DU Puksta Scholar Blanche Ndoutou (’22) recently wrote a thoughtful piece discussing her journey and experiences as a Puksta Scholar through the DU Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning’s “Public Good Impact” newsletter. Reflecting on the evolution of her Puksta project, Blanche explained,
Puksta taught me how to be a leader. It taught me that it is okay for my passions to change in life. I came into the program wanting to work on helping newly arrived refugees adapt to Denver, however, I realized that although I cared about this topic, it was not my strength. I needed to focus on something that I am passionate about and something that I can be good at. Therefore, I merged my criminology major and my Puksta project. I decided to help educate the youth in my neighborhood of Sun Valley, the poorest neighborhood in Denver, about the realities of the criminal justice system in the United States. I realized that I made the right decision when I saw that the youth were learning something from me that might possibly save their lives. This project became personal and I decided that I will be continuing the project in the future by expanding my project to other underserved neighborhoods in Colorado.
We’re so proud of the positive impact of your Puksta Project on the Sun Valley community, as well as your inspiring leadership, Blanche! Thank you for your beautiful words and reflections on your tremendous journey as a Puksta Scholar. We’re so grateful to be part of this family with you.
Read the full article in the “Public Good Impact” Newsletter:
Last week, friends, family, supporters, and Metropolitan State University Puksta Scholars gathered together via video chat to celebrate another *virtual* Puksta Passages event (and Pizza Party)!
The celebration began with the introduction of our newest MSU Puksta scholars, Emanuel Walker and Manna Naumann. We are thrilled to have these amazing individuals join the Puksta Family, and we look forward seeing how they engage with their campus and communities in the years ahead!
The final part of the MSU Passage was dedicated to our graduating MSU seniors, Jennifer Cassidy, Angelica Prisciliano, and Cicilia Saenz. In addition to their fellow Pukstas, Puksta Coordinators and MSU staff joined in as audience members to cheer them on.
Jennifer completed an individualized degree program in Women’s Studies. As a benefactor of the TANF Gateway program, Jennifer sought to ensure that others, specifically people who have experienced interpersonal violence, have the ability to better control their future. For her Puksta project, she explored ways to get computers and related gear to the very people and communities that often have the most difficulty in acquiring these much-needed tools.
Angelica majored in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs. She is actively involved in work that empowers and advocates for students regardless of immigration status. Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which currently allows around 700,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as minors to live and work in the United States. Angelica’s Puksta Project built a strong, student-led network of higher education resources for DACAmented/undocumented communities through United Leaders in Higher Education.
Cicilia majored in Special Education with a concentration in CLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education). She spent her time as a Puksta working to improve special education outcomes for underrepresented communities. This included teaching students and parents how to use what was offered to them, and to help improve their academic outcome. Cicilia’s Puksta work also supported awareness of suicide prevention resources for youths and college males in particular.
MSU Puksta Coordinator Alyssa Marks and former Coordinator Tim Meeks reflected on the growth and accomplishments of Jennifer, Angelica, and Cicilia over the course of their years at Puksta, as well as their ongoing work as change-makers engaging in work to truly make the world a better place for all. Fellow scholars also shared favorite memories and moments of our graduating seniors.
Presenting senior Puksta Scholars with a graduation cord is traditional part of Puksta Passages. However, as the ceremony was moved to a remote format, we had to get creative. Executive Director John Mulstay and Director of Development and Community Outreach NiChel Mulstay arranged for Jennifer, Angelica, and Cicilia to receive their cords at home, and virtually presented the cords to the scholars, congratulating each of them on their accomplishments and thanking them for their meaningful work as Puksta Scholars.
We are truly blown away by the level of creativity, compassion, and forward-thinking demonstrated in each of our graduating and continuing scholars’ projects, as well as their continued commitment to having a positive impact on their communities. Our scholars at DU are mentors, social justice warriors, and advocates for a more equitable world, and we couldn’t be more proud of them!
Thank you to all of the scholars, as well as our supportive attendees, for making this ceremony a success, and for being part of an evening of love and laughter. We’re so proud of all of our scholars– incoming, current, and graduating– and are grateful to have opportunities like this to celebrate, even if it’s virtually for now! This year’s MSU Puksta Passage truly demonstrated that, in spite of the various challenges and uncertainties we’re all currently facing, Puksta is Love.
Best of luck to Jennifer, Angelica, and Cicilia in your journeys ahead, and thank you for being a part of our Puksta Family, now and always.
While we celebrate the holiday weekend, please take a moment to celebrate the life of a true hero and gentleman to the end, Harry Puksta. He lost his sweetheart, Eva, July 3rd, 1999 and died of a broken heart the next day. He never her left side and died on the 4th of July, a day fit for a World War II veteran who served his country with honor. Harry was a salt of the earth man who enjoyed an honest day’s work, watching the rockies and making wine in the basement. Their final wish was to help the the “good kids of the community go to college.” This gift has changed over 300 lives and will continue for many more. The Puksta Legacy will live on in the hearts and actions of the “good kids” they have supported. Thank you Harry — We will all be forever grateful.
When Harry and Eva expressed their simple desire to leave something behind that would help deserving students in Colorado access higher education, they never could’ve predicted the outcome. Now, over twenty years later, the Puksta Foundation has grown to become a family of over 300 current Puksta Scholars and Alumni. In addition to providing the financial support needed to attend university, Harry and Eva’s wish has also brought individuals together and helped them to become compassionate members of their communities and leaders for positive change. “Puksta” has come to mean so many things to our scholars: it’s a community of support, a passion for making a difference, an opportunity to grow, and much more.
21 years ago today we lost a beautiful farm girl from Albion, Nebraska.
She moved to Denver after the war to work at the Veteran’s Affair’s office in Denver. Where she met the love of her life, Harry Puksta.
She was a knitter of owls
She was the bookkeeper for the Puksta’s
She was a warm soul
Now she is the angel watching over all of her Puksta Family.
Thank you Eva, you will never be forgotten!
When Harry and Eva expressed their simple desire to leave something behind that would help deserving students in Colorado access higher education, they never could’ve predicted the outcome. Now, over twenty years later, the Puksta Foundation has grown to become a family of over 300 current Puksta Scholars and Alumni. In addition to providing the financial support needed to attend university, Harry and Eva’s wish has also brought individuals together and helped them to become compassionate members of their communities and leaders for positive change. “Puksta” has come to mean so many things to our scholars: it’s a community of support, a passion for making a difference, an opportunity to grow, and much more.
With summer underway, we have one final graduating Puksta to celebrate!
The Puksta Foundation is featuring “Senior Spotlight” profiles, a special series of posts to honor our graduating Puksta Scholars and their projects. We are truly impressed by the work these students have accomplished as Puksta Scholars, and we are so grateful to have this opportunity to share these profiles with the community so you can get to know our Pukstas a bit better.
Please join us in congratulating these students and wishing them luck in the future!
Today our featured Puksta Senior is Chhorda Vuth, graduating from University of Denver!
As a Puksta scholar, Chhorda’s work involved supporting high school students facing obstacles as immigrants adjusting to new environments. The desire to help these students came from her own experiences with the process of moving to a new country and starting all over with schools and culture. For her project, she hoped to implement a mentorship program for newly arrived immigrant students to help them learn English and ease into the American Culture faster. She shared the following reflections about her Puksta experience:
My name is Chhorda Vuth and I just graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with minors in Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology. I grew up in Cambodia and moved to Denver at the age of 14. The first few years of my education in the U.S. were really challenging and I wished that I had a mentor to guide me through the process. My experience as an immigrant student motivated me to start researching and implementing a mentorship program for newly arrived immigrant students.
I started this project during my senior year of high school. I went to my previous high school to interview immigrant students and ESL teachers to gain more insight on how I could best support newly arrived immigrant students. I continued to work on this project until my second year at DU. Toward the end of my first year at DU, I started mentoring a newly arrived immigrant student on how to adapt to the culture, school system, and the language.
At the end of my second year at DU, I partnered with DSST public schools on a college access mentorship program. This program matched mentors (college students) with mentees (high school seniors) based on their interests. The high school students were mostly first-generation students who come from a low-income family. I served as a mentor to four students and they are now sophomore at universities. During my junior year, I served as a coordinator for another branch of DSST schools. I worked with the mentors, students, and the school counselors. My responsibilities included advising students on their college essays, applying for financial aid, choosing the right university etc. I also worked with the mentors and the school counselors by sending weekly emails to remind them about our weekly focus and tasks for the students. I received a lot of support from my mentor/teacher during my senior year of high school and I am glad that I could offer the same support to my mentees through this project.
Overall, Puksta has provided me with so many opportunities that I will be forever grateful for and I am so honored to be a part of a passionate and loving community.
Congratulations on the completion of your degree, Chhorda, and thank you for your truly meaningful and impactful work in the community!
We’re recognizing Puksta Alumni Marco Dorado (CU Boulder ’14) for his recent graduation from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington with a Masters of Administration with an emphasis on Social Policy. Additionally, Marco was nominated to deliver remarks as a student speaker at the virtual commencement ceremony earlier this month.
We invite you to view Marco’s speech discussing his passion for public service and emphasizing the implications of policy actions on communities impacted by pressing social, political, and economic challenges. Reflecting on the role responsibility of doing right by the communities he and his fellow graduates intend to serve, he shared the words of former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Adlai Stevenson: “The privilege and the penalty of our education means that we’ll be the pacesetters for political and social thought in our communities. We may not accept this responsibility, but that makes no difference. We’ll still be pacesetters.”
Congratulations, Marco, and best of luck as you continue your truly meaningful and impactful work!
Nicholas Kukucka (CU Boulder ‘14) is excited to have accepted a position as the Director of Programs at the Watson Institute – a reimagined model of education for next-generation innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs – at Lynn University in South Florida. He also recently launched Wanderspark Travel, a blog to inspire others and equip them with the tools to travel with confidence. However, he attributes much of his success to the support he received as a Puksta Scholar.
Nicholas’ Puksta Journey
Puksta played a fundamental role in Nicholas’ personal and professional development. While majoring in International Affairs and Spanish Language & Literature with a minor in Education at CU boulder, Nicholas was welcomed into the Puksta community in his second year of college.
During his 3 year tenure as a Puksta scholar, he worked on a variety of projects that pulled him closer to education. He started work in Colorado State Senator, Mike Johnston’s office as his Outreach Coordinator. Later, Nicholas worked as a Development Coordinator with Educate! before teaching a Service Learning Elective at DSST Public Schools in his final year as a scholar.
Nicholas felt as if he spent most of his time in class learning about all the problems in the world, but didn’t feel like he was equipped to address the injustices he was learning about. Puksta is special because it’s built on the idea that you don’t have to wait until you graduate or until you settle into your career to dedicate yourself to your mission and make a difference.
Nicholas felt like education was crucial to our progress as a society, so he began his career teaching high school at DSST Public Schools in Green Valley Ranch. In his 5 years as a high school teacher, he taught 11th grade Spanish for Heritage Speakers and American History for two years, before jumping into a role teaching DSST’s Entrepreneurial Studies program, to leverage entrepreneurship as a vehicle to equip students with critical skills and position them to lead.
Launching the Wanderspark Travel blog
At the end of the 2019 academic year Nicholas left DSST to take the Entrepreneurial Studies curriculum to other schools outside of the DSST network, but had to pivot. Having also earned his MBA in November, 2019 from UNC Chapel-Hill’s online MBA program, Nicholas decided to take the opportunity to pursue one of his passions outside of work: Travel.
On his most recent trip, he spent 100+ days traveling across 2 continents (Asia & Oceania) and 12 countries. Today, Nicholas is grateful to have had the privilege to have visited 39 countries around the world. However, he recognizes that many people aren’t so privileged.
Yet, Nicholas believes that even though the barriers to travel are real, travel is becoming more and more accessible to people everywhere. Having played such a crucial role in his life, Nicholas loves to encourage others to have their own global adventures. Thus, upon returning from his trip, Nicholas decided to launch the Wanderspark Travel blog.
This is a tough time to start a travel blog because of COVID-19, but Nicholas has been trying to center his articles around relevant topics regardless. Find a few of his first articles here:
The same week he launched Wanderspark Travel, Nicholas began a new job with the Watson Institute at Lynn University, a reimagined model of education for next-generation innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs, where he’ll serve as the Director of Programs.
As everything seems to come full circle, the founder of the Watson Institute was also the co-founder of Educate!, Nicholas’ junior year Puksta project!
Nicholas is excited to have the opportunity to work with Watson’s incredible students, social innovators and leaders from across the globe. Similar to what Puksta did for him, Nicholas is excited to serve the Watson students as they build careers that align with their values and contribute to solving the toughest challenges facing the world.
Stay in touch!
Nicholas would be happy to connect on LinkedIn especially if you would like to learn more about the Watson Institute and how you might get involved. We invite leaders, entrepreneurs, and practitioners to teach Master Courses. We’re also always happy to connect students with mentors or internship opportunities, and we’re in the process of building a career network for our students as they graduate in 2021.
Graduation season may have come to an end, but we’re still celebrating the Class of 2020! The Puksta Foundation is featuring “Senior Spotlight” profiles, a special series of posts to honor our graduating Puksta Scholars and their projects. We are truly impressed by the work these students have accomplished as Puksta Scholars, and we are so grateful to have this opportunity to share these profiles with the community so you can get to know our Pukstas a bit better.
Please join us in congratulating these students and wishing them luck in the future!
Today our featured Puksta Senior is Oscar Saenz, graduating from University of Denver!
Oscar studied Strategic Communications and Marketing. For his Puksta Project, Oscar returned to his former school, Munroe Elementary, to develop a parent engagement and education program. Engaging in the community that he grew up in, Oscar has worked to advocate the importance of pursuing higher education.
In recognition of his strong academic performance, leadership, community service, campus involvement, strong character, and pride in the University, Oscar’s was honored as an Outstanding Senior Student for his strong academic performance, leadership, community service, campus involvement, strong character, and pride in the University with DU’s Crimson & Gold Award. His growth into “a compassionate and conscientious leader focused on centering community voices,” as well as his consistent willingness to mentor and extend support to younger Scholars were both noted in the awards announcement.
At DU, Oscar’s campus involvement also included being a member of the Excelling Leaders Institute Class of 2016, President of Beta Gamma Nu, and participant in the Volunteers In Partnership program.
Reflecting on his Puksta experience, Oscar shared the following:
Puksta has taught me the importance of being involved with my community. Change happens with action, no other way around it!
Congratulations on the completion of your degree, Oscar, and thank you for your truly meaningful and impactful work advancing positive social change and empowerment in the community!
Congrats to three of our graduating Univerity of Denver Puksta Scholars on being recognized as outstanding senior students with the Crimson & Gold award. This award honors individuals or organizations for their continued efforts during their time at DU rather than just over the past year. Recipients of the Crimson & Gold Award demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, community service, campus involvement, strong character, and pride in the University.
This year, recipients of the Crimson & Gold Award for Outstanding Senior Students including Puksta Scholars James Artis III, Blanche Marie Ndoutou, and Oscar Saenz.
Again, congratulations to James, Blanche, and Oscar on this well-deserved recognition of your work!
As an educational foundation that is intentionally diverse and inclusive, our goal is to foster an environment in which all scholars can have a safe space to learn, grow and empower one another with their work for social justice. We tirelessly work for the ideal that everyone in the Puksta community and beyond are treated equitably.
We are both grateful and enthusiastic to share with you our thoughts regarding the two historic U.S. Supreme Court decisions this week: Monday’s ruling that protects LGBTQ employees from workplace discrimination and Thursday’s decision upholding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These rulings affirm two populations that the Puksta Foundation has been a long-standing advocate for.
We have many Puksta Scholars and Alumni that are Dreamers carrying the banner for hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients nationwide. I would like to take this opportunity to share the words of one of our alumni, Marco Dorado (CU Boulder Puksta Alumni 2014), who has been an unwavering and a vocal advocate for Dreamers both in Colorado and throughout the United States. Marco is now a Fellow at the National Development Council and graduated last week from the University of Washington with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Click on the link below to listen to Marco’s thoughts about the impact of the Supreme Court’s DACA decision on Colorado:
As these rulings provide us with a glimmer of hope, the fight is not over, there is still much work to be done. As a Foundation, we are committed to being true to the values of diversity and inclusion that we stand for, creating a more just world for all of us.
Ways to continue to advocate for DACA and LGBTQ rights:
1. Contacting their Congressional Representatives and US Senators to ask for a bi-partisan bill that creates a permanent solution for DACA recipients (and opening the program back up for new applicants)
This Friday Mariajose Baca and Cristal De La Torre will be facilitating a financial literacy workshop in collaboration with the Diverse Scholars Program! 🎉 Congratulations to these CU Boulder Puksta Scholars for pursuing your passion to share essential financial knowledge in marginalized communities! 🎉
We hope you can join them to learn about budgeting, building credit, insurance, and an introduction to investing! 3-5pm in Koelbel (business school) room 140. Snacks provided!...
📣 PUKSTA ALUMNI! 📣 We are thrilled to invite you to our Alumni Holiday Social on Dec. 4th at ❄️✨ZOO LIGHTS✨❄️! Join us from 5:30-8pm for hot cocoa, hot cider, desserts, and great company. This will be an awesome opportunity to enjoy a night out, connect with the Puksta community, and hear some fun updates during our program at 6pm! 🎄
PLEASE REGISTER for this event on the Puksta Online Community Portal (POCP). You can find a registration link in our recent email to you OR you can select the POCP link at the top right of the Puksta website to log in, search for the "Alumni Holiday Social" event, and sign up! ☃️...
What a surprise to run into Guillermo Ramirez, CSU Puksta Alum `15, at the CU Denver Donor Celebration Wednesday night! Guillermo is now the Program Manager for Latinx Student and Intercultural Engagement at the CU Boulder Center for Inclusion and Social Change. We`re so thrilled that you are following your passion to help marginalized communities have access to and through college, and creating spaces in higher education institutions for them to thrive! It truly makes our day to see and hear from our talented alumni 😍...
📣 Convivir Colorado is looking for Board Members - apply by Oct. 25th! 📣 Karen Nuñes Sifuentes, `21 MSU Puksta Alumni, is the programs contractor for this amazing organization that creates leadership opportunities for immigrant, refugee, and first-generation 6th – 12th-grade youth. They help students channel their leadership through the lens of their migrant journey so they can strengthen their sense of self and continue practicing agency as they make a positive impact on their Colorado communities....
Puksta Scholars from all five campuses gathered for our annual Fall Intercollegiate Retreat last Saturday! We practiced one to one relational meeting skills, shared public narratives, played games, and enjoyed a fantastic lunch from EHijole tacos! We truly enjoy this community building time with you all and can`t wait for more fun at the winter retreat with this group! 😍😜🎉...
Ciera Blehm, University of Denver Puksta Alum 2019, is helping to give power back to victims of campus sexual assault. We hope you`ll read her story in the Her Campus Media interview and spread the word about the valuable resources she`s established: https://loom.ly/5u5czeQ
Ciera co-founded the University of Denver`s CAPE Survivor Fund, which provides sexual assault survivors at the University of Denver with direct cash assistance. Then, she brought her project beyond DU to create the Survivor Fund Hub, where any college students who have experienced sexual assault can apply for financial assistance on the fund’s website. To date, The Survivor Fund, in combination with the University of Denver’s CAPE Survivor Fund, has distributed more than $21,000 to survivors of sexual violence since 2017.
Ciera, you are making an incredible difference in the lives of survivors. Thank you!...
✨🎓BOOM💥🤯The Puksta Foundation 2023-24 Annual Report is Here!!✨🎓
This year has been marked by significant milestones. We celebrated the memories of Harry and Eva Puksta, increased our Puksta Scholar award amounts at MSU and CSU, welcomed 22 new Puksta Scholars into our community, and celebrated the achievements of 13 Puksta Graduates who completed their degrees across a diverse range of disciplines! Read the full report here: https://loom.ly/kA6f91s!...
We had an incredible evening at the MSU Puksta Scholar Welcome Dinner, where we focused on building connections, setting intentions, and starting the academic year on the right foot. 🌟
Our new scholars were warmly welcomed into the Puksta community, and the night was all about creating meaningful cohort connections. Together, we explored our personal purpose and intentions through powerful writing and expressive art. ✍️🎨
We’re also thrilled to introduce our brand-new Puksta Scholar Social Media Ambassador position! This exciting role will give one of our scholars the opportunity to lead our digital presence and share the amazing work being done across our community. 📲✨
As we move forward into the academic year, we’re excited to see how our scholars grow, connect, and make a lasting impact. Welcome to the Puksta family—we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!
We recently went on a trip to Chicago and were thrilled to schedule sometime with our Puksta alumni, Ian and Bweza, who now live out there! We embarked on an architecture tour by boat and caught up over delicious deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s! 🍕🚤 We were so inspired to hear of amazing work they’re doing post-Puksta.
🎻 Ian’s Story: Ian has taken his love for music and discovered his lifelong passion for crafting violins, a journey that has been as intricate and beautiful as the instruments he’s learning to create. His dedication to this art form is nothing short of inspiring, and we can’t wait to see where this passion takes him. We also got to meet his beautiful wife Morgan!!!
🌱 Bweza’s Journey: From her days working with Growhaus in Denver on her Puksta project, Bweza has taken her love for plants and passion for food justice to new heights. She’s now co-founded Sistas in the Village, a local farm in Englewood, Chicago, that’s making a significant impact on the community. At Sistas in the Village, they’re reclaiming farming as a source of cultural pride and spiritual resilience. Their vision? A community where everyone is fed spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
They not only sell and donate the food they grow, but they also host workshops for community members of all generations and partner with like-minded Black-owned organizations and brands. Bweza’s commitment to food justice is transforming her community and empowering others to join the movement. https://loom.ly/LoOc1Ow
We are beyond proud of Ian and Bweza for their incredible contributions and the lasting impact they’re making. Keep shining, and thank you for continuing to embody the Puksta spirit wherever you go!
Alumni don`t forget to update you profile in the Puksta Online Community Portal https://loom.ly/zF3L4jg so we can be sure to visit you next time John and I are off on our next adventure! ❤️, NiChel
Maria Kahn, University of Denver Puksta Alumni 2013, is now being represented by Grassports LLC, the only sustainability and inclusivity focused publicity agency in the UAE! 🎉 👟⚽
As the Captain of the Pakistan Women`s National Team and the first Pakistani female athlete to be endorsed by PUMA Middle East, Maria consistently breaks barriers and sets new standards. She has played football at the highest levels in the USA, UAE, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, earning numerous accolades. Including the Player of the Tournament Award in Saudi Arabia’s first ever Women’s International Competition, which comprised of 4 different nations. 🏅
Congratulations, Maria! We hope ya`ll will keep up with her journey and check out the article: https://loom.ly/tnZtHTU...
Just another day at the office 🤩 Puksta Scholars Program 24-25!! can`t wait to start this next year and welcome in our new scholars! Big thanks to our Puksta Coordinators and our special guest for lunch, Puksta Scholar Cristal De La Torre! #planning #planningcommunity #makingmoves #pukstascholars...
🎓🌟 Proud of our now Puksta Alumni and DU Alumni Christy Vo🌟🎓
We are thrilled to announce Puksta Scholar, Christy Vo`s, graduation from the University of Denver with a double major in Biochemistry and Computer Science not to mention a minor in Art! 🎉 Christy`s dedication over the past years has been deeply rooted in a transformative project aimed at enhancing access to higher education for underserved communities. Through collaboration with Minds Matter, a prestigious nonprofit organization, Christy has empowered individuals from low-income backgrounds by providing essential resources and guidance for their college journeys.
This experience has reinforced Christy`s commitment to equity and demonstrated the profound impact of collective efforts in creating opportunities for aspiring students. Christy`s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of education.
As Christy celebrates this milestone, we also recognize her growth in patience and trust in the future. She is actively pursuing opportunities, including potential roles at Denver Safe House, to further contribute to causes she deeply cares about.
Congratulations, Christy, on this incredible achievement! 🌟 We look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in your community and beyond.
🌟🎓 Josie Duenas Tapia... Proud Puksta Scholar and now a Graduate of Colorado State University! 🎓🌟
I am thrilled to share that Josie has graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Computer Science 🎉 During his time at CSU in the Puksta Scholar Program, he dedicated himself to combating the underrepresentation of Latine students in higher education. Through initiatives like the Caminos mentoring program, he worked with over 50 high school students each semester, empowering their Latine identities and expanding their post-graduation opportunities.
In his first year with Puksta, he conducted impactful research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Latine community in Eagle County and Vail, CO. This research, which Jose was proud to contribute to, has been published and can be accessed here: https://loom.ly/bkhJG1U
Looking ahead, he is excited to explore opportunities with local nonprofits like Adelante, supporting Latine businesses in Denver, and expanding his impact as an independent contractor in the area.
So proud of you Josie and we can`t wait to see what the future holds! 🌟
Congratulations to Marissa Alejandra Martinez Suarez, a 2024 Puksta Scholar graduating from the University of Denver! 🎉🎉 Marissa has achieved an incredible milestone, earning at the same time her Master`s degree in Teacher Education and Bachelor`s with a Majors in History and Political Science, and a Minors in Spanish, Critical Race, and Ethnic Studies. 🌟
Over the years, Marissa has made a tremendous impact by working with youth and fostering their identities. As a Peer Program Coordinator for the Achieving Excellence Academy, she has supported students in developing their skills as mentors. This summer, Marissa will continue her journey as an 11th-grade teacher, working closely with the LatinX affinity cohort. 🍎📚
In Puksta, Marissa has been actively engaged in impactful projects like the P3 mentorship program, Empowering our Women of Tomorrow initiative, and organizing DACA/Undocu Week with Unity Without Borders. These experiences have enriched her perspective, enhanced her advocacy skills, and strengthened her commitment to social justice.
Marissa’s journey doesn’t stop here. She aims to continue supporting students and becoming the representation she wished she had growing up. Here’s to Marissa’s bright future and the positive change she will bring! 🌟👩🏫
A huge congratulations to Joel Ibarra, a 2024 Graduate from Colorado State University! Joel has earned his degree in Construction Management. 🌟
Joel`s journey with Puksta has been transformative. He established a mentorship program within the Construction Management department, supporting first-generation and multicultural students. This program, now in its second year, has provided invaluable mentorship and guidance, fostering a welcoming and supportive community. 🤝
Joel’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. He has been actively involved in social justice groups and restorative justice initiatives, channeling his passion into creating positive change within the construction industry. His work has not only connected students with industry leaders but also paved the way for future cohorts to benefit from this incredible initiative.
Join us in celebrating Joel`s achievements and his continued advocacy for diversity and inclusion! 🌟🎉
🎓🎉 Celebrating Our CSU Puksta Graduate, Anh Bui! 🎉🎓
We are proud to announce that Puksta Scholar Anh Bui has graduated from Colorado State University with a major in Biology and a minor in Business Administration. Throughout this year, Anh has delved deeper into her project on equal access to quality education, discovering the immense support from her circle in making her vision a reality.
Anh successfully targeted the needs of two Denver Public Schools (DPS) from their advisor`s perspective, helping students get onto campus and building deeper relationships with their DSF advisor and the students. She left CSU with a lasting impact by connecting resources to the DPS advisor, ensuring continued support for students.
Anh produced a website, planned a school tour, and wrote a 20-page thesis paper. Her efforts resulted in 50 students from JFK High School touring CSU and receiving personalized mentorship connections.
Congratulations, Anh! Your dedication to education and community impact is truly inspiring.
As we celebrate today, the 💙🩶 Puksta Foundation 💙🩶 is also taking a moment to honor the memories of Harry and Eva Puksta, who we lost on July 3rd and 4th, 25 years ago.
The story of their 💗 love lives on through the 🎓 346 Puksta Alumni and 66 Puksta Scholars 🎓 who are working in our communities to create positive change. Their legacy of creating access to higher education continues to inspire us every day.
Let`s use this moment to honor their contributions and celebrate the difference they have made in the lives of so many.
🎓🎉 Celebrating Our CU Boulder Puksta Graduate, Fernanda Cerros! 🎉🎓
Fernanda Cerros graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a major in International Affairs and Political Science. Fernanda has been a champion for educational equity and the expansion of ethnic studies in schools.
During her time at CU Boulder, Fernanda worked with Public Achievement to mentor youth and inspire change in their schools and communities. As a youth organizer with YES4CO, she has been instrumental in expanding ethnic studies in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD). Fernanda`s dedication and hard work have earned her the prestigious President`s 2024 DEI Award.
We are incredibly proud of Fernanda and know that she will leave a mark wherever she goes! Congratulations, Fernanda!
