Schumé Navarro is a proud mother of 3, a wife, and a Cherry Creek High School graduate, and although that title comes with implied prestige, her educational trajectory was unconventional. Born to young, low-income parents with just a high school education, Schumé’s experience with education came with its challenges. When she was in seventh grade, her mom learned of an opportunity called the Englewood Exchange Program which ultimately granted Schumé access and entrance into the Cherry Creek School district, an opportunity her family would've never expected. This program sought to diversify Cherry Creek Schools by inviting minority students from neighboring districts to opt into CCSD. Because Schumé and her siblings are Hispanic, they were eligible for this program. Being invited into Cherry Creek School District was a pivotal moment that helped shape Schumé’s life, though she still had a large mountain to climb.

It was during her sophomore year at Cherry Creek High School when Schumé’s guidance counselor, Mrs. McCall acknowledged her failing grades. Instead of seeing her deficiency, her counselor saw a creative and entrepreneurial spirit and helped better align Schumé with her natural talents and skills. In partnership and collaboration, Schumé’s counselor helped her take advantage of a trade program offered through Cherry Creek High School. The trade program allowed Schumé to become a licensed cosmetologist and launch a successful career well before high school graduation. The Englewood Exchange Program and the trade school program are just two examples that proved to Schumé that every child’s educational experience is unique, vibrant, and diverse.

For the last decade, Schumé has been a proud and successful owner and lead artist of the company she founded, Peacock Vanity, a small beauty business specializing in event hair and airbrush make-up. Working alongside a crew of four additional artists, and a network of vendors, Schumé’s team averages forty weddings and special events per year. Schumé’s career has not only provided her with a creative outlet, but it has also enabled her to provide for her family with flexibility and allowed her to become immersed in her community.

Volunteering in her community is a key part of who Schumé is. Modeled by her parents as a child, now as an adult, she holds onto the belief that transparent and honest relationships are what build the community for the better. Not only is Schumé intertwined greatly with her county but for the last 7 years, she has coordinated a young mom group for single teen moms in her community. Through mentorship and community building her team advocated for marginalized moms creating a space for healing and belonging for young mothers.

Schumé has always had a strong desire to connect with and learn from people of varying backgrounds. She is a passionate change agent who is motivated to foster creativity and long-term change in her community. She will fight to represent both parents and students in a spirit of transparency, unity, and advocacy.

 

As a proud Cherry Creek graduate, Schumé is running for CCSD because she recognizes that—while we all have unique voices, experiences, and circumstances; we are better together.