Monica Simpson earned the Provost Award from MSU in the spring of 2019. Here is her amazing and inspiring speech.
Both humble and noble, Monica is the first to say that her background is nothing truly remarkable from her fellow non-traditional students, but her work at MSU was and will continue to truly be outstanding. During her time at university, Monica worked to create a community and establish an empowering support network for her fellow seasoned students. Her hard work is carrying on past graduation as she will bring The Wisdom Collective to the campus in order to better serve the unique needs of students who are bringing their life experiences to their higher education. Puksta celebrates you, Monica. We offer you well deserved congratulations!
My project for the Puksta foundation is a yearlong mentorship between paired, college and high school students in the Denver Public Schools. The name for my mentoring program is “Impact the Youth.” Through Impact the Youth, I will immerse high school mentees into the higher education environment on the Auraria Campus. The high school students who Impact the Youth is designed for are minorities, undocumented people, and socio-economic disadvantaged students that are in their second, third, or last year of high school. The goal of the project is to present these students with multiple options of education through a university or community college. It is designed to show higher education as one of the best career options, encourage them to attend college, and remove any roadblock in the way of these goals. In Impact the Youth, I will build mentor-mentee relationships with high school students by inviting them to attend activities at MSU Denver throughout the year. These activities could be a presentation, laboratory research, lecture, or event on the Auraria campus. This will allow high school students to be familiar with college campuses and to experience many opportunities through organizations at MSU Denver. This will also provide high school students the potential to work with on-campus organizations that they may potentially become involved with if they attend MSU Denver in the near future.
Roudy Hildreth is an eternal student who has the Rocky Mountains in his soul and strong coffee in his veins. Growing up just west of Golden, he graduated high school as a Golden High “Demon” and then journeyed to the University of Virginia where he earned his first of many degrees as a UVA “Wahoo”. His academic pursuits took him many places, but it was his time at the University of Minnesota as a TA where he would initially meet a young woman who would eventually play a central role in both his life and in his heart. Running into her twice more, in the years that followed, the two finally started dating and eventually married. Over the years, his intense passion for academics has lead him to several other universities and scholarly positions, ultimately resulting in his current appointment at CU Boulder. In that time he has enlightened many and strengthened the institutions where he attained additional degrees, published papers, co-authored/edited books, wrote book chapters, and attained several accolades.
An activist since his childhood, Roudy’s first social justice experience occurred when he accompanied his parents in a protest against the Vietnam War. Since then, he has been an active social justice advocate who has undertaken numerous initiatives and programs, hoping to one day implement the Puksta values and practices to an entire university. Off-campus, he can be found in and around the many parks and libraries in Boulder, at concerts, home enjoying his favorite program: The Wire, or at the cinema enjoying the solemn works of Director Mike Leigh. Having come from a large family, Roudy finds comfort amongst his many Puksta scholars, citing the Puksta Passage and one-on-one meetings as some of his favorite experiences.
A dog lover with a penchant for colorful socks, Roudy brings an artful spirit of enthusiasm to his work and a hunger for learning that is mirrored in those he educates and supports. He believes that students can “do great things and change the world” and sympathizes with their daily struggles of commuting, studying, and working within the bureaucracy of universities. A firm believer in the power of education, Roudy envisions continuing his career and working to provide an environment that will embolden aspiring social justice advocates by nurturing them to develop their insights and abilities and allow them sufficient space, support, and time to dedicate their energies towards their work. Roudy is a shining gem atop the Puksta crown. His dedication, mindfulness, and expansive intellect have greatly strengthened The Puksta Foundation’s efforts and given hope and encouragement to many. A hearty cheer of celebration and thanks for all that you are and do Roudy!
Jenni Talcott was an Englewood High graduate who attended DU with optimism and a talent for public debate. During her time, she approached her university life with vigor and enthusiasm, both as an avid Puksta scholar and as President of RAGE (rape awareness and gender education.). Seeking dual degrees in Criminology and Psychology, Jenni discovered an inner-calling to assist those in need and feels that Puksta offered her “a new lens to see the world”. Not only supporting her education, she thinks The Puksta Foundation gave her a “call to action” that matched her desires to make a better world. While spending her campus downtime at the student pub/restaurant: Driscoll Bridge, Jenni studied, created many cherished moments with her fellow students, and diligently completed her Puksta project which resulted in the Colorado Governor declaring the month of February as Dating Violence Awareness Month.
She met her husband while attending DU and relocated with him to Texas when he returned from military deployment in 2011. She immediately dove into social justice work there and has since grown and prospered, both personally and professionally, for nearly ten years. In addition to her current role as Development Coordinator for MOPS International, Jenni is a devoted wife and proud mother of two children (ages six and five) and three cats. Though she doesn’t miss the late nights of studying and dreading finals, Jenni remembers her time as a student with fondness. She lives in Denver with her family and is planning to complete the final year of her dual degrees. She intends to achieve a graduate degree afterward.
Looking back, Jenni is thankful for the experience and sees the foundation as something with immense potential and power stating that Puksta scholars are “world changers, not only because they are smart, but they are passionate. They have [the] drive to pursue change and because of Puksta they have the skills to affect that change.” She’s happy that her personal interests aligned with her career and wishes to stress to current Puksta’s to try and be mindful of the bigger picture while pursuing their studies, as she has noticed some former students struggle to match their passions to their professions. Jenni has become a beacon of light and hope within a world that truly needs the goodwill and fortitude she has to offer. She continues to carry the Puksta torch with pride and spreads the light of social justice with each passing day.
You are truly the embodiment of what Puksta was intended to accomplish and the foundation salutes you for everything you’ve done and for all the accomplishments you will certainly achieve in the future. A happy Puksta holiday salute to you Jenni!
You did it! All that hard work and endless studying are finally over and the time to rest has finally arrived. The many weeks of down-time that lay ahead might seem odd or even disquieting at first, but you’ll need this precious time to rejuvenate and reinvigorate so that you’ll be ready for the challenges of the next semester.
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your rest:
Celebrate: Remember that reward in an earlier post? Now is the time to get that spa treatment, massage, or whatever else you were saving for yourself as a prize for all your hard work. Just keep it safe and pat yourself on the back. Many don’t make it through the first year of university, even more don’t achieve Puksta excellence, so congratulate yourself on your accomplishment and make a little merriment to commemorate that. Just keep it safe, so if you overindulge make sure to have a travel plan and maybe a friend along to ensure you have many more celebrations to come!
Sleep: Says it all, doesn’t it? Maybe not, as a quick nap here and there isn’t exactly the full, restful, and relaxed sleep that your body really needs at this time. You might find it difficult to slow down so suddenly, but remember that you’ve probably been burning the candle at both ends for some time and the idea of getting a full eight hours might seem alien to you. Take a few days for yourself and just rest. Your body will quickly remember and thank you for it!
Eat: Get some good fuel back into your body. Finals usually invite lots of unhealthy snacking and eating. Late-night take-out will stave off starvation, but it won’t refuel your body in the way you need. If you like to cook then go grocery shopping and make yourself a big meal (maybe invite a few friends?). If not, then maybe a local eatery will serve you up something that both comforts and replenishes. Either way, try to stay away from just filling “the void” with junk and make your meals an experience to savor.
Have Fun and Reconnect: Remember all that getting back in touch you might’ve promised once the semester was done? Now is the time to think about following through on that. Give yourself some rest time, but don’t forget that getting in touch with friends and family can also be restorative. Laughing, crying, or just reminiscing, these moments can sometimes be essential in comforting you when the finals crunch is on you again, so endeavor to grab a few while you can.
Above all, enjoy the time and make the most of it because the next semester will be back sooner than you think.
Sam is a lover of adventure who enjoys cold sushi, spicy chai, and Colorado summers. A graduate of Overland High School in Aurora, Sam ventured to Fort Collins where she attended CSU and attained a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree consecutively. She has grown within the CSU community from working as a student to empowering them through a succession of positions within the university. Currently stationed as the CSU Community for Excellence Senior Coordinator, Sam has also been serving The Puksta Foundation as Coordinator since June. So far, her favorite Puksta moments have been when engaging with her fellow Coordinators and getting to know the CSU fellowship scholars at campus meetings.
Drawing from the experiences her family endured when they immigrated to the U.S., Sam became passionate about social justice and has sought to assist immigrant families and students in her adult life. She loves the CSU campus and can be often found sitting near a window facing the sun, walking on the Oval, or visiting the lagoon. A fan of Thai or Sushi take out, Sam is an admitted media buff who enjoys too many tv shows to list and loves to snack on the occasional madeline. She enjoys passing the time with board games and taking care of her plants. She dreams of her next relaxing vacation in her homeland of Ethiopia and doesn’t regret leaving the anxiety-inducing lifestyle of endless homework from her student days.
Though the future looks bright for her, Sam is still formulating her next step and envisions a future continuing her work and helping fellow immigrants through educational and career transitions. Sam is a professional, who is mindful, spirited, and optimistic while keeping a protective watch over her students, especially her Puksta scholars. Puksta is looking forward to many years of your lending compassion, grit, and enthusiasm to the effort and celebrates your inclusion within their family. Cheers to you Sam!
Preparation is over. The time for Pukstas warriors has come! Much like the final push to the summit of a mountain, it’s time to brace ourselves for the final effort by gathering our tools, readying our minds and bodies for the tasks ahead, mapping out a successful approach, and just putting one foot (metaphorically) in front of the other till the peak has been achieved!
Here’s some tips on doing your best:
-Use energy drinks sparingly and wisely: Sure, it might seem that draining an energy drink before the big test will have you sharp and at top shape, but what if you overdo it? Energy drinks, especially for those who don’t take them often, can have unexpected (and sometimes dangerous) effects. Really think about this before you take one and definitely don’t take anything that is usually prescribed if it hasn’t been prescribed for you specifically. Also, be aware that some energy drink ingredients can make people jumpy and anxious when they start taking effect, so give yourself some time before pens are filling out answers. If you must take something then think about some coffee before contemplating anything stronger.
-Sleep before a test: It might sound counter-intuitive, but many experts state that a weary mind that has been studying is less accurate than a rested one that maybe didn’t do as much preparation. Though a combination of the two is optimal (and recommended) try to get at least three hours of sleep before heading to class. If sleep is impossible, then keep your eyes shut and just rest comfortably. The effect will have benefits, though not as much as full slumber.
-Re-read everything and make confirm your assignments are submitted: Resist dramatically submitting that crucial paper and turning off your laptop because (insert dramatic music) you just can’t muster another ounce of energy to write. Take some time to make sure your thoughts and research translated as intended. Reading things out loud is also a great way of finding errors and realizing that you could add a word or two. Also, after hitting “send”, do so before the deadline and make sure the actual file made it to the prof. Most campus systems allow students to download their submissions, so an easy confirmation is to save and close the file and then download and read the submission. It’s easy to send unrevised copies or even the entirely wrong file, especially when you’re tired and stressed.
-Set multiple alarms: There are horror stories about the student who accidentally slept through finals by mistake. This does happen and can have catastrophic consequences to your academic career, so guard against this by setting multiple alarms that are closely spaced. Don’t hit “snooze” and assume the next alarm will wake you. If you have a virtual assistant then also set a news brief that will get your mind running so you can get your blood pumping.
-Know when the stress has become too much: It happens to all of us at some point. The combination of stress and a lack of sleep can make us think about things in a way that isn’t either logical or healthy, so if you feel that things are feeling out of control, then get something to eat and some sleep even if it doesn’t seem like there’s time for it. If that’s not enough and things still are feeling dark then talk to someone asap! A friend is great, but a drop-in with the campus mental health staff can be what gets you back into the right mindset. Nobody can tackle everything and solve every problem without a little help from time to time, so there’s never any shame in talking to someone.
The time has come when all the preparation and studying for the semester is nearing an end and final tests and papers are around the corner. Now is the time to ready your minds and bodies for the final push to finish classes. Pukstas thrive on challenge and stress, but the months of hard work can have a draining effect and can weaken us when we need all of ourselves at peak performance. Thanksgiving break can lull us into a false sense of complacency and make us vulnerable to poor performances. The final steps to the goal are near, so get yourself ready for the final push and ensure your arrival to the peak that is academic excellence!
Tips for prepping for finals:
-Get plenty of sleep: Those hours of test prep time and writing papers will seriously impact your shut-eye time very soon. Give your body, mind, and especially your immune system a much-needed boost by stocking up on plenty of slumber. Create a “sleeping zone” where you can turn off the outside world and just relax and rest. Sometimes this can be achieved through sleeping masks and earplugs. Sometimes with dark curtains and white noise. Whatever works
-Buy food and drink ahead: A stressed mind is often a focused one. Take-out and delivery can be convenient and fast, but a student budget doesn’t always allow for much of this and grocery stores can seem impossibly far away when deadlines are near. In addition to the junk food (try not to overdo this), make sure to buy a few extra meals that you know will pick up your spirits, be easy to make, and will give you the extra fuel to help you finish. Having something good to drink is also smart. Try to keep the sugary stuff to a minimum and put some of your favorite beverage in the fridge for those late nights and early mornings. Coffee and tea can be the lifeblood of students, so make sure you’re supplied well.
-Hydrate: Get your water. Dehydration can make you sloppy and unhealthy. A filtered water pitcher and a reusable water bottle (maybe one of those shiny new Puksta ones?) are perfect for keeping you in plenty of H2O and keeping you on the go.
-Actually study: There’s no other way to say it. You can’t learn by accident and rarely is anyone an instant genius, so you’ll need to crack open books, scan pages of online text, and review notes in order to get those marks that will ensure that a degree is in your future. Set a study schedule and try to stick to it. Create a space where you can focus and You can create a study habit that will serve you for finals and for the rest of your college years.
Alyssa is a woman driven by a love for social justice, the outdoors, good beer, and chocolate chip cookies. Raised in Dearborn Michigan, she is the most recent addition to the Puksta Coordinator posse and serves MSU as the Civic Engagement & Public Service Careers Industry Manager. A “Pioneer” and graduate of Dearborn High School, she completed her master’s degree in Social Work as a “Wolverine” at The University of Michigan. Continuing her family’s legacy of education and public service, she volunteered for Americorps prior to her graduate program and after graduation joined the Peace Corps where she journeyed to Mali to lead an adult literacy teacher training program.
Making friends and opening minds in Mali, she eventually journeyed to the land of majestic Rocky Mountain peaks and cinnamon sunsets, where she would meet her husband through a mutual Peace Corps friend. Passionate about good skiing and better baking, Alyssa is a Colorado outdoor enthusiast and a self-admitted fan of The Great British Baking Show. Around town, she can often be found enjoying a brisk stroll in Wash Park, enjoying a good IPA or Sour at Cerebral Brewery, and feasting on “all things tuna” at Taki Sushi. She especially values the lazy late Colorado summers and is on the constant lookout for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie (Potbelly is the current leader).
Remembering the days of having to fight for a seat for a 45-minute bus ride from her college digs to her classes, Alyssa now fights for her MSU students where she champions them in numerous ways, including her duties as a Puksta Coordinator. A fan of the Auraria campus, Alyssa was drawn to her current MSU appointment by the non-traditional and diverse student body and envisions many years of prosperity and growth in the role. Still formulating her long term plans, she is considering furthering her education with either a PhD or EdD, in the coming years. Of her fondest Puksta memories, to date, she mentions the thrill she experienced when connecting on new project ideas and planning with the new scholars at the recent MSU Puksta meeting in October.
Alyssa is looking forward to the winter break where she intends to reconnect with her family back in Dearborn and is planning to wake them on Christmas morning with sizzling cinnamon rolls. Dreaming of one day vacationing in Ireland and Scotland, Alyssa looks forward to many years of avid Colorado living and keeping the Puksta torch held high. Puksta is strengthened by your passion for the scholars and celebrates your determination to ensure their success. Cheers to you Alyssa!
That special time is finally here! Classes are on pause, the travel has been undertaken (or not), your mind is resting, and the family is gathered. Time to throw that diet out the window for a day and dig in. For just a few precious days, Pukstas can rest, relax, and revel amongst those who’ve truly made their academic journeys worthwhile. Not only is the Thanksgiving holiday a time for bringing out the good dishes and waiting impatiently for the big meal to start, but it’s also a time for bonding with family and friends and soaking up those moments that will become rare and infrequent in the years to come. Put your judgments and assumptions on hold for a day, hug someone and celebrate!
Tips for the Feast:
-Meat(less) isn’t a crime: If you prefer to eat meat(less) this holiday, then do so, but it’s good practice to respect the choices of others (especially if they respect yours) and make sure not to lay on a slice of guilt with each slice of tofu/turkey others eat. Maybe they’ll be encouraged to try it out themselves if you lead by example?
-Help with the dishes and/or trash: Sure college is tough, but not so much that everyone else has to do the cleaning after. Especially if you want to be seen as the adult you now are, spend a few minutes helping out before you let the food coma consume you. Maybe you can enlist siblings or other family members to also lend a hand and lessen the load. It’s a great way to show appreciation for the effort put towards your benefit and a means of returning a little goodwill. If you’re told that it isn’t necessary, maybe challenge it by saying it’s your personal way of giving thanks this holiday. Either way, don’t just be a slouch on the couch and help out a little.
-Don’t make the meal the only enjoyment: Sports and other games are great ways of making even more family memories during the holidays. A game on the TV is great, but maybe a board or card game later? Making the most of the holiday, in particular, is usually something nobody ever regrets. Put the friends on hold this day and spend it with the best ones you’ll ever have.
-Spend some special time with those you love: Maybe it’s morning coffee with dad or afternoon tea with mom, but set aside a little time to specifically connect with those you love. This can be particularly special with the elder members of your family because it’s easy to just live in the moment and forget that time and lives are limited and you never know how many holidays you’ll have with those who are special and cherished.
✨🎓 Please join us in celebrating, Samrawit Shewanargaw CSU Graduate and now Puksta alumni! ✨🎓
Samrawit is passionate about advancing mental health awareness in the Black community—especially how mental health challenges impact Black women and how homelessness can affect mental health outcomes.
Inspired by the growing need for support and understanding in the African community, Samrawit hopes to collaborate with a mental health facility in South Africa to learn from community-based approaches and bring those insights back home. Her goal is to help build awareness, reduce stigma, and expand access to care, while honoring the religious and cultural contexts that shape how many people experience and interpret mental health.
We’re proud of you, Samrawit—congratulations on this incredible milestone and on the impact you’re already making. 💙...
✨🎓 Please join us in celebrating our Puksta graduate from CU Denver, Adriana Fiero Mena! 🎓✨
🌟 During her time in Puksta, Adriana researched the gaps within AP and IB programs—highlighting how many low-income schools are not able to offer these courses. Recognizing that these disparities often begin early, she shifted her focus this year to early education as a way to address education inequities in underserved communities. Adriana also partnered with Kids In Need Foundation to organize and host a school supply drive that helped ensure local students have the tools they need to succeed academically.
🚀 As she looks ahead, Adriana plans to continue growing her business as a nail technician and build a recognizable brand. Her long-term goal is to open her own location with space for her services and stations to rent to other beauty professionals. Further down the line, she hopes to offer nail courses as well.
🎉 We’re proud of you, Adriana—congratulations on your graduation and all you’ve already accomplished!...
On Wednesday evening, we enjoyed a beautiful and inspiring fifth and final Puksta Passage at the University of Denver.
We were honored to hear remarks from Elizabeth Loboa, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, who shared that during our 25-year partnership, Puksta has contributed over $1.6 million to scholarships at DU—helping welcome more than 110 scholars into DU classrooms. ✨
Our DU graduates, Nour Zouhou and Elizabeth Navarro 🎉, shared deeply insightful remarks on their experience in our program and we got to celebrate our continuing scholars and the powerful work they’re advancing in their communities, including:
• Creating pathways to college access with and for youth • Research to support more informed, nuanced conversations about the heavily stigmatized topic of sex work • Education equity for students in special education systems • Food justice advocacy and partnership with local food pantries • Compassionate behavioral health support and advocacy in underserved communities • Writing instruction for incarcerated individuals to help reduce recidivism • Youth development and mentorship • Addressing inequities in health outcomes for Black women • Working toward collective liberation across campus • Community storytelling
We also said goodbye to longtime Coordinator John Macikas. John, thank you for your steady leadership and care—wishing you all the best in your new role as Associate Director of CCESL. We’re very excited to welcome our new coordinator (and Puksta alum) Brendan Teck. We can’t wait for what’s ahead!
And a special thank you to the DU Advancement team for planning such a meaningful event 💞...
🌟 During her time in the Puksta program, Yoseline helped build a coalition that stood up for students’ rights through legislation, meetings with decision-makers, and powerful sit-ins. She also led food drives to support students facing hunger, reminding all of us that community care and advocacy go hand in hand.
🚀 After graduation, Yoseline is heading to Denver to begin her next chapter, with plans to one day attend law school.
🎉 We’re so proud of you, Yoseline! Thank you for the heart, leadership, and courage you bring to all you do. Wishing you all the best in everything ahead!...
✨🎓 Congratulations to Hyab Tekeste, a fabulous Puksta Scholar graduating from Colorado State University! 🎓✨
🌟 During her time in Puksta, Hyab has been focusing on financial literacy support, especially for immigrant and underserved communities. She hosted engaging workshops and conversations around topics like budgeting, credit, and financial planning. She also worked on building partnerships with community organizations to help expand access to these resources.
🚀 After graduation, Hyab plans to continue working in finance while staying involved in community-focused work, as well as her photography work!
👏 Join us in celebrating Hyab`s incredible achievements and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors!...
Congratulations to Puksta Scholars and MSU Denver graduates Alexis Campos & Montserrat Adame! 🎓✨
Today we celebrate not only your graduation, but the care, leadership, and commitment to community you’ve brought to our program throughout your journeys. The Puksta Foundation believes in the power of civic engagement and young people working alongside their communities to create meaningful change. Both of you embody that spirit so fully. 🌟
We are deeply inspired by your passion, the ways you show up for others, and the futures you are helping imagine and build. We can’t wait to see where your leadership takes you next. 💙...
✨🎓 Congratulations Nour Zouhou, soon to be a proud DU graduate and Puksta Alumni! 🎓✨
🌟 During her time in the Puksta program, Nour focused on addressing the erasure and discrimination against BIPOC, queer people, immigrants, and women as well as broad critique of conduct by the US government through individual and community art practices. She has been researching public art as a means of rest and resistance, connecting with other artists, non profits, and galleries in Denver.
🚀 After graduation, Nour plans to do some traveling and try out new hobbies. She looks forward to hiking with friends and making zines!
🎉 Please join us in celebrating all that Nour has accomplished applying her artistic passions and talents to her civic engagement work!...
✨🎓 Congratulations. to our amazing MSU graduate and now Puksta Alumni, Alexis Cardenas Campos! 🎓✨
🌟 During his time in the Puksta program, Alexi worked with high school minority students to build their emotional intelligence and personal development skills. He supported 7-10 non-English speaking immigrant students per month, talking to them about respect, stress management, identity, self-esteem, growth mindset, masculinity, and other personal life topics. He engaged in both group meeting sessions and one-on-one conversations with students.
🚀 After graduation, Alexis plans to continue emphasizing the role of design, art, and self towards the overall approach of existential balance and everyday life. He will bring more cross-disciplinary dialogue and democratization to the role of thought and expression.
🎉 We are celebrating all you have accomplished supporting your students and living your values in our program and beyond! Wishing you the best as you move forward on your journey!...
This year’s Puksta Passage was filled with so much heart. Throughout the evening, our 7 graduating scholars shared personal stories, reflections, and experiences from their time in Puksta that brought many of us to tears. Congratulations Jazzy Ewing, Yoseline Rivera, Hyab Tekeste, Edna Agustin Chavez, Andrea Pereida, Lensa Wako, Samrawit Shewanargaw! 🎓💚 You are a powerful reminder of the relationships, growth, and community that make this program so meaningful.
Before dinner, we had the opportunity to learn from our continuing scholars through their poster presentations and celebrate the important work they are doing. We are so proud of all you continue to contribute to your communities and campus!
This evening was also bittersweet as we said goodbye to Sam Desta, our longtime CSU coordinator. Sam’s impact on generations of scholars and on the development of the program at CSU cannot be overstated. Thank you, Sam, for the immense care, leadership, and love you have poured into this community over the years.
At the same time, we are so excited to celebrate Michael Silvey, who has stepped into the coordinator role this year with such warmth and care already. He has quickly become beloved by scholars, and we are grateful for the future ahead.
What a beautiful night honoring past, present, and future Puksta scholars. 💫...
✨🎓 Congratulations to our incredible 2026 CSU Puksta Graduate, Andrea Pereida! 🎓 ✨
🌟 During her time in Puksta, Andrea worked at the Colorado State Public Defender`s Office, an organization with a long history of providing excellent representation to persons accused in criminal cases when they cannot afford to hire counsel. She was able to meet with 30 clients and help address their needs. She served as a translator to help schedule appointments and shared resources to support them upon their release.
🚀 As Andrea embarks on a new position at New Leaf Family Law Firm as a bilingual legal assistant after graduating, we celebrate all that she has achieved and look forward to her continued impact in the technology field!...
This year’s CU Denver Puksta Passage was a lovely evening in the Wright Room reflecting on where our scholars have been, celebrating where they are now, and welcoming the next chapter ahead. ✨
Congratulations to our graduates, Genessi and Adriana! 🎓💛 Thank you for the ways you have shaped this community during your time in Puksta. We cannot wait to see all that comes next for you both.
We loved hearing from our continuing scholars through thoughtful poster presentations on topics including student mentorship, supporting Latino immigrants in higher education, digital empowerment, and the importance of trees in our ecosystem.
This year also marked a meaningful coordinator transition at CU Denver. We are deeply grateful to Karina De Jesus for the steadiness, care, and organization she brought in helping get the Puksta program established on this campus. We are so excited for the work Megan O’Connor has continued this year, especially the relationships and sense of connection she has built with scholars.
A special thank you to our friends at Appaloosa for the incredible food that helped make the evening feel so warm and welcoming!...
✨🎓 Congratulations to Edna Agustin Chavez, a proud CSU graduate and now Puksta Alumni! 🎓✨
🌟 During her time in Puksta, Edna developed a comprehensive resource guide and presentation focused on improving support for international students at CSU. This included creating a detailed informational toolkit addressing key challenges such as financial constraints, visa limitations, social isolation, and unfamiliar academic expectations. She also conducted informal interviews and gathered survey responses to better understand the lived experiences of international students.
🚀 After graduation, Edna plans to attend law school. She wants to pursue a career where she can advocate for individuals facing barriers in areas like immigration, education, or access to resources to create meaningful community change.
🎉 Here`s to Edna`s remarkable achievements and bright future ahead!...
This year’s Puksta Passage at MSU was a beautiful celebration of community, growth, and impact! We got to congratulate Alexis Campos and Jennifer Montserrat Adame, our graduating scholars 🎉, and were especially moved to hear from MSU alumni David Campos-Cardenas, Alexis’s older brother.
David encouraged scholars: “Don’t forget about your projects when you’re out there — find a way to implement your projects in the real world.” He shared how, as a Puksta scholar, he supported high school students with college applications and FAFSA completion. Today, he owns two tax firms and continues that work of accessibility and care by creating Spanish-language tax organizing tools and helping immigrant and undocumented communities complete ITIN applications free of charge.
We also heard presentations from our continuing scholars and watched an incredible video that Alexis created about the Puksta foundation and our community!
So much pride, love, and inspiration in one room. Once Puksta, a always Puksta. ✨...
👀 Here`s a fun little window into our latest Puksta First Year Experience session! 🤩 We gathered with scholars across all five campuses to celebrate and reflect on their first year in our program, while exploring the fundamentals of working ethically and responsibly in the community. 🙌 We are so excited to see where you all go from here and hope you have a fabulous summer! 🚀...
🌟 During her time in Puksta, Nina worked closely with a local high school and her scholar team to support first generation juniors and seniors as they prepare for the transition to college. Nina has also developed a strong understanding of business operations and has applied that knowledge by launching her own business driven by her passion for wellness and community, while starting and running her own club on campus. Through her work, she strives to break down barriers and provide practical tools and encouragement to help others overcome challenges and pursue opportunities that may once have felt out of reach.
🚀 After graduation, Nina plans on opening her own pilates studio here in boulder, continuing to engage in social impact work and make financial contributions from her own business.
🎉 Congratulations, Nina! We look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in your community and beyond!...
✨🎓 We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of Anahi Alvarez, one of our CU Boulder Puksta Scholars!! 🎓✨
🌟 Throughout her time in Puksta, Anahi worked with a local high school and her Puksta Scholar team to support first generation juniors and seniors as they prepare for the transition to college. They engaged in personal research, guided by their background and experience, as well as student interviews to learn about challenges, goals, and needs of this community. Then, the group designed and led workshops tailored to these needs, while also building real relationships with the students. Anahi and her team helped students understand admissions, financial aid, campus resources, and what to expect during their first year of college.
🚀 After graduation, Anahi plans to get a job in financial planning or data analytics within the cosmetics or skincare industry.
Your passion for supporting others and working on your scholar team really shines through, Anahi! We wish you the best as you move forward on your journey! 🎉...
🌟 While in the Puksta program, Jazmyne focused on addressing housing Insecurity of lower income and international students. She worked with Pastor Paul to create a video detailing the situation that Lumin Students go through surrounding the housing insecurity crisis. The video touches up on the recession that many students are facing and the lack of community/family support that these students go through.
👏 We`re proud of the impact you have made in your community, Jazmyne! Join us in celebrating her achievements and wishing her well on the next steps of her journey! 🎉...
✨🎓 Congratulations to Jennifer Montserrat Adame, a proud MSU graduating senior! 🎓✨
🌟 In Puksta, Jennifer worked on the newsletter for the Immigrant Services Program (ISP) at MSU Denver. She familiarized herself with the work that ISP does for their students and was able to spend time organizing resources for their newsletter. She also gave presentations in her social work courses about Immigration which helped her educate her peers around knowing their rights. This gave her space to educate and help other social work students understand how they can support their communities and peers affected by this difficult time.
👏 Join us in celebrating Jennifer`s incredible achievements and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors!...
✨🎓 Congratulations to our incredible 2026 University of Colorado graduate, José Gutierrez! ✨🎓
🌟 During his time at CU, José developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling, video production, and creative direction, with a focus on using film as a tool for community engagement and meaningful impact. He has contributed to projects focused on supporting high school juniors and seniors by promoting awareness around pursuing higher education. He and his team delivered presentations that highlight the college experience and its accessibility while he documented the process. José also served as President of Tau Psi Omega Fraternity, Inc!
🚀 After graduation, José aims to continue growing as a filmmaker while expanding opportunities for storytelling within underserved communities!
Here`s to José`s amazing achievements and bright future ahead! Congratulations 🎉...
📣 Can you believe it`s that time of year again - we celebrated CU Boulder`s Puksta Passage on Thursday! 🎉
Congratulations to our graduates: Anahí Alvarez, José Gutierrez, and Nina Patterson - we are so proud of all you have accomplished!
The rest of the CU Boulder cohort shared poster presentations about their civic engagement endeavors focused on supporting families with autistic children, increasing access to higher education, promoting diversity on campus, support and mentorship for indigenous students, and addressing education inequity. We are so impressed by this incredible group of scholars!
The event was bittersweet this year as we also said goodbye to Ana Contreras, who has served as our CU Boulder Puksta Coordinator for the past 5 years. In Ana`s words of farewell, she discussed acompañera, the practice and embodiment of walking with others. "This requires me to be with students not just as an instructor, but as a bridge, a border broker, being together in humanizing ways. Research has found that the current education system is not equipped to maintain these types of pedagogies. However, Puksta pushes back against the limiting structures of universities." Ana, you have been such a brilliant example of acompañera in our Puksta family, and we are so grateful for that. We wish you all the best 💞...
