Housing attorney at the Colorado Poverty Law Project
28 Years Old • Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I grew up with a single mother, and we moved around often. Becoming a lawyer never seemed like a reality for a child who never knew a lawyer and assumed that this was only a career path for wealthy families. Over time, I learned that you truly can do anything you set your mind to. I put myself through college by working hard as a server. I always wanted a career that served and stood up for others, so I set my sights on law school. I followed my heart, worked hard and surpassed my wildest dreams.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
When I was in law school at the University of Wyoming, I was the student director of the Civil Legal Services Clinic, where I assisted low-income families with legal issues. This is where I formed a passion for access to justice. In law school, I was honored to receive the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Outstanding Law Student Award. After graduating, I spent two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Findley. I was determined to find a nonprofit that had a passion for people, which is how I found the Colorado Poverty Law Project (CPLP). It’s one of the most passionate groups of professionals I know.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I host a weekly eviction clinic, where we assist low-income individuals with the court eviction process, and I conduct Know Your Rights events and resource fairs for renters, mobile home owners and service providers. I also host two monthly housing legal clinics at the Old Town Library in Fort Collins and the Loveland Public Library so that renters and mobile home owners can ask questions about legal issues and receive support. Finally, I provide free legal representation for renters facing eviction, habitability issues and any other issues that affect housing stability.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
I took the bar exam and missed the Colorado license requirements by two points. I was devastated. But I quickly realized it was one of the best things that could happen to me. I worked extremely hard, not only by studying, but by changing my whole perspective on failure. If it wasn’t for failing the bar, I wouldn’t be working at CPLP today. I was forced to slow down and be grateful for where I was.
Tell us something unique about you.
I try to learn from everyone I meet, pay attention to the small coincidences and connections and trust my gut and intuition to guide me. I have a deep trust in the universe and rely on that trust in both my professional and personal life. I also have a deep love for our universal connection and collective consciousness. I believe that each of us adds immense value to the world.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
My goal is to be the go-to gal for access to help with justice issues. I hope to emulate my managing attorney, Lauren, who creates a healthy workplace environment in the field of law, which is notoriously toxic. Not only do I love helping people in need of support, but I also enjoy assisting my colleagues. I want to be an executive director at a nonprofit and support a team.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Learn from each stage of life and every person you meet. Take every success, failure and anything in between as a lesson for the future rather than a punishment or just plain luck. Cherish both the good times and the bad times. These experiences turn you into the person you are.
How did your upbringing affect your career direction/focus?
Like countless Americans, I grew up with a single parent living below the poverty level and experienced instability. Since I was 15 years old, I have worked in different service industry jobs, including my time as a server during undergrad and some of law school until the pandemic hit. I received scholarships and worked hard to accomplish my personal and professional goals. All these experiences helped form me into who I am today by strengthening my people skills, providing language for effective communication and building resilience. I was lucky enough to have an immense amount of support from my friends and family. However, I realized that many Americans are not as lucky. I was fueled, and continue to be fueled, by the idea that I want a career where I can alleviate the weight of the world off others’ shoulders. The greatest gift I can give myself in this life is service to others.
Why is it important to you to provide pro bono services?
Experiences throughout my life have shown me the value of my empathetic nature and drive to work effectively for others. I am a firm believer that every human, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background, is entitled to equitable access to their basic needs and beyond. Safeguarding access to housing is a critical need in Colorado, and pro bono services greatly help fill the gap for access to housing attorneys. The average American has a hard time affording an attorney, let alone rent. Despite that, there are many passionate and intelligent lawyers, like my amazing colleagues at CPLP, who strive to provide effective and equal access to justice so that people can live life with a little more stability, safety and care.
Local business shoutout:
Northern Colorado is filled with amazing businesses, so it’s hard to pick just one. However, I have a line in my budget for sourdough from The Bread Chic in Fort Collins.
