Alumni Spotlight: Karen J. Nuñez Sifuentes ’21

Permission to Dream: Karen Nuñez Sifuentes and the Power of Belonging at MSU Denver

Access When Doors Were Closing

When Karen J. Nuñez Sifuentes ‘21 began applying to college, she did not yet understand how deeply her identity as an immigrant would shape her path to higher education.

The barriers became unmistakably clear during a visit to her dream school. Sitting beside her mother in an admissions office, Nuñez Sifuentes was told that because of the political climate, immigration was a “sensitive topic” and financial aid was not an option. She was forced to translate that rejection in real time — watching her mother process what it meant for her daughter’s future.

“With no financial aid, consistent no’s and an uncertain future, it felt like punch after punch,” she said.

Hope returned when she connected with Immigrant Services at Metropolitan State University of Denver. With guidance from Gregor, she found a university that did not see her status as a barrier, but as part of her story.

“MSU Denver showed up for me over and over again,” Nuñez Sifuentes said. “My status and finances were never allowed to be the reason I had to give up on my education.”

That advocacy is essential in meeting students where they are and ensuring that higher education remains attainable regardless of circumstance.

Academic Excellence Built Through Belonging

Nuñez Sifuentes graduated in 2021 with a degree in biochemistry as a first‑generation college student. Her academic growth was shaped not only by rigorous coursework, but by layered mentorship across disciplines.

Through the Colorado‑Wyoming Alliance for Minority Participation — now the Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation — she found a path into scientific research. Dr. Lydia Liu guided her through the process of applying for research grants, while Dr. Ragan mentored her through her first lab experience.

“They shaped not only my academic growth but also my confidence as a researcher,” she said.

Faculty members Dr. Lazorski, Dr. Hill, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Cherry helped foster a sense of belonging in STEM, reinforcing MSU Denver’s commitment to its students through personal investment in student success.

Reflecting on her journey, Nuñez Sifuentes noted that it “always took at least two people” from each program to support her — mentors who believed in her even when her future felt unclear.

Reimagining Leadership

Although immigration barriers ultimately prevented Nuñez Sifuentes from pursuing her dream of becoming a college science professor, MSU Denver encouraged her to reimagine what leadership and impact could look like.

“I was given permission to dream — and to dream differently,” she said.

Through the Puksta Foundation, she discovered a passion for civic engagement, particularly in supporting immigrant youth. That experience led her to launch the Nuñez‑Sifuentes DACA/Undocumented Scholarship, designed to support immigrant women in STEM once fully endowed.

Her work with DUHOP (DACA/Undocumented Health Career Opportunity Program) connected her with mentors who shared her lived experience. One of those mentors, Tania Chairez — founder and CEO of Convivir Colorado — became a long‑term collaborator.

Inspired by that mentorship model, Nuñez Sifuentes created leadership and mentorship programs through Convivir Colorado. Since 2021, those programs have served more than 100 immigrant youth and professionals.

Her career today spans consulting, research and program design — leveraging science, leadership and lived experience to support immigrant communities throughout Colorado and beyond. That trajectory embodies MSU Denver’s goal of  making sure students are not just enrolled to succeed, but to create pathways for others.

Giving Back, Building Forward

Although she continues building her own financial foundation, Nuñez Sifuentes remains deeply connected to MSU Denver. She volunteers, mentors students, attends alumni events and actively fundraises for her endowment — a project born directly from the financial aid challenges she faced as a student.

“My hope is to reduce one of the many barriers women in STEM face, especially those who are DACA or undocumented,” she said.

Her story has evolved from receiving support to becoming a source of support — from student to mentor, scholarship recipient to scholarship donor.

Advice Rooted in Purpose

Inspired by the Yes Theory mantra “Seek Discomfort,” Nuñez Sifuentes encourages students to move toward growth even when it feels uncomfortable.

Her advice centers on three principles:

• Seek discomfort: Say yes to the experiences that scare you.
• Choose love over fear: Let compassion guide your decisions.
• Walk freely: Live fully and authentically as you are.

“If you don’t do it, who will?” she said. “If I can go from being written out of what success looks like to redefining it, everyone can too.”

A Story That Reflects the Mission

Nuñez Sifuentes’ journey is a testament to MSU Denver’s role as an institution of access, excellence and transformation. By investing in students who have historically been excluded, the University does more than open doors — it equips its graduates to unlock opportunity for generations to come.