Turning Opportunity Into Leadership
This week, we spoke to Alexandria Cullen, Communications Director for the Office of Representative Gabe Evans.
Can you outline your career journey and the key steps that led you to your current role as Communications Director?
My entire life, I have had a strong passion for politics and public speaking. I pursued a degree in Broadcast Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, with the plan to graduate and work as a reporter. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to work for Cronkite News as both a broadcast and digital reporter in Phoenix and Washington D.C. During my time in D.C., I reported on Capitol Hill and absolutely fell in love with the fast-paced city full of driven, like-minded individuals, and I knew very quickly this was where I was meant to be. Both during and after my time reporting, I spent a great deal of time networking on the Hill, which is what ultimately led me to secure my current position. I am originally from Colorado and made sure to introduce myself to Colorado’s congressional delegation and offices while also getting to know them as staffers.
In December of 2024, I was offered a position in Congressman Gabe Evans’ office as a Press Assistant. After nearly nine months in that position, my Communications Director took another opportunity, and left our office, which gave me the chance to step up and prove myself as a ready and capable Communications Director. Working for a member of my home state, who shares similar values to my own, has propelled my passion for my career. When I think about the “key steps” that led me here, it comes down to being willing to put in the hard work, being willing to go the extra mile, and advocating for yourself.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those topics?
As someone with a family full of veterans and working for my congressman —who is a former Army combat veteran — I have the utmost respect for their service and sacrifice to this country and take a strong interest in veterans’ issues.
I am also deeply passionate about law enforcement/public safety. My grandfather was a police officer, and I grew up in a family who strongly supported that community. Having the chance to work for a member who understands that world firsthand is incredible. He sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, which keeps me informed and engaged in topics surrounding both of these legislative issues and gives me the chance to speak passionately about those issues with our constituents and Coloradans across the state.
Can you share a challenging or rewarding project that played a significant role in your professional development? How did you overcome the challenge, and what key lessons did you take away from the experience?
In late September of 2025, my Communications Director told me she would be taking a position off the Hill. It also just so happened to be right before a government shutdown. I was told that I would be leading the communications for our office in the interim, despite holding the title of Press Assistant at that time. This was an overwhelming undertaking, and I would be working through uncharted territory as I took on more responsibility and a larger workload as the sole communications staffer in the office. That said, I am such a competitive individual and have never backed down from a challenge. I saw this as a chance for me to prove not only to myself, but to my office and to my Representative, that I was ready, capable, and excited to fulfill this new role. While it was incredibly difficult, I feel that I grew so much personally and professionally through this experience. I owe it to my team, who has been such a wonderful support system for me, and to my congressman, who saw my value, my potential, and recognized me for my work — I truly would not be where I am today without them. The biggest take away from this experience is that we are capable of anything that we put our minds to.
In your role as Communications Director, effective leadership is essential for keeping the team aligned with messaging and communication goals. What strategies or techniques do you use to inspire and motivate your team, ensuring they remain focused on delivering the office’s objectives despite any obstacles?
I feel so fortunate that my office works together so well. As cliché as it sounds, there really is no “I” in “team”. Every one of us brings such a unique set of skills to the table, and we use those skills to work with one another for the greater overall good. Ultimately, in everything that we do, whether it be legislatively, administrative, or on the messaging front, communication in each and every one of those departments is key to success. Our team takes the time to listen to one another’s perspectives and recognizes the insight that those perspectives bring to the larger conversation. So, while communication is key, I think that truly listening to each staffer’s voice is an important role in that as well.
Mentorship is a key aspect of leadership. Could you provide an example of how you’ve supported the growth and development of your team members, helping them enhance their communication skills and advance their skill sets?
As a mentor and leader, I think it is so important to recognize that everyone’s voice matters. I began my official career on the Hill as an intern and made my way up through almost every title. My first year on the Hill I was a Staff Assistant, and then I spent nearly nine months as a Press Assistant after that before taking on my current role as Communications Director. As a leader, I believe the best way to support growth and development of my team is by making my staffers feel heard, valued, and appreciated for their role. I have been a part of the internship programs in both offices that I have worked in, and that allows me the chance to mentor and work alongside like-minded and eager professionals that want to pursue similar paths. I also just recently had the chance to hire a Press Assistant, which has been such a wonderful experience. I am so thrilled that I not only get to continue to grow in my knowledge and experience, but that I can pass that on to someone who shares my passions. I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t had that type of leadership/mentorship supporting me.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Legislation
Networking – Opportunity
Writing Skills – Precision
Working on the Hill – Passion
Leadership Connect – Optimism
