Our Headlamp Highlights shine a light on the people and organizations that help our Cottonwood community thrive. We are excited to highlight our Cottonwood Institute (CI) Board Member, Candace Richter, who has been on the CI Board since September 2024. Read on to learn more about Candace!
Introduce yourself to the Cottonwood Community. Where did you grow up? If you didn’t grow up in CO, how did you end up in CO?
I’m Candace Richter, originally from North Carolina. After living in France, DC, and California, I found myself back in NC working for the Discovery Channel. In Charlotte, I met my husband and we had our two boys (now 14 and 15). When our youngest was nearly two, we decided to follow our hearts and bring our family west to Colorado. While I’ll always have a soft spot for sweet tea and hushpuppies, we’re Coloradans at heart.
Where do you work, what do you do, and what is one thing you love about your job?
I work at Strat Labs (stratlabs.us), a social impact agency, serving mission-driven organizations, like Cottonwood, to amplify their impact. What I love most about my job is the chance to learn from and support so many incredible organizations doing critical work for our communities.
What drew you to Cottonwood Institute and what inspired you to join the Board? What is one thing you want to do to help make Cottonwood thrive?
I’m driven by connecting kids to the outdoors who might not otherwise have access…whether it’s camping, hiking, fishing or exploring. Giving them the chance to learn about the environment, sustainability, and themselves is endlessly inspiring. Plus, Ford is an exceptional and tireless visionary; his vision consistent innovation for the organization keeps me excited to contribute. I hope to help expand accessibility and programs so more kids can experience the transformative power of nature.
What is your favorite thing to do outdoors?
Honestly, all of it. Our family of four [plus Dolly Farton (dog) and Ms. Pickles (cat)] seizes every outdoor opportunity. Mountain biking in the summers, skiing powder days, hiking through the yellow aspens in the fall, you name it, we’re in and head for the Rocky Mountains every chance we get! Each season, we love being outside together, soaking in the beauty of Colorado.
Are there any other fun facts or talents that not many people know about you?
A few fun facts: Thirteen years ago, I founded a nonprofit supporting families affected by prematurity. I’m a Junior Olympian, served as an chauffeur for a family in Corsica, and am the best knee-driver in my family (or history, IMO).
