Service  has always been personal to me.

I believe public service starts with listening—really listening—to the people you’ve been entrusted to represent. District 8 isn’t just where I’m running for office- it’s home. I care deeply about the people, neighborhoods and small businesses that make this community what it is.

My path to this campaign has taken me through many roles: wife and mother, student, neighborhood leader, public servant and community advocate. I’ve worked inside Denver City Council, led the Northeast Park Hill Coalition and supported leaders at both the city and state levels. Through every chapter, I’ve learned that good leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, working with people and following through.

My story began in Memphis, Tennessee, where I learned early the importance of family, faith, hard work and community. I married my high-school sweetheart, and in 1996 we began building our life together in Colorado, starting out in family housing at the University of Colorado. More than three decades later, we are the proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to a grandson. Like so many families, our story has been one of building a life one chapter at a time—raising a family, pursuing opportunities, navigating change and never losing sight of the values that brought us this far.

When our family made Denver home in 2016, we intentionally chose District 8. We were drawn to its rich history, its diversity and its sense of community, as well as its connection to the rest of the city. Park Hill became the only Denver neighborhood I’ve called home; first as renters and eventually purchasing. Over the years, I’ve experienced District 8 not only as a resident, but as a parent, neighbor, community leader and public servant. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for both the character of our neighborhoods and the people who make them special.

Education has also been an important part of my journey. I dreamed of going to college as early as the fifth grade, but my path wasn’t a straight line. There was a season when being a wife and mother took priority, and I eventually returned to school and earned three degrees, including two master’s degrees. That experience taught me that there isn’t one timetable for success. I’ve carried that lesson into every part of my life—from public service and neighborhood leadership to becoming a competitive powerlifter in midlife. I believe growth is always possible, that it’s never too late to pursue something new, and that some of our strongest chapters begin when we’re willing to challenge ourselves.