Service
Service to country is deeply embedded in Allison’s family history and values. Her grandfathers both served in World War II, while her grandmothers donated their time to support the troops. Her own father served six tours in the Middle East with the U.S. Army, while his wife remained stateside and tended to their four daughters. During that time Allison was a firsthand witness to the tolls this extraordinary service takes on a family. She is personally familiar with the separation from loved ones and the difficulties in seeking gainful employment upon their return. Her intimate connections to military service members has confirmed her opinion that affordable and accessible services for military members and their families are critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of both families and our country.
By the time she reached high school, Allison was a notable community volunteer, particularly with the local Teen Court and senior citizens’ programs. It was during this time that Allison learned that anyone, no matter their age or circumstances, can enact positive change and help change the lives of both young and old. It was also during this time that she became a fierce advocate to alternative sentencing programs for teens and support for senior citizens, two groups that are oftentimes left out.
When she graduated high school, Allison’s volunteer hours far exceeded the maximum 999 hours the school system could record and many of her hours were never logged in, however she has always been driven to serve others due to her commitment to community and not for public recognition. Even so, her commitment to community extended into college, where was awarded the Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Top 10 Volunteers.
Entrepreneurship
Though her entrepreneurial spirit appeared while living on Fort Bragg at the age of 7 when she created shapes out of strips of computer paper and sold them door-to-door, it wasn’t until college that she embraced it. It was during this time that her need to create prompted her to begin a blog that soon evolved into a full-fledged small business. This business, The Book Wheel, continues to thrive and combines Allison’s passion for reading and need to create with an international audience. For Allison, opportunity oftentimes presented itself in a non-traditional way, and Allison wants to ensure that budding entrepreneurs have the resources to create pursue their passion while making a life for themselves.
Education
Allison graduated from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington with her undergraduate degree in Political Science and continued on to earn her Master of Public Policy from the University of Denver. Her drive to succeed in public service motivated her to pursue higher education despite facing debt from student loans. She understands the crushing weight that student loans can have on an individual, including how student loans affect your ability to purchase a house and provide a home for your family. As tuition prices continue to climb, Allison understands the importance of providing alternative paths to success such as skills-based education, including technical and trade schools. Her husband, Jack, successfully pursued his own career through one of these alternative methods, and the Hiltz’s understand the importance of affordable options.
Community
Growing up in a tightknit community, Allison was dubbed the Town Crier by her neighbors. Whether it was learning how to bake bread with a neighbor or chatting around their fireplaces, she relished in learning other people’s stories. These stories helped foster her empathy for others, no matter who they are or where they come from. This commitment to openness and community has remained steadfast over the decades, and Allison will be a voice for all Aurorans, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, or immigration status.
Today, Allison works for a bipartisan organization that provides resources to policymakers around the country. She lives in the Lakeshore neighborhood with her husband and two rescue dogs.