Meet Lisa Smith | Air Force Veteran and Elected City Councilwoman

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

Hi Lisa, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One adjustment in my overall philosophy that I needed to shift was the concept of asking for help. Throughout our lives, we are sold on this mantra of doing things on your own and asking for help shows weakness, but I quickly realized when I ran for office that I couldn’t possibly do it alone and needed to lean on friends and neighbors to support my life goal of impacting policy. I had to learn how to build a team of supporters to help me accomplish my goals and lean on them without feeling bad. It turns out, when you ask people for help and support, they feel empowered and needed. Studies even show that it helps release endorphins and improve their mental health. It is easy to slip into the old habit of trying to do it yourself, but the truth is, you’ll burn out if you don’t lean into your network and supporters.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I served in the United States Air Force as a policewoman before attending Colorado State University for my degree in Social Work. I spent several years working with low-income and disabled people before stepping into the policy arena, specifically around housing. I studied at Boston College for my graduate degree and worked out of the Boston Mayors Office to sharpen my policy skills. Throughout this time, I also volunteered and worked with Team Rubicon that allowed me the opportunity to respond to disasters and humanitarian crisis locally and across the globe to include fire and floods across the country as well as refugee evacuation and medical support in Ukraine, Poland and Greece. What sets me apart from others is my ability to jump right into the thick of the emergency or issue without question. When the Marshall fire kicked off, I deployed the next day to Louisville to help distribute supplies to first responders as well as launch a gift card drive locally that raised over $64,000. Often in politics, you see people who just talk, but my entire life is about service in action.
Throughout my journey, I was often judged right off the bat as being too young, too optimistic or (insert whatever adjective a person cared to use that day), and it often took a toll on my confidence. I would often question myself when being publicly judged by people that did not know me. Luckily, I have a strong support system through family, friends and paid professionals that helped validate that I am on the right path or sometimes redirect me when I might be too harsh on myself or others. I fully believe that my success is directly correlated to the support and success of others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado has so many adventures to offer that you really can customize the journey for each person. My mother and Aunt are coming out this month and they are not as active as they used to be so we have a great weekend planned of exploring some natural hot springs and doing some short hikes near Breckenridge where my husband and I were married. One of my favorite spots to hike is Crystal Mill outside of Marble, Colorado but I’ll admit, its a bit of a hike! Recently, a new business has opened along the Ralston Creek trail called Colorado Tap House. I like to take friends on a bike ride to their restaurant and have a cold brew after a long ride!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a lot of my development and success to the nonprofit, Team Rubicon. They took a chance on a newly transitioned veteran to step into a volunteer leadership role to help communities impacted by disasters. I was able to learn leadership skills, deploy across the country and internationally. They allowed me to grow my experience and knowledge on how to help communities that ultimately led to my courage to run for elected office.

Website: www.lisaforarvada.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasmith731/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lisaforarvada