November 2026

Key Dates

Fueling first-generation futures

What inspired you to pursue your career path and found HCM Strategists?

From the first orientation week hosted by my regional public university for us new students, I was hooked on the magic of higher education.

From student government to student affairs (I worked in residential life) to a graduate education in public policy to jobs in Washington, D.C., my career path has had a singular destination. I have stayed focused on how I can understand and advocate for practices and policies that help assure underserved students succeed at the same rates, or better, than more resourced students.

I co-founded HCM Strategists when I was 37 and the mother of two young daughters. I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur aspiring to build or sell anything. I did not see an available path that allowed me to apply state, federal and national public policy lenses to the work of diverse leaders across the postsecondary sector, while also having flexibility over my schedule. So, I created one!

Tell me about what brought you to MSU Denver.

I learned about MSU Denver when I worked for the U.S. Department of Education. Former MSU Denver President Stephen Jordan, Ph.D., distinguished himself as a president striving to serve more Hispanic students with affordable, accessible urban higher education.

On a drive home from a family vacation in 2019, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis called to interview me to serve on the MSU Denver Board of Trustees. We synced on the imperative of student success and to more fully utilize the Auraria Campus efficiencies and synergies.

What is it about the University that inspires you to serve on the board?

This University has heart, grit, excellence and a steadfast commitment to accessible, affordable bachelor’s degree programs. Being around the staff, faculty, administration, alumni and friends of MSU Denver fills my bucket and stretches me to grow personally and professionally. Public policy for higher education gets good and tangible when you are on the ground floor, where the teaching, learning, discovery, advising and career preparation occur.

Why was it important to you to establish a planned gift for first-gen students at MSU Denver?

This gift is made possible by the affordable college education I received, my postsecondary education and the career-competitive learning public policy firm I co-founded in 2008. It is important for me to pay it back and pay it forward. I strongly believe that postsecondary education is the best anti-poverty strategy this nation has. First-gen students become multi-generation promoters of economic mobility. When we invest in the dreams of these changemakers, everyone benefits.

How do you hope the gift will impact students?

I am humbled to be able to do this. Serving MSU Denver and Colorado’s first-generation students is a privilege and a trust.

My hope is that this gift will be but one piece in a set of systemic efforts ensuring MSU Denver’s first-generation students feel a community wrapped around them, focused on their success.

What role do you envision higher education playing in shaping the future of society in Colorado and beyond?

Higher education has a vital role in protecting everything we value in Colorado and beyond – a clean environment, healthy lives, schools that challenge and inspire children, and a strong business climate that retains, creates and attracts good jobs. Higher education can model for society how to adapt to rapidly changing times while maintaining centuries-old values.

What about higher education makes you feel hopeful?

Learning is at the core of human thriving. Every day, we contribute to the thriving of the mind, the community and civilization.

This Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.