[5] Newell has also volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Special Olympics, the March of Dimes,[5] Season for Non-Violence, Stalking Rescue, AXIS Intervention and Training Institute, and The Conflict Center,[2] in addition to having served as an Education Foundation Chairperson for a chapter of the American Association of University Women[5] and the Performing Arts Chair for the Lakewood Arts Council.

[5] As a single mother, Newell struggled in the past to pay down personal debt stemming from the Savings and Loan Crisis and to provide health insurance coverage for her family.

[7] Since being elected Newell has maintained an active role in her daughters' educations: Brittany is studying music performance at Arapahoe Community College and Kate is working towards her undergraduate degree in Diversity/Divinity at Regis University with plans to be an interfaith minister.

The retirement of Sen. Steve Ward, upon his campaign for Congress, left an open seat in the historically Republican district.

[12] During her campaign, Newell focused on economic and education issues[9][13] and called for increased resources for victims of domestic violence.