Cayley Griffin
Strategic initiatives and partnership specialist for the Impact Development Fund
Age: 28
Location: Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
Shortly after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, my now-husband and I moved to Fort Collins in fall 2019. Calling Colorado home for nearly seven years is something I feel grateful for daily. After working at Austin’s American Grill during the pandemic, I had the opportunity to pursue a career at the intersection of my studies in rehabilitation psychology and gender and women’s studies. Those passions led me to the Impact Development Fund, where I connect with others who are committed to making housing more attainable. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, spending time with my dog, championing women’s sports and coffeehouse hopping.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
My career has centered on expanding housing access. Early on, I worked directly with unhoused individuals and helped them obtain permanent housing. That experience reinforced my belief that housing is a human right, and I became increasingly interested in the systems and policies that shape housing outcomes. Today, I work at the Impact Development Fund, a nonprofit lender that supports affordable housing through homeowner assistance programs and financing for affordable housing developments. Last year, I was honored to receive the fund’s Apex Award for excellence, leadership and dedication.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Most recently, my role in giving back to the community has been through coaching club soccer. For the past two years, I have coached U14 and U13 girls at Arsenal Colorado. As a girl who loved sports growing up, I vividly remember looking up to my female coaches. While I love competition and the sport itself, my passion for coaching has become less about wins and losses and more about helping girls develop as strong communicators, supportive teammates and future leaders.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
One of my biggest challenges and proudest accomplishments was moving across the country five months after graduating college. My now-husband and I moved to Colorado knowing almost no one, then we found ourselves navigating the pandemic less than six months later. Building a life and community from scratch required resilience, intentionality and a willingness to say yes to new opportunities. Looking back, that experience reminds me that growth often comes from stepping into uncertainty.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I hope to still be making an impact on affordable housing solutions. I am increasingly interested in the role policy plays in creating communities where more people can thrive. Personally, I hope to have some little ones running around. In 10 years, I hope to be a lifelong learner while raising a family, investing in my community and helping build stronger communities through my work and relationships.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
The ride is not going to look like you envisioned, and that’s OK. Having a “yes” mindset, although scary at times, will open doors to opportunities and experiences you never could have planned for yourself. Give yourself grace; this is your first time on Earth, too. Invest in building and nurturing your community. They will celebrate your highest highs, support you through your lowest lows and often become the family you choose along the way.
Tell us something unique about you.
I was a part of For Denver FC, the grassroots initiative to bring a women’s professional soccer team to Denver. As an ambassador, I helped build awareness and excitement through community events, watch parties, social media and existing soccer networks. I also worked alongside fellow ambassadors to lay the foundation for the current supporters group, emphasizing values like inclusivity, community and belonging. What is now Denver Summit FC was once a dream shared by community members. Being at the record-breaking home opener at Empower Field at Mile High was emotional and a moment I will never forget.
Why are you passionate about housing security?
I have seen firsthand how deeply housing impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including unhoused veterans and people exiting incarceration. Stable housing creates a foundation for health, employment, education and connection. Today, I have the opportunity to work on housing solutions at a broader level, but the motivation remains the same: helping create communities where more people have the stability and opportunity to thrive.
What helps you get through the hard days?
On hard days, I lean on the people around me. Building community has been one of the most important lessons of my adult life, and I am fortunate to have a partner, friends, family, coworkers and teammates who remind me that I do not have to navigate challenges alone. I also try to keep perspective. When things feel overwhelming, I think back to the version of myself who moved across the country into uncertainty. That experience reminds me that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, that difficult seasons do not last forever and we can do hard things.
