MEET CHELA

Graciela “Chela” Garcia Irlando is an environmental nonprofit leader, community advocate, and mom running for the Colorado State Senate to put working families first and fight for a future worthy of the next generation.

Chela and her husband, Danny, are raising their two young children in Barnum, and their lives are deeply rooted in the neighborhoods that make up the district: from school drop-offs in Baker to bike rides around Sloan’s Lake, Sunday mornings at the panadería, and community celebrations in Westwood and Sunnyside. For Chela, the challenges and opportunities facing these communities are personal.

For more than a decade, Chela has worked to strengthen Colorado communities through nonprofit leadership, environmental advocacy, and civic engagement. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Next 100 Coalition, a national environmental nonprofit. Previously she held leadership roles at the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus, Hispanic Access Foundation, and Latino Outdoors. Her work has focused on expanding opportunities for working people, protecting the environment, and building systems that serve families with dignity and respect.

Chela’s commitment to public service is rooted in her family’s story and the generations of Coloradans and immigrants who believed in building a better future through hard work and community. She has worked in restaurants, supported youth programs in Westwood and North Denver, and helped connect families to parks and outdoor spaces across the state.

A proud two-time graduate of the University of Colorado, Chela holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Chicano/a Studies and a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies focused on policy and planning.

Chela is running for State Senate to fight for an affordable Colorado, protect our climate and water, and ensure the government works for the people, not corporations. Chela is committed to building a future where all families can thrive.