Neil Fishman

Neil is a native Coloradan, having grown up in Denver and is the middle kid of 5 in his family. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s Degree from CU Boulder in geology, and since he has been an awardwinning research geologist who remains actively working in geology although now he is technically retired. Neil owes his many professional successes to his public-school education, which includes K-12 as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees. When not working on geological projects, he has spent much of his adult life working locally or regionally on social justice issues, ranging from HIV prevention and education to diversity to environmental causes. He has also served in leadership positions, including as both Treasurer and President of the Board of the Boulder County AIDS Project, where he helped to expand HIV services in the local community. Neil also worked collaboratively to develop and implement the City of Boulder’s ‘Valuing Diversity Program—Education on Homophobia and Heterosexism” as well as the Boulder County Health Department’s ‘Only One’ project, which raised awareness for HIV transmission. He also served the University of Colorado as a member of the CU President’s Blue-Ribbon Commission on Diversity, as well as being a member and Chair of the CU Geology Department’s Advisory Board. He also served in leadership positions in international geoscientific professional organizations during his professional career, including as a member of the board of the Geological Society of America. In 2022, I helped to successfully guide the Colorado State Board of Education to adopt equitable and inclusive social studies standards for all public schools in Colorado (K-12). Neil is currently the Chair of the Out Boulder County Advocacy and Public Policy Committee.