Affie Ellis
Wyoming State Senator
“Never let the odds keep you from doing what you know in your heart you were meant to do.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationAffie Ellis
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Jackson, Wyoming, as the youngest of four children to my parents, who are full Navajo.
As a teenager, I would help my mom clean motel rooms as a summertime job—seeing the extra wealth the guests had made me curious about how my own life would turn out.
I did an internship in high school with the Wyoming legislature—I discovered that I really enjoyed the political process, and used that passion to guide the rest of my career choices.
I went to the University of Wyoming and earned my degree in political science and American Indian studies.
After graduating, I worked for a senator who represented Wyoming and sat on the U.S. Senate Committees on Indian Affairs and Energy and Natural Resources—two issues I wanted to hone in on.
I earned my law degree from the University of Colorado Law School—during this time, I was appointed to serve as director of congressional and public affairs for the National Indian Gaming Commission.
After law school, I was appointed to serve on the Tribal Law and Order Commission.
In 2016, I ran for the Wyoming Senate and won—I currently represent southwest Laramie County and am the first Native American to serve in the Wyoming Senate.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Political Science and American Indian Studies
University of Wyoming
Political Science and American Indian Studies
University of Wyoming
Career
Wyoming State Senator
I represent southwest Laramie County, Wyoming, in the U.S. Senate.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Politics
Government
Accomplishing Goals
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Search for networks that are like you and want to discuss your ideas. It's not only about creating a relationship with someone—you also want to keep growing those relationships. They can open doors for you. When people ask me for a favor, I say yes because I want to help them. I'm not expecting anything in return, but I know that saying yes also means I get to meet new people and that any new network channels created in the process are opened.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Political Science and American Indian Studies
Political Science and American Indian Studies
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Who's raising your kids? Don't you feel guilty for being here?"
Challenges I Overcame
Racial Discrimination
Gender Discrimination
Interviewed By
Forever Frontier
Young adults from Wyoming explore the state’s strengths
