Dirza Pedroza Ceballos ’23 on Storytelling, Community, and First-Generation Success Featured on BirdTalk

The MSU Denver Alumni Association is proud to release a new episode of its podcast BirdTalk, featuring Dirza Pedroza Ceballos (’23), a first-generation college graduate, community leader, and creative content manager for DSST Public Schools.

Hosted by Jamie Hurst, the episode highlights Pedroza Ceballos’ journey from an engaged MSU Denver student to a professional storyteller dedicated to uplifting student voices across Denver. A graduate of the School of Education, she reflects on how her involvement in programs such as TRIO, the Alternative Break Program, and the Denver Scholarship Foundation helped shape both her career path and her commitment to community impact.

Throughout the conversation, Pedroza Ceballos shares how saying “yes” to opportunities and leaning into campus resources allowed her to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and navigate her experience as a first-generation student. From participating in student leadership to benefiting from initiatives like the Earn & Learn program, she credits MSU Denver with providing the support systems necessary to persist and thrive.

Now working as a creative content manager at DSST Public Schools, Pedroza Ceballos is focused on amplifying the stories of students across Denver’s largest charter school network. Her work centers on representation, educational equity, and the power of storytelling to help young people see themselves in future possibilities.

“I’ve always been passionate about connections and storytelling,” she shares in the episode, emphasizing how sharing personal experiences can inspire others to take risks and pursue their goals.

The episode also explores the broader impact of community and mentorship, from college counselors who encouraged her to apply for scholarships, to advisors and peers who supported her throughout her college journey. Pedroza Ceballos underscores the importance of making those support systems visible, especially for first-generation students who may not initially see themselves reflected in higher education pathways.

Her story is one of perseverance, purpose, and paying it forward. Whether mentoring younger students, returning to campus to speak on panels, or sharing stories through her work, Pedroza Ceballos embodies the spirit of a Roadrunner—someone who takes risks, builds community, and creates pathways for others to follow.

This episode blends themes of leadership, access, and storytelling, offering a powerful example of how MSU Denver alumni continue to make an impact in education and beyond.

The episode is now available on all major podcast platforms.

BirdTalk is MSU Denver’s official alumni podcast, sharing stories of Roadrunners who are shaping industries, strengthening communities, and demonstrating the lasting value of an MSU Denver education.