Meet Fernanda Cerros, a 2024 graduate at the University of Colorado Boulder! During her years in Puksta, Fernanda focused her engagement efforts around working with the immigrant community because it is an identity that she holds near and dear to her heart. After initially volunteering with a local non-profit organization, she realized her true passion is working to create change with youth. She became a mentor for BVSD middle and high school students who were also interested in immigrant rights. Together, they developed a project that focused on changing the local charter in Lafayette, CO to allow undocumented immigrants to vote. Fernanda also got involved in a youth collective focused on expanding ethnic studies curriculum in the state of Colorado. She worked with students to meet with administrators and develop a toolbox to implement ethnic studies curriculum in their schools.ย
In addition to being a Puksta scholar, Fernanda has become an integral part of the work of CU Engage, CU Boulderโs center for community based learning and research, over the past 4 years. She served as Public Achievement program coach and teaching assistant, Aquetza program counselor, and a youth organizer for Youth-Led Ethnic Studies for Colorado (YES4CO). Members of this center shared that they are inspired by her deep commitment to advancing the work of social justice, passion to work collectively, inviting and warm energy, and overall brilliance.ย
This spring, Fernanda received the CU system-wide Presidentโs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award. This award recognizes individuals and units who demonstrate outstanding commitment and make significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the University of Colorado community. As Fernanda spend much of her undergraduate experience dedicated to DEI work, she was incredibly honored to be recognized by her peers and instructors in this way.
In a recent interview, Fernanda reflected on what being a Puksta scholar means to her. She said that โbeing a Puksta scholar means having a permanent communityโฆit exemplifies what I like to call revolutionary love, laboring and going to work with the people around you and Puksta does a great job of creating that community for all of us.โ
We are certainly grateful to have you as a part of our Puksta family, Fernanda. You are a brilliant example of revolutionary love. Congratulations!
Some words about Fernanda from her CU Engage communityโฆ
โHer presence and mentorship has both motivated students to stay on track for their academic goals and also pushed them to develop impactful civic-engaged projects.โ – Ana Contreras, Program Director for Puksta Scholars
โHer leadership is one of love and fierce intellect that calls those around her towards a higher purpose.โ – Soraya Latiff, Program Director for Public Achievement
โWhen I considered CU Boulder, it stood out, but concerns about diversity held me back. Fernanda changed my perspective with words etched in my memory. โJackie, come to CU so that more girls like us can show we belong in these spaces too.โ Her encouragement wasnโt just about my choice; it was about breaking barriers and paving the way for others who share our journey. Thanks to Fernandaโs wisdom, CU became more than a college – it became a platform for empowerment and inclusivity for me.โ – Jackie, CU Boulder freshman
