Jared Polis, Openly Gay Politician:
On November 4, 2008, entrepreneur Jared Polis became the first openly gay person from Colorado elected to Congress. He defeated Republican Scott Starin in the 2nd Congressional District race with over 60% of the vote.
Jared Polis, Entrepreneur:
Polis began his career as an internet entrepreneur, launching his parents' greeting cards company BlueMountain.com. Soon after, he started the online flower company Proflowers.com, which sells flowers directly from growers to consumers. Jared was named an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000, and one of the top ten young entrepreneurs by Success Magazine.
Jared Polis, Philanthropist:
In 2000, Jared Polis was elected to the Colorado Board of Education. He served a six year term. That same year, Polis formed the The Jared Polis Foundation, which improve and expand access to education. Polis also founded the New America School and the Academy of Urban Learning charter schools. Polin currently serves on the board of directors of Colorado Conservation Voters, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, and the Anti-Defamation League, and is Vice-Chair of the Colorado Commission for High School Improvement.
