Christina Carlson is best known as the CEO of Urban Peak, Denver’s leading nonprofit serving homeless youth. Under her guidance, Urban Peak has become a model for supporting young people in crisis. Carlson believes “we can solve [homelessness] tomorrow if we rally together to make change”, reflecting her hands-on approach to community solutions. In this biography, we explore Carlson’s early life, education, and the career milestones that have made her a respected social work professional and advocate in Colorado.
Early Life and Education
Carlson grew up in Colorado and graduated from Kent Denver School in 1993. In high school she eagerly completed her required volunteer hours early, sparking a lifelong commitment to service. For example, she volunteered at Denver’s Warren Village – a shelter providing housing and childcare for women recovering from homelessness. This experience, and Carlson’s family connections (her mother worked at Kent Denver), shaped her dedication to giving back.
She went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver. This advanced degree prepared Carlson for nonprofit leadership. Her education and early volunteer work provided a foundation of empathy and practical skills, which she carried into her career supporting vulnerable communities.
Nonprofit Career and Urban Peak Leadership
After completing her MSW, Carlson gained experience in nonprofit and educational organizations. She held leadership roles at the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, DSST Public Schools, The Logan School, and the Family & Intercultural Resource Center. These positions helped her develop strategic vision and fundraising expertise. In July 2017, Carlson became the executive director (CEO) of Urban Peak, a Denver nonprofit that has served homeless youth (ages 12–24) since 1988.
A community art project emphasizing acceptance. Carlson encourages creative outreach and supportive programming like this art installation at Urban Peak, reinforcing the organization’s focus on respect and belonging.
Under Carlson’s leadership, Urban Peak expanded its scope and impact. The organization now offers a full continuum of services – from outreach and temporary shelter to case management, education, and permanent housing support. For instance, Urban Peak’s “Mothership” campus on South Acoma Street provides dorm-style housing and wraparound support (medical, counseling, education, etc.) to help youth transition to stability. Carlson explains that by integrating housing with all necessary support services, “it’s way more effective” in helping young people succeed.
- CEO, Urban Peak (2017–present): Oversees programs for homeless youth, expanding temporary housing and support services.
- Previous Roles: Held leadership positions at the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, DSST Public Schools, Logan School, and other nonprofits, focusing on community engagement.
- Education: Earned an MSW from the University of Denver after graduating from Kent Denver School (Class of ’93).
- Initiatives: Founded the Denver Homeless Leadership Council in 2020 to unite the city’s service providers and coordinate resources during crises.
- Recognition: Honored as Kent Denver’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni for her work and featured by local media as a visionary “Person to Watch” in homelessness advocacy.
Impact on Homelessness and Community Vision
Carlson’s work at Urban Peak has influenced Denver’s broader approach to homelessness. Shortly after taking office in 2023, Denver’s mayor launched the “All In Mile High” initiative to tackle homelessness. This strategy explicitly borrowed ideas from Urban Peak’s model, acknowledging Carlson’s impact on city policy. She notes that “Urban Peak is having an influence at the city level”, and her leadership was instrumental in shaping new programs. For example, Urban Peak’s outreach methods (such as affinity-based shelter groups for youth with similar backgrounds) have been adopted in city shelters to create safer, more supportive environments.
At the heart of Carlson’s vision is a focus on safety, connection, and empowerment for homeless youth. She emphasizes that community means feeling safe and supported: “My time at Urban Peak has really taught me how important safety and connection is, particularly for youth.”. By fostering trusting relationships (through case management, counseling, and community-building), Carlson believes young people can reclaim confidence and agency in their lives. Her holistic approach – combining housing, healthcare, education, and life skills – reflects a deep understanding that ending homelessness requires addressing all aspects of a person’s well-being.
Throughout her career, Carlson has continued to innovate. Beyond Urban Peak, she created the Denver Homeless Leadership Council in 2020, bringing together leaders from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and others. This coalition coordinated resources during the pandemic, such as converting the National Western Center into a 600-person emergency shelter. Carlson credits this collaborative effort with saving lives: by “brokering the opening” of new shelters, her team provided urgent relief for hundreds of people without homes.
Recognitions and Awards
Carlson’s dedication has earned public recognition. In 2024, her alma mater named her a Distinguished Alumni, highlighting her successful career and commitment to service. Local press has also celebrated her leadership. Westword magazine included Carlson on its list of “People to Watch in 2026,” praising how she rallies community and government partners to tackle Denver’s youth homelessness crisis. These honors underscore Carlson’s reputation as an effective, forward-thinking leader in the nonprofit sector.
Conclusion
Christina Carlson’s journey – from a volunteer at a women’s shelter to the helm of Denver’s homeless youth advocacy – shows how passion and experience can drive real change. Her work reminds us that solving homelessness is a collective effort: by uniting nonprofits, government, and community members, Carlson believes we can help vulnerable young people find stability and hope. If you’re inspired by Carlson’s mission, consider supporting Urban Peak or similar organizations. Get involved: visit Urban Peak’s website to learn about volunteer opportunities, donate to support its programs, or simply share awareness of youth homelessness. By following Carlson’s lead of compassion and collaboration, readers can play a part in building a safer, more inclusive community for all.
