In a world that often feels divided, social workers play an important role in fostering community, understanding, and compassion. One dedicated individual is the executive director of One Colorado Nadine Bridges. She heads an organization working tirelessly for LGBTQ rights, marriage equality, and public health. With over 25 years of experience in social work, her journey is a testament to the power of connection, advocacy, and community-building.
Growing up in a household that valued community, Bridges learned the importance of giving back from her father. He’s a committed chef who dedicated his life to serving others. Having been raised with very little, she understood firsthand the struggles that many face. This experience fueled her desire to connect with and uplift marginalized communities. “I firmly believe in the respect and compassion of the human condition,” she says. This conviction has guided her work, allowing her to contribute to the opportunities that enable people to thrive.
Her path to social work was not straightforward. Initially, Bridges pursued a degree in molecular biology with aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she chose to join the Peace Corps. After joining, she began to uncover her true self, realizing the profound impact of connecting with others and sharing their stories. This transformative experience led her to become a Spanish teacher, and she realized the great importance of empathy and collective responsibility—critical skills for a social worker. Teaching allowed her to explore systemic issues and instill values of empathy in her students.
In her experience as a social worker and her work with One Colorado, Bridges emphasizes the need for future generations to recognize that challenges are often bigger than individual experiences. “We need to start thinking more collectively,” she states, advocating for stronger connections within communities and awareness of local leadership.
This focus on collective responsibility is particularly vital in addressing pressing issues such as marriage equality and support for the transgender community. For over two-and-a-half years, Bridges has worked to advocate marriage equality legislation, witnessing the benefits of bipartisan support. “I’m proud of my team for the work they’ve done,” she reflects, excited to see where their efforts lead.
At One Colorado, Bridges leads initiatives to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals, ensuring that everyone has the freedom to marry if they choose without facing discrimination. This commitment to equal rights for LGBTQ+-identifying people is personal. She recalls her marriage journey, emphasizing that no one should have to navigate multiple legal barriers just to express their love. Her work has also focused specifically on protecting trans community members, especially as more individuals relocate to Colorado from states with restrictive policies.
With a sense of urgency, Bridges champions gender-affirming care, ensuring that all community members have access to the support they need. The recent Prism Awards, celebrating those who protect LGBTQ+ youth, exemplify her organization’s efforts. She acknowledges the courage of the advocates that she works with reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.
Despite the progress that Bridges has made with One Colorado and throughout her career, the LGBTQ+ community still faces several challenges. A rise in homophobia in the media creates an atmosphere of fear, which she has personally experienced. In an interview, Bridges recalled being chased down the street in Denver a few years ago. Yet, in the face of adversity, she finds hope. “Good to see proud and courageous LGBTQ people,” she asserts, highlighting the resilience of the community.
In her view, the biggest change that needs to be made is to make an effort to foster healthy, productive conversations around human rights. “Coloradans can thrive and be successful with respect for the human condition,” she states, pointing out that basic needs and rights should not be politicized.
In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in shaping conversations. Reflecting on her time in the Peace Corps, where social media usage was restricted, Bridges now appreciates its potential to create space for dialogue. However, as she became a public figure, she learned to navigate these platforms cautiously, balancing her personal life with her public responsibilities.
“Creating space for conversation is vital,” she explains, stressing the importance of using social media to engage with constituents and foster connections and approach it with mutual respect for fellow people. With the upcoming election, she remains hopeful that the state, now leaning very blue, can unite around shared values of women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and bodily autonomy. Essentially, there is hope for legislation to pass that ensures basic human rights for all.
As she looks to the future, her hope is that Coloradans can find common ground. She believes in the power of collective action, urging everyone to pay attention to local leadership and engage with community issues. “Every legislature should be working to move forward with pro-justice policies that serve all Coloradans.”
In her journey, Bridges has witnessed the transformative impact of compassion, community, and advocacy for disadvantaged communities. By connecting with others and championing systemic change, she continues to work toward her vision of a world where everyone can thrive. With her unwavering commitment, Bridge stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the potential we have when we come together for the common good. Through her work, she embodies the belief that fostering empathy and understanding is crucial to building a better, more equitable society. As she says, “Hope for the future lies in the genuine care for the growth of our communities.” In her hands, the future looks bright.
Photo courtesy of One Colorado
