Amanda Nicole Borne

I grew up on a Kansas dirt road on the outskirts of Wichita, down the road from our family business, Gilpin Feed and Supply, which my grandfather started. I happily worked at the store and helped out at the farm and the dog kennel as far back as I can remember, loading and unloading bales of hay, straw, grass seed, sweet grain, dog food, and bird seed. I cleaned out the stables, rode, brushed, and fed the horses and other animals, herded cattle, drove them to market, and learned a lot about life along the way. I was never treated differently because I was a girl, as long as I always worked hard, and made myself useful.

My interests include running outdoors, hiking, writing snail mail letters, fashion, art, calligraphy, learning about and experiencing different cultures, wine, seeing how fast I can go on a go-cart, and listening to and making music. I play the saxophone with my Rockstar husband.

My major motivators include nurturing community, harmony, genuine connection, transparency, hard work, respect, integrity, a strong relationship with God, and the idea that small things make a big difference.

During high school, I spent every penny I earned traveling to NYC during summer and spring breaks to find internships, explore the city, learn the trains, and convince Columbia University to let me live in their vacant dorm rooms or rent a room at the midtown YMCA. Current projects include guest/substitute teaching in Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley school districts, taking calligraphy classes and jobs, playing more music, and helping my husband with his business start-up called HearLabs. Future projects include buying a house with enough land for some cattle, horses, and a music studio.