Each month, we sit down with someone from the FAMLI team to talk about time, care, and the moments that don’t always fit neatly into a workday. Sometimes the conversation is practical. Sometimes it’s personal. Often, it’s both. This month, we’re with Division Director Tracy Marshall.
Q: Hi Tracy. We have to start the new year with tough questions first. You know the Olympics are coming up. And if anything could be an Olympic sport, what would you win the gold medal in?
(Laughter) Oh gosh, um. Without a doubt, swaddling babies. I’m a professional baby-swaddler. Years and years of practice, and I stand by it.
Q: Third year of benefits for FAMLI, now. How are you feeling heading into 2026?
I’m really excited. Colorado is the first state in the country to offer Neonatal Care Leave, and that work hits me at my core. Even though it wasn’t originally my project, it’s become deeply personal. I’m incredibly proud that Colorado is doing this.
Q: What’s surprised you most about FAMLI’s first few years?
The gratitude. It’s unusual for people to reach out to a government agency just to say thank you — but they do. People take time to tell us how impactful the program has been and how helpful our staff were. That’s been huge for me.
Q: Last month you told us about your experience as a neonatal care nurse. Does that part of this work feel most personal to you?
Very much so. I came from adult intensive care and moved into neonatal care after a back injury. It scared me half to death at first — these babies are so tiny. But caring for infants when parents have to step away is a gift. You’re welcomed into families’ lives during incredibly intimate moments, and I never took that lightly.
Q: Let’s zoom out for a second. When you explain FAMLI to a friend, how do you describe what it actually does?
I describe it as the ability to take care of yourself without having to put your job first. We’re used to prioritizing work over our health and our families. FAMLI helps change that narrative. When you put yourself at the center, you’re actually able to be a better employee in the long run.
Q: You’ve said before that paid leave can’t prevent emergencies, but it can prevent them from becoming worse. What do you mean by that?
If you have a heart attack or need surgery, that’s going to happen whether paid leave exists or not. What paid leave does is remove stress so people can recover fully. It gives families time to help with healing, attend rehab or follow-up appointments, and not rush back to work before they’re ready. That support can be life-changing.
Q: One thing you talk about a lot is “stability.” Why does that word matter so much to you?
Everyone needs stability. No one wants to live wondering if they can afford groceries or pay their heating bill. When someone needs to step away from work, the bills don’t stop. Paid leave offers people greater stability during moments that are already uncertain.
Q: People sometimes assume supporting families and supporting employers are competing goals. Do you see it that way?
Not at all. If a valued employee has a serious health event, employers want them to recover and come back. We help make that possible. Paid leave supports recovery while also helping businesses manage gaps — through temporary coverage or overtime — until their employee is ready to return.
Q: Okay — time to make this personal for a moment. Give the people three things you’re genuinely proud of from FAMLI in 2025.
I’m proud of our outreach — making sure people across Colorado know they’re included, even if they’ve never had access to benefits like this before. I’m proud of the recognition we’ve received for our technology and user-friendly systems. And I’m incredibly proud of how quickly we’re getting money to people — often before they even return to work.
Q: Be honest; anything you wish you’d done differently last year?
Honestly, no. We did the work that was assigned to us. I always wish things could move faster, but sometimes work just takes time. If anything, I’m learning to have more patience.
Q: As FAMLI grows, what do you most want Coloradans to understand about the program now?
That it works. It’s functional, reliable, and it gets people their money when they need it. And if anyone is unsure, we want them to reach out. Our call center is one of the best in state government — and we’re here to help.
Q: Thanks, Tracy. Any last words for the people in January?
Just that wherever in the state you are, we’re glad you’re with us this year and grateful to be an organization you turn to when you need us.