Minimizing Student Debt and Maximizing Opportunity: How Chevy Lowe's Journey as First Gen Grad Led Her to Lead in Accessible Education
What is your personal/professional story? What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
My personal and professional journey has been shaped by a series of transitions and challenges that have ultimately fueled my commitment to advocating for accessible education and minimizing student debt.
Raised in Washington State by a single mom who worked for Boeing for over 20 years, underscored the importance of education as a pathway to a brighter future. My life took a significant turn when, during my junior year of high school, we moved to Denver, CO. The shift from Washington to Denver marked the beginning of my journey navigating the complexities of the pursuit of a post-secondary education.
Despite not being a first-generation student, the evolution of the financial aid system left me to navigate it independently. This challenge became even more pronounced when I ventured to Atlanta for college after graduating from East High School. By the time I completed my Master's degree, I, like many Black women, found myself burdened with a substantial amount of student debt.
For six years, I worked as an operational Sr. Project Manager at the Georgia Aquarium, gaining valuable experience but feeling a growing sense of purpose that was yet to be fully realized. Upon returning to Colorado, I discovered the unique educational landscape of the state—highly educated, yet predominantly comprised of transplants from other states.
This realization became a turning point. In my quest for the next career opportunity, I felt a calling to contribute to the solution, ensuring that any student aspiring to pursue education could do so successfully and with minimal financial burden. This commitment led me to play a pivotal role in championing student access to post-secondary education.
Over the years, I have dedicated my efforts to this purpose through various roles, including my time with College Summit CO, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and my current position as the Director of ECMC The College Place CO. Each chapter of my journey has contributed to my passion for empowering students to access education, guiding them through the financial aid process, and advocating for a future where educational opportunities are equitable and accessible.
My journey has instilled in me a deep commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of students, helping them achieve their educational aspirations and navigate the complexities of the education system with greater ease. Education should be a transformative force, not a barrier.
3Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve stems from a fundamental belief that access to education should not be hindered by a lack of information or resources, and my commitment is to serve as a vessel of knowledge to bridge that gap. Having navigated the complexities of the post-secondary education system myself, I recognize the challenges that students face. I didn't have the resources that I now provide—from guiding career exploration to assisting with college essays, creating scholarship search strategies, to navigating financial aid applications. These were invaluable tools I wished I had during my educational journey.
My passion is fueled by the belief that education has the power to transform lives, and by offering support and resources, I aim to make that transformation as accessible and smooth as possible for every student I serve.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
I firmly believe that collaboration is key, and GlobalMindED's platform provides an excellent opportunity to unite resources and expertise for the benefit of students. We often operate within silos, doing commendable work to support students, however, the truly transformative impact happens when we bring our collective resources and knowledge together. In essence, GlobalMindED serves as a catalyst for amplifying our impact. Together, we can work towards breaking down barriers, leveraging our collective strengths, and ensuring that every student has the tools and support they need to thrive in their educational journey.
