Alumni Advisory Committee

Michelle Ellison graduated from FRCC in 2015 as a first generation, non-traditional student with her AA in Business. She then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado and went on to earn her BS in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration. After graduation Michelle went to work in public accounting at Moss Adams (now Baker Tilly) as an assurance associate, but quickly realized her true passion was helping people find their own career paths. She shifted gears and began working at CFS, a staffing agency, where she placed accounting and finance professionals in roles across Colorado. Michelle then transitioned to recruiting for Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), which ranks among the top 10 public accounting firms in the country. Michelle started as a talent acquisition advisor, placing individuals in various roles across CLA’s West Region. In 2023, she advanced to Regional Director of Campus Recruiting. Michelle attributes much of her success to her experience at FRCC. The small class size, one-on-one attention students receive from instructors, combined with the inclusive community environment at FRCC, all pave the way for students to take the first steps toward achieving their goals.

With over 20 years’ experience in hospitality, events and marketing she is a veteran of the industry and is always looking to elevate any event or marketing campaign. She is an entrepreneur with multiple small businesses, an FRCC Alumna, professional photographer and new mom. She got her associate’s degree here at FRCC and her bachelor’s degree at MSU Denver and currently resides in the Denver Metro area with her husband, son and Miniature Schnauzer, Tux.

Sid Simonson is an FRCC alumnus and the deputy finance lead at Lockheed Martin Corporation for a NASA asteroid study. The goal is to help scientists learn more about the formation and evolution of the solar system, planet formation, and the source of compounds that led to life on earth. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at Colorado State University and graduated with honors from the University of Denver with a MBA in Finance and Economics in Public Policy in 2014 and a Master's of Science in Management in 2015. He was the first Chairperson of the Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation and interned in the Colorado Senate. Sid currently serves on FRCC's Business School Advisory Board and has received five President's Volunteer Service Awards from the White House. 

Catherine is a first‑generation college graduate and current Ph.D. student in Business Psychology at The Chicago School. Drawing on more than two decades of corporate experience across traditional and remote work environments, she integrates real‑world insight with academic research to address today’s most pressing workplace challenges. 

Her academic journey began at Front Range Community College, where she graduated in 2007, and then continued at Harvard University. As a Harvard alumna, she earned a Master of Liberal Arts in Psychology, a graduate certificate in Human Behavior, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology (cum laude, Dean’s List). She is also the author of When Did I Change, a children’s book exploring personal growth and transformation.

Catherine works in Merchandising Operations in B2B at Staples Headquarters Inc. and is Co‑Chair of the company’s All‑Abilities Business Resource Group. As an elected official, she sits on the Board of Trustees for the Town of Lochbuie and is an active member of the Colorado Municipal League, contributing to statewide municipal policy. Her work across research, leadership, and community service centers on empowering underserved and neurodivergent populations, advancing inclusive education, and reducing mental health stigma.

A native of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jennifer holds an associate’s degree from Front Range Community College, and completed EMT and personal trainer certifications. Additionally, she was Copresident of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Jennifer joined Thrivent in 2024 as an Office Manager, bringing a background in hospitality and a strong commitment to client service. She supports clients by addressing questions and assisting with needs that promote greater financial clarity. Her experience at FRCC seasoned her to become an asset in the community.

Outside of work, she volunteers with the Windsor/Severance Fire Museum and enjoys car shows, cooking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. She is also active in her church community and participates in small groups.

I began my college journey as a first-generation Latina student at Front Range Community College in 2016. I started as a part-time student pursuing an Associate of Arts degree, where I found a supportive and welcoming environment that gave me the confidence to later transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During my time at FRCC, I worked as a student employee in the Admissions Office, where I discovered my passion for helping others navigate the college process. After graduating from MSU Denver, my education and professional experiences prepared me for a career in higher education, grounded in a strong commitment to student success, especially first-generation students like myself. Today, I continue serving students at FRCC as a Bilingual Admissions Representative on the Westminster Campus, supporting individuals as they navigate the often-confusing journey of higher education. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors.