Program manager at Colorado Youth Outdoors
26 Years Old • Loveland
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I am a proud native of Northern Colorado. It was my great-grandpa, George Fancher, who moved to Loveland in the early 1950s and started Eagle Construction and Loveland Ready Mix Concrete. I grew up horseback riding with my cousins and sisters, fishing at the lake (except I never touched the fish) and getting my 4-H projects ready for the fair. I have a strong background in agriculture and the Western way of life, and I know that how I was raised is the reason why I am successful in my career and relationships.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
As the program manager at Colorado Youth Outdoors, I am in charge of the summer camp, where I set the programming for more than 600 kids from around Northern Colorado over eight weeks. I also hire and train camp staff and organize and plan the volunteer program. Last year I accepted an award from the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt initiative as Larimer County’s 2024 Young Adult Employer. I also hold the title of VP of Parades and run the Christmas party committee at the office.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
During my free time, I sit on the Larimer County Junior Livestock Sale Committee, a subcommittee of the Larimer County Fair Board. Along with 10 other committee members, I organize and execute the sale for 4-H members in the livestock project. I also volunteer at the 4-H horse show as an emcee and ring steward. I will always volunteer at any event I am asked to assist with, which has meant selling raffle tickets at Taste of Loveland for the Foothills Service League, running sponsor flags for the local rodeos and even emceeing the Larimer County Fair Parade.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
I did not graduate college. I always struggled in school but excelled in my extracurriculars and took on leadership positions within them. Struggling in school always made me feel less than and caused me to doubt my abilities. However, when I started working and excelling in my career, I realized the doubt I had for myself only held me back.
Tell us something unique about you.
I took piano lessons from first through seventh grade but became busy with my 4-H projects (I showed horses, pigs and steers and sewed a dress) and had to stop. This year I missed playing music, so I started reteaching myself piano. I bought a keyboard and a lesson book, and now I can proudly play a few songs, like “Home on the Range.”
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I hope to be helping my community even more, either in a larger role at Colorado Youth Outdoors by fundraising on the development team or through our programs. In 10 years, I hope to be in public leadership in Loveland through my career or as a private citizen.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Your path will not be the same as those of your sisters, friends or parents, but it is exactly what God has planned for you. Your path will not only cross with people who will teach you resiliency, servant leadership and passion for your community, but it will also show you that those traits have always been a part of you and are what has made you successful in your career and personal life.
How are you making a positive impact on local youth through your 4-H volunteer work?
Growing up, I was taught that what you put into something is what you get out of it. Being a part of the 4-H community has instilled confidence in myself and given me lifelong friends and even family members. I hope that my contributions to the Larimer County Junior Livestock Sale Committee will encourage more kids to pursue a passion in agriculture and that they will get a chance to have experiences like mine.
What is your secret to successfully managing so many kids and volunteers at Colorado Youth Outdoors’ summer camps?
My first secret to wrangling chaos is investing in a high-quality megaphone. All jokes aside, I try to always have a plan A, B, C and sometimes all the way to Z. I try not to let things like weather, equipment issues and even a moose on campus negatively affect the campers’ experience. I know that when I am prepared, my staff and volunteers are confident in the activities they teach. The staff are what make this camp fun for the campers, the parents and even me.
Local business shoutout:
A hidden gem in Loveland is The Biscuit Barkery of Northern Colorado. The owners, Nan and Val, not only make their dog treats in house with real ingredients dogs love, but they also have treats for humans as well. I love that they have birthday bones, dog beer and even include local artists’ creations for people and pets. Whenever I’m watching my sister’s dog, Miss Dolly, we stop in for a bag of treats for her and something for me.
