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CU Boulder Today recently sat down with Gina LaFrazza to get to know more about her and what she’s looking forward to as she transitions to living in Boulder. 

Gina LaFrazza and Chancellor Justin Schwartz

Can you tell us about your professional background and what you love most about your work?

I’m a psychologist and have been practicing for close to 20 years. Currently, I have my own practice where I work with adults of all ages with a variety of presenting issues. I specialize in working with sexual assault victims, chronic and acute health issues with various prognoses (including terminal), grief and loss, and marginalized communities. I approach my work with a humanistic orientation and view struggle through a multicultural/feminist lens.

My favorite part of my work is hearing people’s stories and witnessing their resilience. While seeking help and utilizing mental health services has become far less stigmatized than it used to be, it still exists largely within the medical model, where we talk about “sickness” and “disorder.” I find that conceptualization can be unhelpful and disempowering. Asking for help is not a weakness. In fact, it takes great strength. I see my clients as strong, inspirational and a testament to what people can achieve. Being able to witness my clients grow in understanding and make positive changes in their lives is an honor and privilege.

What do you do outside of work?

I’ve been a triathlete and cyclist for over 25 years. I’m a three-time Ironman and have done hundreds of triathlons and bike races. I love lifting weights, hiking and spending time with my family, friends and dogs.

What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know but would love to hear?

I grew up a huge Yankees fan and watched Coach Prime come up through their system. I still have his rookie card.

What excites you most about being a partner to the chancellor?

Redefining what it has traditionally meant to be married to a chancellor (or president). I see my current situation not as a role with the university but as having a presence around my spouse while maintaining my own identity. CU is awesome, and I’m excited for it and Boulder to be my adopted community, but I didn’t earn or accept a job. My professional and personal interests, projects and goals will remain independent.

Some of my initial experiences and encountered assumptions were very different from those of my male analogs across the country. That’s a curiosity about which I welcome conversation. I’m looking forward to being present in my new community and around Chancellor J, but I also want to be very intentional about what I represent as the chancellor’s spouse. I plan to use my presence to bring awareness to persisting gender norms and to do my small part to dismantle a model I find to be problematic.

As you start your journey in Boulder, what are you most looking forward to?

I recently had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dr. Sona Dimidjian at the Renée Crown Wellness Institute and Dr. Reiland Rabaka at the Center for African & African American Studies. I look forward to exploring professional collaborations and ongoing personal connection with each of them, as well as the many other inspiring staff, faculty and students at CU and members of the Boulder community.

I’m excited to join the Boulder triathlon and cycling communities, as well as continuing to support and work with the White Line Foundation and It Could be Me to advocate for changes to create a safer space for vulnerable road users. We’ve done some morning workouts in parallel with the Ralphie Runners, who are such impressive athletes. I’m ready to join in on weighted pull-ups whenever they’ll let me! I’m excited for the amazing hiking Boulder and all of Colorado offers and can’t wait to start my list of bagged 14ers.

And of course, I’m excited to watch Chancellor J lead CU to ongoing excellence!