Changemakers Wanted

Meet the Changemakers

Every dream welcome.

Niquete Dominique had always been interested in cybersecurity, but she found it hard to see herself in the male-dominated field. So she established the Women in Cybersecurity organization for MSU Denver students. Dominique received her master’s in Cybersecurity from MSU Denver in December 2022 and was the first in her family to receive an advanced degree. 

Turn goals into greatness.

Public Health student Jackie Schwartz turned an internship into a full-time job at a senior-living community. And though the opportunities in aging services are plentiful and well-paying, it’s a profession powered by the heart. “It’s a huge honor to spend someone’s final section of life with them and accompany them on that journey,” Schwartz said.

Find your future.

Brian Ysasaga, an MSU Denver student in Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology, was always obsessed with space. He originally came to Denver to get a pilot’s license and then learned he could major in aerospace. Ysasaga is well on his way to a career in his desired field, as he’s working with local aerospace-and-defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. 

Create your career.

Steven Finch recently graduated from MSU Denver with a degree in Advanced Manufacturing Sciences and a concentration in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He said his career prospects were boosted by MSU Denver’s relationship with local businesses. He was propelled straight into a job with BAE Systems. 

Turn your dream into a degree.

Education student Amber Osborn is the daughter of a teacher and didn’t grow up thinking she would pursue the same path. But after working as a para-educator in her mother’s school, she changed course. Now, she’s student-teaching in her hometown of Aurora. “I love my community here,” she said.

Discover your brilliance.

Dylan Poch was home-schooled and taught himself advanced chemistry and mathematics. While a Chemistry and Biochemistry student at MSU Denver, Poch joined the Bonham Research Lab and published his findings in multiple journals. Poch’s hard work resulted in a dream scenario: He earned a full scholarship to a doctoral program at Yale University. 

Achieve your dreams.

Molly Quinn received her BFA in painting, printmaking and ceramics from MSU Denver in 2020. Now, she sells her paintings as prints, stickers and journals under the brand Molly Quinn Art. Quinn said that her Art courses taught her not only technique but how to market and brand herself to have a successful business, making a living doing what she loves most. 

Forge your career.

Elliot Knight never thought he’d own a brewery. Originally from Scotland, Knight is enrolled in the Brewery Operations program and is also a co-owner and head brewer of BrewDog Denver, where he features beers crafted by his fellow classmates. The partnership blossomed alongside his mentorship with lecturer Bernardo Alatorre, whose three decades of fermentation science and industry experience helps students such as Knight “build the plane while flying it.” 

Opportunity for all.

After joining the Army, Liberian refugee Emanuel Walker applied to the Green to Gold program, which allows soldiers to earn their degrees while attaining officer’s rank. With multiple universities to choose from, Walker selected MSU Denver’s Computer Information Systems program. “MSU Denver has consistently gone above and beyond to support me — not just academically, but personally,” Walker said. He’s since tested his way into Army intelligence and joined the military’s Cyber Center of Excellence.

Rise above.

After numerous setbacks, Maya Ries returned to college and became the fastest hurdler in MSU Denver history. The Communication Design student broke the school record indoors four times and the outdoor mark three times in 2022. With her early uneasiness about returning to school behind her, Ries is looking forward to running at Nationals and a career in graphic design.