For Colorado State Senator and Front Range Community College alumna Katie Wallace, higher education wasn’t a straight line.
It was something she built around a full-time career, public service and a passion for making a difference.
Katie began attending FRCC in the winter of 2013. While in school, she served as a legislative aide in the state House and worked on multiple political campaigns, making flexibility essential.
“I needed a place that would be flexible, and because Front Range is a place that is so accessible to everyone, I ended up doing well there,” she says. “It fit well into a very hectic schedule.”
Step by Step to a Degree
Taking one or two classes at a time while working full time, Katie completed her associate degree in women’s and gender studies over the course of three years. Her education was made even more accessible through an AmeriCorps scholarship, which covered her tuition.
“Front Range is so affordable, and it was really life-changing to come out of FRCC with no debt,” she says.
Finding Her Calling
While completing her general education courses, Katie discovered the academic path that would shape her future. She credits faculty member Catlyn Keenan, PhD, with helping her choose her major during one of their first conversations.
“She talked to me about women’s and gender studies, and I thought, ‘Boom, that’s it,’” Katie says.
Onward and Upward
She later transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies. She says the transition highlighted just how unique her experience at Front Range had been.
“Front Range is so accommodating and open, and it made being a non-traditional student really easy for me,” she remembers.
That flexibility allowed Katie to continue building the career that would eventually take her to Washington, DC, where she worked for Congressman Joe Neguse before later serving in the Colorado State Senate.
“Front Range said to me, ‘Yes, you can live a full-time life. You can have a job. You can do all these things, and you can go to school while you do it.’”
Using Her Degree
While working in Congressman Neguse’s office, Katie helped write legislation establishing the first monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC, to honor the women’s suffrage movement.
“I’m very proud of the project,” she says, adding that the inspiration for the work began through her studies at Front Range.
Faculty Who Made a Difference
Katie says the relationships she built with her professors at FRCC continue today, She credits faculty members Mary Ann Grim (history) and Amy Mann (communications) with helping her grow both academically and personally.
As a student, Wallace helped organize Front Range’s first Take Back the Night event—an annual tradition that continues on campus today.
“I was so proud to found it at the time,” she says. “I’m very proud that they have continued Take Back the Night.”
She also points to Amy’s public speaking course as an important foundation for her career. “I do a lot of public speaking now in my elected role, and she really gave me a strong foundation.”
Carrying Her Experience Into Public Service
Today, Katie represents Colorado District 17 (which includes Longmont, Erie and Lafayette) in the state Senate. She says her experience at Front Range continues to influence how she approaches policymaking.
“I keep an eye towards community colleges because I know what a strong foundation they gave me and how accessible they made school for me,” she says.
“I know the ways that education launches people into strong careers, teaches good critical thinking skills and creates connections that last a lifetime.”
Katie has also championed legislation to preserve Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All and SNAP programs. These measures, which were approved resoundingly by the voters in 2025, ensure Colorado’s children have access to nutritious food, both inside and outside of school.
“As a State Senator, I focus on standing up for working people, addressing climate change and improving our environment, defending our democracy and civil rights and providing more opportunity in our community.”
Advice for Today’s Students
Looking back, Katie encourages current students to pursue what matters most to them, and to do it alongside others.
“Find your passion, find your people and your collective and work together with others to make the change that you want to see,” Katie says.
She also encourages students to find balance while pursuing ambitious goals, adding that “it’s easy to become burned out.”
Hope for the Future
For Katie, community colleges remain one of the greatest reasons for optimism.
“Community colleges give me hope,” she says. “They make education accessible, and we really need that to have a thriving society.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Katie believes Front Range didn’t ask her to fit into a traditional college experience. Instead, it met her where she was.
“Front Range created an environment where that could be possible for me.”
For students balancing work, family and other responsibilities while pursuing their education, her story is proof that there is more than one path to success, and that community colleges help make that path possible.
