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  • CAREER EXPLORATION
    • Erin Brown

    Erin Brown

    Executive Director, Office of Children's Affairs

    City of Denver

    Denver, CO USA

    “You need to find something that you love to do. Find what gives you that passion and go for it.”

    Videos

    Videos

    By Roadtrip Nation

    Erin Brown

    Highlight
    Themes: ChoicesFocus
    Now Playing
    01:09
    Erin Brown HighlightInterview Highlight
    Now Playing
    03:45
    InterviewThe Interview
    Now Playing
    01:21
    Learn From OthersWeb Exclusive
    Now Playing
    01:56
    Time ManagementWeb Exclusive
    Now Playing
    01:38
    Knowing Who You AreWeb Exclusive
    Now Playing
    02:38
    Applying EducationWeb Exclusive
    Now Playing
    00:59
    My PathInterview Excerpt
    Now Playing
    00:49
    What Motivates MeInterview Excerpt
    See More
    Milestones

    Milestones

    My road in life took a while to figure out.
    When she started college, she thought she wanted to be a biologist.
    After a few biology classes, she switched into an education major, but soon it became clear that neither of those paths was right for her.
    Eventually she found her calling in public service; says everything along her winding path led her to finding that passion.
    She lived in a neighborhood that didn't offer access to good schools; she became "that mom" that drove her kids out of town to go to school.
    At one point, her son had a third-grade teacher that "wasn't cutting it," so she put pressure on the school to raise their standards.
    She realized that not every kid had a parent that would stand up and fight for their education, so she became an advocate for those children.
    Seeing the payoff of her work firsthand and living it as a parent is what keeps her so motivated and excited about her job in children's affairs.
    She's a champion of project-based learning, which offers a "360-degree education" by building both book smarts and real-life skills.
    Keep following my journey
    Education

    Education

    highschool
    High School
    undergrad
    Bachelor
    Speech Communication and Rhetoric
    Colorado State University-Pueblo
    Career

    Career

    Executive Director, Office of Children's Affairs

    I ensure Denver's children have their basic needs met and are prepared for academic and professional success.

    Career Roadmap

    Roadmap
    My work combines:
    My work combines:
    Education
    Education
    Government
    Government
    Upholding a Cause and Belief
    Upholding a Cause and Belief

    Day to Day

    I spend time driving cohesive strategies and relevant tactics for social and economic development. I organize steps and resources to achieve the desired objectives, and set clear, measurable goals; communicate objectives and expectations to partners and stakeholders to solidify understanding, support, and commitment. I aim to use practical problem-solving skills to address challenges, complexity, and change; I strive to keep groups and organizations running smoothly and moving forward.

    Skills & Qualities Beyond School

    Be adept at organizing, orchestrating, coordinating and following through to the end of a project. Always strive to make improvements wherever you can.

    Advice for Getting Started

    Here's the first step for everyone

    Be an advocate for whatever you believe in. Speak up, stand up, and strive for change.

    Recommended Education

    My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:

    undergrad
    Bachelor
    Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
    graduate
    Graduate
    Public Administration
    certification
    Certification/License
    Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
    Hurdles

    Hurdles

    The Noise I Shed

    From Myself:

    "I just don't have enough time to get everything done."

    My job is a juggling act and I'm constantly busy. It's about working on developing really strong time management skills. For me, it's about honing in on the things I know need to be done now and making really deliberate decisions around what I engage in on a daily basis. Know your limits and be willing to put in the time whenever that may be.

    Challenges I Overcame

    Lack Of Opportunity
    Lack Of Opportunity

    I used to live in a neighborhood where there was a lack of good schools to send my kids to. I became the parent driving across town to send my kids to the schools that would give them the best opportunities.