The Faces of Broomfield: Meet Mayor Guyleen Castriotta

To personalize my journey, it’s important to know where I started. My journey began in Louisiana, and I struggled on many fronts; being the first one in my family to go to college and fighting to become my authentic self. I knew I was different, that I thought differently than those around me, and that I felt different from what my family and community believed I should be, should think, and how I should feel.

I quickly realized that finding my own voice had to come first. Later along my leadership path, it would become clear that finding one’s voice is paramount to leadership – it all starts with an ability to lead yourself, before beginning to lead others.

In school, I learned from the voices of those who have tried, failed, and eventually accomplished great things. It was a degree in broadcast journalism of all things that I truly felt pulled to as a way to tell the stories of the oppressed and advocate for those without a voice. Too many times in our history the stories not told are the ones that matter most. For me, that’s when it clicked. From finding my voice and authentic self to finding a career to use my voice to make a difference for others who may also feel and think differently.

To me, being a good leader isn’t about glory or recognition but the end result of improving the lives of a lot, a little, or even one person. Mark Twain spoke the truest words in leadership…” It’s remarkable what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit”.

My career has taken me on many different paths I never thought possible because I was courageous enough to be uncomfortable and try something new. I found the courage that I never knew I had by doing things that terrified me, like running for office and taking risks. The rewards have most definitely been worth it!

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

My wife Carolyn and I have been together for 13 years and we have cared for her 95-year old mother in our home since 2014.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

Great Scotts Eatery

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch?

Ellie McKinley – She has lived in Broomfield a long time and I would love to hear her stories of how Broomfield came to be one of the most desirable places to live in the Denver Metro.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

What makes Broomfield feel like home to me is the friendliness and helpfulness of the community and how our neighbors all know one another and look out for each other.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

The views in Broomfield!

To learn more about Mayor Castriotta, visit https://thefacesofbroomfield.com/ guyleen-castriotta/