At a forum with young women leaders from Colorado Springs, Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien continued her statewide swing today to promote student participation in the “Write to Lead” youth essay contest.

O’Brien met with female students from Carmel Middle School enrolled in the InterCept program, an initiative of the Women’s Resource Agency designed to empower young women to develop leadership and mentoring skills, work toward a positive future and make healthy life choices. O’Brien shared her thoughts on leadership and our country’s future and answered a number of dynamic questions from the young audience.

“What have you sacrificed?” asked one student. The Lt. Governor reflected on the loss of her personal life and anonymity, and spoke of answering questions from constituents when recognized in public, even in the produce aisle at the grocery store.

“What’s your biggest accomplishment?” another student asked. O’Brien described a program to help struggling four-year-olds catch up with their peers so they’re prepared to start school. She’s proud of her efforts to convince colleagues of the need to fund the program.

O’Brien talked about how she never planned to run for public office. Her passion has always been education and health care policy. Governor Ritter recognized her work and asked her to join his ticket.

This led to her advice for the future leaders in the room. “You have to be responsible for your own actions first. If you work hard at your job and improve your skills, people will begin to look to you for answers.  Then when the time comes, you’ll be able to choose what you want to do.”

At the conclusion of the event, the Lt. Governor signed autographs and posed for pictures with the students.

More details on “Write to Lead”