Her Story
About Yazmin
Yazmin Navarro serves as Vice Chair of the Colorado State Board of Education, representing Congressional District 8, where she advocates for students, parents, educators, and communities across the state. With more than a decade of experience in education and public service, she plays a key role in shaping K–12 education policy, approving statewide standards and budgets, overseeing educational initiatives, and ensuring that Colorado's public education system meets the needs of diverse communities. In addition to her elected role, she is a Fellow with Advance Colorado and the founder of Bark & Stay, a dog boarding business that reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong passion for animal care.
Yazmin's career spans education, government, and international service. She has worked in multiple school districts as a teacher, paraprofessional, and substitute educator, and while her husband served in the United States Marine Corps, she supported the U.S. Department of State by teaching American culture and English to high school and college students abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Government and Policy from Grand Canyon University. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she combines her expertise in education policy, public administration, and community engagement to help families navigate educational opportunities while advocating for ethical leadership and student success.
Driven by faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service, Yazmin attributes her success to the encouragement of her mother, the support of mentors, and her determination to persevere through life's challenges. She is passionate about strengthening the connection between schools, families, and communities, believing that education is a shared responsibility and that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Outside of her public service, she enjoys writing, cooking, spending time with her family, and working with animals. She is also the author of a children's book and proudly supports Pets on Deployment, helping military families secure pet care during deployments while continuing to advocate for compassionate leadership and stronger communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yazmin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith in God, who has given me the strength, perseverance, and abilities to overcome life's challenges. I have also been blessed with incredible mentors and supportive people who encouraged me throughout my journey. My mother has been one of the greatest influences in my life. She taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of never accepting "no" as the final answer. Her example showed me that obstacles are simply opportunities to find another path forward. I refuse to become a victim of difficult circumstances, choosing instead to persevere with faith, optimism, and a commitment to helping others. Whether I am advocating for students, supporting families, or simply providing assistance where it is needed, I believe success comes from lifting others up and never giving up.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to pursue what truly makes you happy while always remaining kind, ethical, and respectful toward others. Do not allow your circumstances or setbacks to define your future, and never become a victim of life's challenges. Your career path may not unfold exactly as you originally imagined, but that does not mean it is the wrong path. Stay resilient, continue pushing forward, and trust that each experience will prepare you for new opportunities. Believe in yourself, remain committed to your goals, and remember that tomorrow always brings new possibilities.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in education today is having the ability to be a meaningful voice for parents, students, educators, and communities. I believe education is a shared responsibility between schools and families, and I am grateful to use my position to advocate for those who often feel unheard. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is the increasing politicization of education and the loss of civility within public discourse. As leaders, we must model ethical behavior, respect, and professionalism for the students who look to us as examples. I also value the opportunity to connect directly with students, hear their dreams, and help create an educational environment where they can succeed.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, kindness, and ethical leadership are the values that guide both my personal and professional life. I believe in treating others with respect, leading by example, and always acting with fairness and compassion. Public service is about representing others with integrity, not personal interests, and I take that responsibility seriously. I strive to model the behavior I hope to see in future generations by demonstrating kindness, respecting others, and remaining committed to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
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