Meet Nadine Bridges | Community Leader and Advocate

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

Hi Nadine, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My name is Nadine Bridges (she/her), and I grew up in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, primarily raised by my father after my mother left when I was nine. I am the oldest of three. My father instilled in all of us the importance of supporting vulnerable populations, connecting with older adults, and advocating for ourselves and others. He understood the unique challenges of raising a Black children and worked hard to instill confidence, empathy, and resilience in me and my siblings.

For the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to serving and advocating for vulnerable communities. My commitment to servant leadership is rooted in the respect and love for the human condition. I serve community through a racial equity, social justice, and anti-oppressive lens. I’ve worn many hats throughout my career—professor, counselor, mentor, volunteer, and activist. My journey also took me to Nicaragua, where I served in the Peace Corps, collaborating with local government officials, NGOs, police, and community leaders to develop sustainable youth programs.

I have a master’s in social work from the University of Denver and focused on youth development work for the first part of my career. In the last five years, I led the Community Health Division for Public Health as part of the emergency response during the pandemic. Today, I am honored to serve as the first Black and female Executive Director of One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization advancing equality for LGBTQ+ Coloradans and their families.

Growing up as a first-generation student to go to college and graduate school was not easy and I am grateful for everyone who helped me succeed. I have lived in various communities, including West Virginia, Washington State, South Carolina and Louisiana. I learned the value of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds is key to building relationships and respect. At the end of the day, we all want to thrive, and finding common ground rather than focusing on our differences is key to helping everyone move forward on a path they choose to be successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One Colorado works to ensure that LGBTQ+ Coloradans and their families are protected, whether through legislative advocacy, public education, or providing resources for community and allies. This work is challenging, particularly when it involves fighting for human rights tied to your own identity. I prioritize self-care and mental health for my staff, ensuring they can put their well-being first. I lead with both heart and mind, treating everyone I work with holistically. Understanding that our community is not a monolith, I make it a point to listen deeply to individual stories without making assumptions and using what I hear to fight and advocate alongside our communities to ensure sustainable change.

Throughout my career, I’ve faced racism, misogynoir, and classism, which as a first-generation student, often led me to doubt my success. Imposter syndrome can be a powerful force, and I’ve learned that I can’t combat it alone. The most difficult lesson for me is learning to ask for help—something so simple but often can be paralyzing. However, once I overcome those hurdles and embrace vulnerability, it becomes easier to move forward.

What I want people to know is that while I may be resilient, it’s my softness and heart that make me a great leader. I know that when we build bridges, create trust, and connect to community; we can create spaces for many to be successful and thrive. I believe at the core of humanity is the willingness to support and uplift each other so that we can all do our best. I am a proud Black, Queer woman, and I am hopeful that many others like me will rise in the world and do great things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I travel all over Colorado so I’ll give you my favorites from all over. A favorite place of mine, that is now closed, is a place called Swetsville Zoo off of Harmony Rd. in Fort Collins. I used to take youth there on trips. It’s a place where the artist uses metal and other objects, we’d consider junk, to express dreams and imagination. It’s a cool spot. While you’re out there, stop by The R Bar and Lounge. In the Denver Metro area, there are incredible breweries which support social justice causes like GoldSpot Brewing, Cerebral Brewing, Lady Justice Brewing Company, Second Dawn Brewing Co and Vine Street Pub and Brewery (which in now open again!). I am obsessed with Bahn and Butter in Aurora. In Denver, Curtis Park Deli on Champa St, Pho Duy off of Federal Blvd are my gotos. I also love Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder. If you’re in Pueblo, go to Solar Roast or Bistoro. I’m a sucker for a good movie and almost exclusively go to Alamo Drafthouse in Sloans Lake. The best queer comedy/variety show is Dyketopia. Look them up, they are amazing!!! I definitely say go see them and then head to Tracks or Charlies for dancing or The Townhall Collaborative for great drinks. Finally, I have had the opportunity to travel and visit many places in the Western Slope of Colorado. The change in landscape is breathtaking so if you have the time, I definitely suggest a roadtrip! Oh, and while you’re out there, go to Good Judy’s Grand Junction Bar and Club.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I would like to thank my father and siblings, Charles, Charles D, and Elicia, for providing a foundation that kept me moving forward, even in the most difficult of circumstances. I’d also like to express my deep gratitude to my wife and the love of my life, Liz Campbell. This work can be challenging, and she has been my rock, my soul protector, and my confidante throughout it all.

I also want to acknowledge those who doubted my journey. Their skepticism has only fueled my determination to work harder and achieve more. One of my favorite poems, by Langston Hughes, captures it all:

*”Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.”*

I am grateful to everyone who has come into my life, whether for a short time or a long journey, and has allowed me to remain a dreamer and never give up.

Website: https://www.one-colorado.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-bridges-18982b19/

Image Credits
Carnefix Photography, One Colorado