Allegra "Happy" Haynes facts for kids

Allegra "Happy" Haynes, born on March 4, 1953, is a well-known politician and advisor from Denver, Colorado. She used to be a member of the Denver City Council and also worked as an important helper for two Denver mayors.

Happy Haynes: Her Early Life and Education

Happy Haynes grew up in Denver, Colorado. She finished high school at Denver's East High School in 1971. Later, she went to Barnard College and earned a degree in political science in 1975. She also earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Colorado Denver in 2002. Happy Haynes also took part in special leadership programs, including ones at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Working for Denver City Hall

Happy Haynes has worked for the City of Denver for 26 years. She started in 1979, helping Councilman Bill Roberts. From 1983 to 1990, she was a key assistant to Federico Peña, who was Denver's first Latino Mayor.

In 1990, Happy Haynes was elected to the Denver City Council. She was the first African American woman to serve on this important group. She served three terms and was even the Council President from 1998 to 2000. While on the Council, she worked hard to create city rules that helped families, children, and improved education. From 2003 to 2005, she helped Mayor John Hickenlooper connect with the City Council. She also helped with the growth of Denver International Airport.

Helping Denver's Schools

In October 2005, Happy Haynes joined Denver Public Schools (DPS). She worked as an assistant to the Superintendent, helping to connect the school district with families and the community. She worked with Superintendent Michael Bennet to improve parent involvement, school partnerships, and volunteer programs.

In 2008, Governor Bill Ritter chose Happy Haynes to be part of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. She also worked closely with the National Association for Urban Debate. She helped more students get involved in debate programs. In 2009, she encouraged six high schools to join and even gave awards at the first debate tournament. Later in 2009, she became the Chief Community Engagement Officer for DPS. Her job was to make stronger connections with community groups and businesses.

In 2011, she left the school district to work for a company that advises on politics and public services. After leaving DPS, she announced she would run for a spot on the city school board. She was elected to the Denver Public School's Board of Education in November 2011 and served until 2019. She was the President of the board from 2013 to 2015. In 2017, Mayor Michael B. Hancock appointed her as his deputy mayor.

Leading Denver's Parks

In September 2015, Happy Haynes was also chosen to be the executive director of Denver's Department of Parks and Recreation. This means she was in charge of all the parks and recreation centers in Denver.