From First-Generation College Student to Regional Representative with Senator Bennet: Jacob Topping’s Public Service Journey

From the steel city of Pueblo, Colorado to the halls of government, recent Korbel alumnus Jacob Topping’s journey is a testament to what drive, purpose, and community roots can make possible. A proud first-generation college graduate, Jacob grew up with a strong belief that people from small towns deserve a voice in decisions that shape their future. After graduating with his Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 2024, Jacob has dedicated his career to elevating those voices. “I was born and raised in Pueblo,” he shared, “and I am now the Southeastern Regional Representative for Senator Michael Bennet.”

Jacob sat down for an interview while on the road with the Colorado (CO) Project, a community effort led by the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy to build a state platform for deliberation on issues affecting Colorado. This is one of many initiatives where he gives back to his community. As a kid in Pueblo, he developed a lifelong desire to serve, always believing that public policy isn’t something that happens far away. It affects real people, real families, and real communities like his. 

Yet ambition alone wasn’t enough. Jacob knew he would have to build his path step by step by expanding his skillset and growing his professional network. That’s what drove him to Korbel. 

Pueblo Roots, Public Service Goals 

Jacob’s pride in his Pueblo roots is central to who he is. His hometown shaped his values, work ethic, and determination to pursue a career that could make a difference, prompting him to first imagine a career in government as a high school senior. The spring before graduation, his school district went on strike. For most students, it was a disruption; for Jacob, it was an awakening. “That was my first dip in the waters of the political side and governance side of local policy,” he recalled. “Seeing how that really impacts not only our educators but our students in the district definitely sparked my fire for this world.” 

From there, the idea of public service never left his long-term plans.

Growing up in Pueblo reinforced Jacob’s sense of responsibility to his community. His parents ran a small business, which gave him an early education in hard work and the importance of showing up for others. “I’ve always been in touch with the community down there,” he said. “Learning the values of hard work definitely informed my long-term career aspirations. I think that’s why I ended up in the role that I did.” 

Today, Jacob’s role with Senator Michael Bennet allows him to work not only in Pueblo but across southeastern Colorado, connecting residents, counties, and nonprofits with resources and opportunities. Every day, he draws on the lessons he learned growing up: hard work, community responsibility, and the value of showing up for others. He wants to help shape policies and programs that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. For Jacob, public service isn’t just a career; it’s a way to give back to the place that first inspired him to imagine what’s possible. 

From Classroom Connections to Real-World Impact 

When Jacob arrived at Korbel for his MPP, he found a community eager to provide support and open doors, helping him secure his post-graduation career in Senator Michael Bennet’s office.

Jacob attributes much of his success to the faculty mentorship he received during his program, particularly from Professor Naazneen Barma. “Dr. Barma was a tremendous asset in my academic endeavors,” he said. Through her guidance, he also became involved with the CO Project, strengthening his connection to Senator Bennet and introducing him to more of Colorado’s public servants and their passion for community work. This year’s CO Project initiative—CO Project 2.0: Rural Renaissance—is a community-led effort to shape the future of Colorado through its rural communities, like those in the Southeastern Region where Jacob now works.

Between participation in the CO Project, and mentorship from faculty like Dr. Barma, Jacob graduated feeling prepared to launch a career of impact. “The MPP degree set me up perfectly for this role with Senator Bennet,” he said. “I came in as a first-generation student, and having the full support of not only the faculty but the community at Korbel is definitely something that I leaned on a lot.” 

Korbel’s support—both during his studies and after graduation—has remained a constant, providing the skills, relationships, and resources that allow him to thrive in public service 

A Full-Circle Moment 

Now, in his full-time role with Senator Bennet, Jacob covers southeastern Colorado counties, helping communities access resources and advancing legislative priorities. “Working for Senator Bennet has given me a new perspective on the real, on-the-ground impact we can have in communities like Alamosa County, Pueblo County, or out east in Prowers County,” he says. “Being able to be a real champion for rural Colorado is definitely something that I’ve been able to really appreciate in this role.” 

Looking back, Jacob sees his career path as a return home, literally and figuratively. “My first internship experience was during undergrad when I was a student at CSU Pueblo, back in Senator Bennet’s office in 2019. So, this is almost as full circle as you can get,” he said with a smile. 

For Jacob, what makes the journey meaningful is not just the professional milestones, but the chance to serve the community that raised him. While Korbel gave him the skills and connections to do that, Pueblo gave him the values to keep going.