Frances “Fran” Natividad Coleman

Frances Natividad Coleman was the first Latina to be elected to the Colorado State House (District HD-1) in November 1998.  Adopted as an infant Frances learned through tragedy and loss of her parents the importance of educational excellence. With perseverance, Coleman made education the outlet for her grief. Starting in 1964, she graduated from Valley High School in Gilcrest, Colorado as an “A” student. Amid discrimination, she was granted the Redmond Scholarship.

After high school, Francis started her career as a clerk at Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company (MSTC). Mountain States had an educational assistance fund, helping her receive a college education. In 1986, she married Benjamin Coleman. In 1987, Coleman graduated from Loretto Heights College, and in 1993, she earned a master’s degree, from the University of Denver. This led to a 31-year career in telecommunications. 

During her time as a Colorado State Representative in House District 1, education, transportation, and environment were at the top of Coleman’s list. Coleman is why the Family Literacy Act became a state law in 1999. The Family Literacy Act had repeatedly failed for 17 years. Frans ability to work with legislators and stakeholders marshalled the bill to success. Her determination, creativity, responsiveness and ability to reach across party lines made the 1999 law a significant achievement. Coleman also made it possible for over 50,000 high schoolers to receive college class credits while in high school. Another significant contribution was in a key role to pass laws to open adoption records. After a significant effort HB00-1336 providing Access to Adoption Records was passed. This bill helped adoptees, like herself, to learn about their birth and see their birth certificate. 

Coleman prioritized protecting sensitive information as Commissioner of the Information Management Committee, protecting the grid from cyber-attacks after 9/11. She was motivated to create stricter highway rules to protect people from drunk driving, (after losing her father to a hit and run accident). And she was committed to bills that helped protect highway safety, and promoted wearing a seatbelt, and the “Click it or Ticket Campaign”. She also advocated for training for law enforcement officers to identify when someone was having a mental health issue. Training police officers to help someone in crisis led to the launch of the Crisis Intervention Training in Denver and Jefferson counties. Crisis intervention training is the new norm today with 7,000 Colorado officers trained today.

Coleman passed over 100 bills while in office and continues  to provide her opinion helping current representatives in office. 

Another gift of Coleman’s is her advice and mentorship towards others in Colorado. At Reading is Fundamental, Coleman helps children learn effectively. Coleman served as the Vice President of Success Oriented Managers Offering Support. Coleman focused on creating an equal working environment for women, especially Hispanic and minority women and women business owners. At the CATCHER’s MITT (Making It Through Together) program, Coleman inspires young women to attend college and build successful careers. Coleman was the first Latina Chair of the Denver Democratic Party. Coleman was awarded the Dale Tooley Award, in 1994, for her devotion to the Democratic Party. In 2006, Coleman won the Roger Cisneros Public Service Award for her work with the Latino community. Coleman is truly a role model to all for her ability to make good out of tragedy.