Our state government has great power to shape the lives of communities across Colorado, but we don’t always have the chance to connect with policymakers to learn about their work and share our perspectives on policies that impact us. This session, centered on strengthening ties and trust with the government, allows attendees to have roundtable discussions with policymakers from various state agencies. This informal, small-group setting will give policymakers and Symposium attendees a chance to hear each other’s perspectives on how to work together to increase community input in government decision-making and bolster communication between Colorado communities and their state government. All Symposium attendees are welcome at this event; no specific policy or advocacy experience is necessary. We believe anyone can become skilled in advocating for the issues they care about!

Policymakers in attendance:

• Lila Cummings, Deputy Commissioner of Life and Health, DORA Division of Insurance
• Dee Daniels Scriven, Director, Office of New Americans
• Adela Flores-Brennan, Medicaid Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
• Sandy Ho, Chief Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer, Colorado Department of Human Services
• Rosina McNeil-Cusick, Statewide Equity Director, State of Colorado
• Kathryn Redhorse, Executive Director, Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs
• Patty Salazar, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
• Lee Wheeler-Berliner, Managing Director, Colorado Workforce Development Council