Meet Alison Griffin | Public Policy Expert & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alison Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote comes from Lysa TerKeurst’s book “The Best Yes”: ‘Whenever you say yes to something, there is less of you for something else. Make sure your yes is worth the less.’

As a single mom and a national thought leader in education and workforce policy, this quote has become my guidepost for decision-making. Early in my career, I said yes to everything — every opportunity, meeting, request to join boards, take part in community events. I thought that was what ambitious leaders did. But I quickly learned that spreading myself thin meant showing up as a diluted version of myself everywhere, including at home with my young boys.

This quote taught me that saying ‘no’ is not about missing opportunities; it’s about making strategic choices that align with my values and goals. When I am considering a new project or commitment, I ask myself: ‘Is this yes worth the less time I will have for my family? My health? The work that truly moves the needle?’ Sometimes the answer is absolutely — particularly when an opportunity aligns with my values or allows me to create meaningful change in policy. But often, it has helped me to recognize that my most powerful contribution comes from being fully present and excellent in fewer areas rather than mediocre in many.

In both parenting and leadership, this principle has made me more intentional, more focused, and ultimately more effective. It has given me permission to protect what matters most while still pursuing ambitious goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career began with a leap of faith in 2001. I accepted an unpaid fellowship on Capitol Hill because I recognized I needed hands-on legislative experience if I was going to work in public policy. A college friend connected me with the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce — and their team hired me for what became the foundation of my professional success. I never even interviewed for that first role. Sometimes the most important doors open through relationships and willingness to take risks.

That serendipitous start taught me something I’ve carried throughout my thirty-year career: success often comes from unexpected paths, and we have a responsibility to create those opportunities for others. I still meet with anyone who asks for career advice or perspective on education policymaking—because I remember what it felt like to need that chance.

From that unpaid fellowship, I built a career at the intersection of policy and practice—serving two terms as a policy advisor to the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, working with national philanthropic organizations including the Lumina Foundation and Strada Education Foundation, and chairing the Board of Trustees at Colorado Mesa University. This breadth of experience has given me a unique vantage point: I understand how policy gets made in Washington, how it gets implemented at the institutional level, and how it ultimately impacts students and communities.

The path wasn’t always smooth, especially navigating executive roles as a single mom. But those challenges sharpened my focus and taught me the strategic discipline that now defines my approach to leadership. I learned to be intentional about where I invest my time and energy—whether I’m writing for Forbes, leading board discussions, or helping organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

I’m most proud of stewarding relationships and conversations across differences in order to advance bipartisan solutions. In an increasingly polarized environment, I’ve consistently found common ground among diverse stakeholders—from conservative policy networks to progressive community organizations—because I focus on what works for leaners and workers, rather than political talking points.

I am committed to turning policy into practice and telling the stories of real people who are making a difference in the lives of others. I bring a practical, results-driven approach to my work and my relationships. I believe that policies achieved through consensus and collaboration can change lives — and sometimes the most unexpected unpaid experiences can also be life changing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 — Arrival & Urban Sophistication: cocktails at Death & Co. before dinner at the Wolf’s Tailor. Cap the night off at The Cooper Lounge in Union Station.

Day 2 — High Culture Meets High Altitude: morning at the Denver Art Museum, lunch at Mercantile and then an afternoon trip on the train to the airport — not to fly, but to see ‘Blucifer’ — a weird Denver rite of passage for anyone visiting from out of town. Back to Denver for an evening performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and a night cap at Edge in the Four Seasons.

Day 3 — Red Rocks & Recovery: Sleep in. Whew. Then, obviously, Red Rocks for a concert. Preferably a show that includes the Colorado Symphony. Seats in any row below row 16, right in the center.

Day 4 — Boulder Adventure: Breakfast at Snooze on Pearl Street, walk the Pearl Street Mall and heartily tip the street performers. Leisurely hike the Chautauqua Park trails for an iconic view of the Flatirons. And after a quick refresh spa treatment at the St. Julien, dinner at Frasca Food & Wine.

Day 5 — Cherry Creek Sophistication: stay overnight at the Clayton and both shop — and window shop — all the Cherry Creek stores (and the mall…) For lunch, Elway’s before gallery hopping in the Cherry Creek Arts District. Dinner at Le Colonial before a nightcap at B&GC.

Day 6 — Quirky Boulder: check out the views from the NCAR building before lunch at Corrida (on the patio, of course). Then, a quick tour of the Celestial Seasonings tea factory before dinner at Oak at Fourteenth. And maybe, if the Lumineers are doing a surprise show — catch them at the Boulder Theater (as they did, circa 2019!)

Day 7 — Send off: brunch at Linger followed by a final cocktail at Williams & Graham before a hug and a selfie from the train platform at Union Station.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In 1995, I became a member of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity when I pledged the chapter at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. I want to recognize the women who established this organization in 1888. Their founding principles of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship have provided an ethical framework that has shaped my approach to leadership and public service over the last 30 years.

In the early years of my professional life, I was nominated and appointed to serve on Tri Delta’s Executive Board, a national appointment which was formative in my understanding of governance, strategic decision-making, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding an organization’s mission across generations. The fraternity’s commitment to truth has reinforced my dedication to evidence-based policy work, even when the findings challenge popular narratives. The principle of self-sacrifice resonates in my understanding that effective leadership often requires putting collective interests ahead of personal ambition. And friendship — reimagined as the deep professional and personal relationships built through shared values — has created a network of accomplished women who continue to challenge and support each other, decades after college.

What I most appreciate about Tri Delta is its longevity and evolution. An organization founded by women in 1888 has adapted and thrived across centuries, continuously developing leaders who contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions. That kind of institutional resilience offers valuable lessons for anyone working to create lasting change.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/argriffin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonrgriffin/

Image Credits
Susannah Storch Photography (headshot in pink jacket + image with cat + image with two boys)