Claire Harris

Claire Harris

Legislative Intern

Colorado House of Representatives

Biography

Claire Harris is a recent graduate of University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, where she concentrated in Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice. She is passionate about social and economic justice, particularly of low-income and LGBTQ Coloradans. She works to create and advocate for policy initiatives that can make meaningful changes for marginalized communities.

Born and raised in Colorado, she loves getting outside to hike, bike, and ski with her partner and two dogs.

Interests
  • Community Economic Development
  • LGBTQ Advocacy
  • Affordable Housing
  • Policy Analysis and Development
Education
  • Master of Social Work, 2022

    University of Denver

  • BSc in Political Science and Economics, 2017

    Western Washington University

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Representative Karen McCormick
Legislative Staff
Representative Karen McCormick
Oct 2021 – May 2022 House District 11

Responsibilities include:

  • Correspond with constituents to answer questions, assist with benefits, and address concerns.
  • Attend stakeholder meetings.
  • Present to Longmont Area Democrats on legislative priorities for the 2022 session.
  • Create fact sheets with critical information on multiple bills presented in the 2022 legislative session.
  • Analyze legislation to inform policy positions relating to Agriculture, the Environment, and Healthcare
  • Create Presentations, infographics, and fact sheets for constituents, stakeholders, and other actors using Canva.
  • Conduct in-depth research and analysis on legislation with a focus on their impacts on vulnerable communities.
 
 
 
 
 
University of Denver University College
Learning Design Specialist
University of Denver University College
Jul 2017 – Sep 2022 Denver, CO

Responsibilities include:

  • Work independently to put together online college and graduate courses.
  • Manage Quality Assurance review process for all courses.
  • Create course layouts that are accessible for a variety of learners.
  • Manage a ticketing system to respond to instructor concerns.
  • Nominated for Student Employee of the Year in 2022 for leadership role, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.
 
 
 
 
 
The Center on Colfax- Rainbow Alley
Social Work Intern
The Center on Colfax- Rainbow Alley
Oct 2020 – Jun 2021 Denver, CO

Responsibilities include:

  • Supported a caseload of 10 LGBTQ youth with social/emotional health and supported other youth on a needs’ basis.
  • Conducted intakes for new members of Rainbow Alley, broaching questions of identity and personal history.
  • Facilitated onlnine programming for LGBTQ youth, including leadership and enrichment programs.
  • Created an online Sex Education and Healthy Relationships curriculum for LGBTQ youth, utilizing community partnerships to enrich the program.
  • Developed an online Current Events and Personal Activism group for LGBTQ youth.
  • Coordinated events such as Queer Prom and Holigay while incorporating youth input.
  • Adapted and created programming during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
 
 
 
 
North Routt Community Charter School
School-Based Mentor
North Routt Community Charter School
Sep 2017 – Jun 2020 Steamboat Springs, CO

Responsibilities include:

  • Mentored 10 at-risk students per year working on social, emotional, and academic support.
  • Organized and ran an after-school program using fun activities and homework help for up to 20 students at a time.
  • Developed and facilitated a lunch group for middle school girls which focused on friendships and self-esteem.
  • Adapted existing programming to increase reach to students during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Led 31 middle school students to Model United Nations Conference.
  • Created and facilitated multiple trainings for school and organization staff on creating LGBTQ inclusive classroom environments as well as connecting with and mentoring LGBTQ students.
  • Collaborated with staff to rewrite organization policies and resolutions to be more inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • Trained and oversaw new mentors, giving support in connecting with students of all ages.
 
 
 
 
 
Western Washington University
Orientation Student Advisor
Western Washington University
Jun 2014 – Jun 2017 Bellingham, WA

Responsibilities include:

  • Presented orientation information to over 1,200 incoming transfer and first year students on campus services, resources, and student life.
  • Advised both students and families on specific WWU resources and life as a college student, while complying with FERPA regulations.
  • Acted as a liaison between new students and various university departments.
 
 
 
 
 
Western Washington University
Teaching Assistant
Western Washington University
Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 Bellingham, WA

Responsibilities include:

  • Led weekly discussions on American politics for a group of 20 students. Average paper grades increased by over 10% over the course of the quarter.
  • Held weekly office hours to support students in their understanding of American politics.
  • Organized and led 3 study workshops for students before midterms and finals. Participation increased after each workshop. *Engaged students in critical conversations around public policy and the importance of political involvement.

Contact