Rachel's staunch commitment to public service is the direct result of her upbringing on the Western Slope, where her family and friends preached the good of the community. In a family of nine children, she quickly learned the importance of self-sufficiency and the value of hard work. Rachel believes that a healthy middle class is the backbone of the state and the nation. Her father is a plumber and a pipefitter, and her mother's side of the family boasts a long line of teachers. She has won the "Education Policy Leader Award" from the Colorado Association of School Executives, received the "In the Arena" Leadership Award from Colorado Concern, and was named a "Legislative Champion" from the Colorado Health Care Association. A full list of Senator Zenzinger's awards and recognitions can be found on her website. Before coming to the State Senate, Rachel was elected twice to serve on the Arvada City Council, where she also filled the role of Mayor Pro Tem. Rachel currently resides with her husband in Arvada where she is raising two children.