Photo: McBoat Photography
of interstate transportation in the United States. I was fortunate to spend the day with him as an undergraduate and that one day impacted how I view my responsibility to my community on a whole, and the Black community in particular. My role models focus on authentic relationships, not transactional ones. They have taught me that respect, transparency, and accessibility are the cornerstones of trust and effectiveness in leadership. From them, I’ve learned to prioritize being accessible, empathetic, and grounded in every interaction. Cole: How do you ensure that others benefit from the life-changing knowledge you gained from your mentors? Gardner: I prioritize mentoring, sharing insights, and providing platforms for others to shine. Whether it’s through structured mentorship programs or informal guidance, I actively pass
on the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, authenticity, and excellence. I strive to create a culture of continuous learning and collaboration where everyone feels empowered to grow. I enjoy my role as an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver graduate school of IT sharing my experience with the next generation of leaders. At General Services (GS) I began a program called “GS Works” in which we partner with several trade schools in the front range to expose students to opportunities in the skilled trades at the City of Denver. Generous GS employees take the time to share their stories and broaden their scope of what a career in the trades could be. Cole: What inspired you to pursue a career in government, and how did you get started? Gardner: I was drawn to public service because of its unique ability to impact communities at scale. My journey began with a passion for solving problems and ensuring equitable access
27 The Acumen
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