives and communities. I’m raising a toddler and I’m not interested in talking about that future, I’m committed to building it. My leadership is grounded in lived experience and I bring both passion and purpose to every project I take on. I choose to invest my time and energy where I can make a meaningful impact for my family, neighbors, and our shared community.

I believe trust is built through honesty, resilience, and a willingness to engage openly. I don’t shy away from tough conversations because I’ve faced challenges in my own life that have tested and shaped me far beyond the campaign trail. I’ve navigated both physical and mental health hurdles and I understand how those experiences ripple through a family. These challenges have strengthened my marriage and brought clarity to the passion I bring to public service because this is a path chosen as a family.

I make it a priority to create space for meaningful conversations and actively engage with those I hope to serve. I regularly attend city council meetings as someone committed to participating in the process and staying informed. I'm currently finalizing my campaign calendar to include opportunities for open dialogue on a wide range of topics that matter to our community. My commitment is in my actions.I show up, I listen, and I follow through.

My vision is to elevate the standard of local leadership where open dialogue is welcomed, differing perspectives are respected, and our city council operates as a united, respectful team, even in disagreement. When we acknowledge what we don’t know and own our mistakes, we foster transparency and when we show up with heart and purpose, we build trust.

I am deeply passionate about serving this community and giving my time to something greater than myself. I recognize that the greatest challenge in this campaign is not my fellow candidates, it’s apathy. It’s the comfort of the couch, the allure of another streaming episode, the ease of conversation over coffee without action.

Local government is where real, lasting change begins and it’s where we shape the future our children will inherit, but progress only happens when we show up. I will hold space for the conversations that matter and I will invite you to engage, to share, and to be heard. The invitation is only the beginning, what happens next is up to you. The future we build is not mine alone, it belongs to all of us and it starts with the choice to get involved.