Best of Colorado Awardee - Exceptional Supervisor...Jodi Walker!

Nominated March 16, 2026

Jodi has been a relentless advocate for ensuring that youth in rural communities have access to high-quality programming and opportunities that are often limited in smaller areas. Through persistence, strategic leadership, and deep community engagement, Jodi successfully secured a major grant that had never before been awarded in Northeastern Colorado. Despite numerous barriers and challenges that come with introducing new initiatives in rural communities, the nominee remained committed to the vision of expanding opportunities for youth.

To make this possible, Jodi attended countless school board meetings, worked closely with local partners, and collaborated consistently with their team to ensure programs could be implemented successfully. Their leadership style centers on empowering staff, encouraging them to dream big, take initiative, and turn ideas into meaningful programming for youth and families.

Through these efforts, more than $600,000 has been brought into the county and strategically distributed across four schools to support afterschool and youth development programming. Jodi’s leadership has created safe, supportive environments for children after school while also strengthening collaboration between schools, families, and community partners. Their dedication has expanded opportunities for rural youth and built a stronger foundation for long-term community impact.

One of Jodi’s most significant accomplishments was securing and implementing a large-scale grant that brought more than $600,000 into the county to support youth programming across four schools. This funding allowed for the creation and expansion of high-quality afterschool programs that provide safe spaces for youth while offering enrichment, mentorship, and developmental opportunities.

Launching these programs required navigating complex systems and overcoming multiple barriers. Jodi led the effort by coordinating with school leadership, attending numerous school board meetings, and working closely with staff to design programs that would meet the needs of students and families. Their ability to guide teams through these challenges ensured that the funding translated into meaningful and sustainable programming.

The impact has been substantial; students now have access to structured afterschool opportunities that support both their academic and personal development, while staff have been empowered to lead innovative programming within their schools.

Jodi’s impact is especially visible in the way they invest in people and help others grow into leadership roles. One powerful example is their mentorship of a local educator who went on to become the first Somali teacher in the area. The nominee supported and mentored this individual for years, helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and opportunities to serve their community.

Through this mentorship and continued support, the educator was able to return to the community and play a key role in supporting youth and families within the new programs. This not only strengthened the programs themselves but also helped create representation and trust for families who had not previously seen themselves reflected in local leadership.

Stories like this demonstrate how Jodi’s leadership extends beyond program management; they invest in people, uplift communities, and create opportunities that have lasting ripple effects for youth, families, and staff.

• Raquel Galvan