Growing Up in Colorado
I grew up surrounded by Colorado’s rugged landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the expansive valleys. This deep appreciation for our natural surroundings forged my commitment to environmental preservation. As your representative, I will work to protect Colorado’s diverse ecosystems to ensure we preserve them for future generations.
I am the daughter of a dedicated preschool educator and grew up in Littleton, Colorado. As a young girl, I sat beside my mother in night classes, witnessing her determination to better our lives. This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the transformative power of education. I firmly believe that education plays a crucial role in expanding opportunities for all Americans.
The tragedy of the shooting at Columbine High School cast a long shadow over my childhood. My parents did everything within their power to shield my siblings and me from such trauma. Yet, despite their efforts, history repeated itself during my time at Arapahoe High School. I am proud of my alma mater, but I am committed to ensuring that no future generation becomes unwilling members of this tragic “club.”
In the winter of 2013/2014, Columbine alumni reached out to us at Arapahoe. They offered open dialogue and helped us name the symptoms of PTSD we were experiencing. This conversation was a crucial first step in my healing process, providing me with the tools to begin understanding and processing my experiences.
However, talking about trauma isn’t enough when the root cause—lack of adequate gun safety measures—remains unaddressed. When children, families, and communities face such preventable challenges, and Congress fails to act, it represents not only a policy failure but a failure of character. I am running to change that.
River's Journey Through Challenge
The Great Recession
During the great recession, my family lost our home. We struggled to put food on the table. I watched my parents work tirelessly to keep us afloat and eventually reclaim home ownership. That experience had a profound impact on me. That experience is the story of many families across this country, even today.
Securing a home is even more challenging now, and living paycheck to paycheck remains a widespread struggle. I am committed to fighting for the hard-working families struggling to get by. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and the free lunch program are vital. These programs provide immediate relief and have a profound long-term impact on children and families.
As your representative, I will work to strengthen these essential safety nets and expand them to ensure no family is left behind.
Get to know your next Congresswoman
River comes from a background of academia. She has multiple degrees in Economics, Physics, and Energy Sciences. She is currently an educator at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS) in topics such as astronomy and solar energy sciences.
River is also a researcher currently working with Biofrontiers. Her past work includes time at the NASA Glenn Research Center and the Space Foundation.
As River runs for the House of Representatives, she brings a strong foundation in science to address the climate crisis with data-driven solutions.
Why am I running?
I am running for Congress because I want to make the American dream accessible once again. The opportunities I had growing up in Colorado are now out of reach for too many across our state. In a time where families struggle to put food on their table or pay their rent, preparing for the future has never been more challenging. I will fight to ensure everyone has access to affordable healthcare and housing. Everyone deserves a chance at the American Dream.
In this era of rapid technological advances, our legislative body needs more leaders that come from STEM backgrounds. Issues like climate change, AI, and digital privacy will be at the forefront of policy.
As a third-generation educator, I understand the issues that our teachers and students face across the nation. We must invest in our children’s education, including early childhood and higher education, to give them a better pathway to success.
We must fight for the reproductive rights of women everywhere. The Handmaid’s Tale cannot become a reality. Women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and all minority communities deserve to live free from persecution. Our veterans deserve representation that fights for expanding VA resources and mental health services.
We must hold large oil companies accountable for their environmental and economic impact. We must limit their control of our lawmakers, regulate price gouging, and end the damage they cause to our environment.
I am committed to addressing these issues. Join me in this fight to restore fairness, opportunity, and integrity to our system.
We have a chance to change the direction of Congress. Together, we will flip the seat.
Outside of her professional and academic life
River cherishes the vibrant outdoor life in Colorado Springs, particularly its renowned trails. Her passion for running deepened after participating in the Pikes Peak Ascent, where she witnessed the transformative power of marathon and trail running. Through this community, she has seen remarkable personal achievements: individuals quitting smoking, gaining vitality to keep up with their children, and overcoming unhealthy eating habits.
River recognizes the strength and resilience that athletics can foster, not just physically but also in building character and community spirit. Her own experiences in sports have shown her the importance of focusing on capability and endurance, especially for young girls, reinforcing the message to value strength over appearance.
No one understands District 5’s unique spirit and potential for growth better than River. She is committed to representing its values and inspiring its residents towards even greater achievements.
