Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrating my heritage creates a connection between myself and people here not familiar with Colombian traditions, helping open their minds to a new culture and experiences. These celebrations also help me appreciate where I came from and bring pieces of home to Colorado.

Communicating in a student's native language helps build trust and ensures they (and their parents) fully understand the college process, making higher education more accessible to our raza—our people—in the community.

To truly enhance the success of our Hispanic and Latine students, we must take intentional steps to remove barriers and ensure they know they belong here. We continually strive to create a community where every student and employee feels valued, supported and equipped to thrive.

My advice to Latinx students facing barriers is to remember that your background and experiences are not obstacles—they are strengths that will shape your path and give you a unique perspective.

As a Mexican immigrant myself, I believe it's essential to incorporate Latin American stories into our mythology curriculum. Recognizing and sharing these traditions, helps us appreciate the enduring cultural heritage of Latin American communities.