In Conversation
Andrea Macias for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Andrea Macias: It's actually a little strange for me to call myself an influential woman because sometimes I don't necessarily see myself that way. I just know what it's like to grow up and not always see people like me in certain spaces. So much of what motivates me is wanting to create those spaces for the people coming after me to make sure that they know that they do belong here and that their experience matters, that there is a place for them at the table. And if there's not one, to make one. I believe deeply in the power of a high quality education because education changed my life. It opened doors for me, gave me opportunities I couldn't have imagined. And help me see what was possible for my future. Every student deserves to feel that and have that reflected in their educational journey. So if being an influential woman means using what I've learned and the opportunities I've been given to open doors for someone else, then that's the kind of influential woman I hope to be.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Andrea Macias: My biggest piece of advice would be, don't disqualify yourself before someone else even has the opportunity to say yes. I think especially as young women, we can convince ourselves that we're not ready yet, that we need another degree, that we need more experience, or that we need to have everything figured out before we take the next step. And I've learned that you don't. I've walked into plenty of spaces where I was the youngest, where I was the first gen, where I was not reflected in the rest of the demographic. And where I didn't necessarily see people who looked like me or shared my background. There were definitely moments when I wondered, am I supposed to be here? But I've learned that you don't have to know everything to belong in a room. You can ask questions, you can learn, you can grow while you're there. And all it takes is for someone to just give you that opportunity. So apply for the opportunity, speak up, take the chance, and let them tell you no, don't tell yourself no first. And when you do make it into those spaces, hold the door open for somebody coming behind you.
Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Macias serves as the Family and School Partnership Coordinator for Adams 12, where she supports family liaisons in their family engagement efforts and helps families become academic partners in their students education. She began this leadership role a few weeks ago following five years with Denver Public Schools, during which she worked as a restorative justice counselor at DCIS Baker, was in admissions at Emily Griffith Technical College, and led multilingual family engagement efforts for several years. Macias earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Denver. She is currently an Education Policy Fellow at CU Denver and is set to begin the Moonshot Innovation Space Fellowship in its ninth cohort. Her background includes advocacy work with the education equity nonprofit Our Turn, focused on Denver Public Schools where she led a mental health campaign advocating for full-time mental health professionals and trauma-informed training, as well as a student-faculty partnership program where she co constructed two ethnic studies courses. Macias brings a deep passion for education to her work, shaped by her family's legacy of educators, and emphasizes honesty, transparency, and doing what one loves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to curiosity, authenticity, and the people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. My family instilled in me a love of education and public service from a young age, and those values continue to guide every decision I make. I’ve also learned that success comes from saying yes to opportunities that challenge you. Some of my greatest professional growth has come from stepping into unfamiliar roles, asking questions, and remaining open to learning. Every experience has reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens through relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to keep growing. My parents always told me that everything can be taken from you in a second, but your education is something no one can take from you.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to build a career that feeds both your professional growth and your purpose. Advancement is important, but fulfillment comes from doing work that aligns with your values and allows you to make a meaningful impact. I’ve carried that advice throughout my career by pursuing opportunities that challenge me professionally while keeping students, families, and communities at the center of my work. Success isn’t simply about reaching the next position, it’s about ensuring the work you do leaves people better than you found them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready to take on new opportunities. Growth often happens before confidence does. As a first generation college graduate and Afro-Latina, there were many moments when I questioned whether I belonged in leadership spaces. What I’ve learned is that your perspective is valuable precisely because it is different. Your experiences allow you to see challenges and solutions that others may overlook.
Find mentors, remain curious, ask questions without fear, challenge and question what is happening, and remember that authenticity is one of your greatest strengths. Never let someone else’s expectations define your potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges facing education today is that it has increasingly become the focus of political and cultural conflict. Decisions about curriculum, funding, educator autonomy, and student support are often shaped by broader political debates, which can make it difficult for schools to remain focused on their core mission of serving students. I believe this moment also presents an opportunity to reaffirm the purpose of education: creating equitable learning environments where every student can thrive. We aren’t just teaching math and science, we are raising the next generation of adults. Future Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Politicians, Parents.
By strengthening partnerships among educators, families, and communities, we can keep students at the center of every decision.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, empathy, lifelong learning, and service guide everything I do. I believe education has the power to transform lives, and I feel a responsibility to use my skills to help create opportunities for others. My passion for education began at home. I was raised in an environment taught me that learning doesn’t stop when you leave the classroom, it is a lifelong commitment. That foundation continues to inspire my work every day. Whether I’m working with educators, supporting families, or developing new initiatives, I strive to lead with honesty, compassion, and the belief that lasting change begins with strong relationships.
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