CU Denver Employees Empower Students with Meaningful Connections

At the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), staff members are making a significant impact on students’ futures by fostering connections to valuable opportunities. Employees like Associate Professor Tony Robinson and Program Director Ken English are dedicated to guiding students through their academic and professional journeys, helping them build confidence and realize their potential.

Salvador Gonzalez, a first-generation college graduate who earned his BA in 2013 and MA in 2023, experienced this firsthand. While pursuing his studies in political science, Gonzalez felt uncertain about his career path. His transformation began when he met Robinson, who recognized Gonzalez’s commitment to community service. Robinson took the initiative to send a personal email to the executive director of Padres Unidos, now known as Movimiento Poder, introducing Gonzalez for an internship opportunity. This pivotal moment not only provided Gonzalez with essential work experience but also instilled a sense of self-belief that has shaped his career trajectory.

“The email put me on a path,” Gonzalez said, who now serves as a director at the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center. His story illustrates how a simple gesture can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

Connecting Education to Real-World Experience

Robinson, who chairs the Political Science department at CU Denver, has a track record of helping students connect their academic pursuits with real-world applications. His course, Interns at the Capitol, allows students to explore legislative processes while gaining practical experience. Robinson believes exposing students to professionals in their fields demystifies the paths available to them.

“It’s a heady experience for anybody,” Robinson noted. He emphasized that understanding who is in these roles can empower students to envision themselves in similar positions. By bridging the gap between education and community engagement, Robinson enables students to see their potential and inspires them to reach new heights.

Empathy and Support in Student Engagement

For Ken English, the process of connecting students to opportunities goes beyond emails and introductions; it requires empathy. English, who directs the Center for Access and Campus Engagement (CACE), recognizes that stepping into unfamiliar environments can be daunting for students. He makes it a priority to personally guide them, either by introducing them via email or walking them to meetings.

“Sometimes, we lose sight of the courage it takes to walk into a space that you’re not familiar with,” English said. By providing this support, he helps students confront insecurities and imposter syndrome, which are common challenges that often go unnoticed.

This approach can encourage students to take the initiative in their own careers. English believes that offering to connect students with opportunities places the responsibility on them to engage actively. “The next time, I want them to do it,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of developing lifelong skills in self-advocacy.

Abigale Yilma, a current student and employee at CACE, experienced this firsthand. Interested in research but unsure how to begin, she approached English for guidance. Without delay, he arranged for her to meet with LynxConnect, the university’s hub for undergraduate research and creative activities. This timely intervention led Yilma to her future mentor, Dèsa Daniel, PhD.

Thanks to English’s support, Yilma applied to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program just in time and was selected for a cohort. Her research, which explored the relationship between identity and academic success among Black students, culminated in a presentation at a conference in Texas. Now, Yilma is preparing to pursue graduate studies in social work, feeling equipped and motivated for her future.

“It was really motivating to see someone believe in me and motivate me to do things that I’m interested in,” she said of her experience.

The stories of Gonzalez and Yilma reflect a broader trend at CU Denver where staff members actively engage with students, transforming their educational experiences into pathways for success. This commitment to student development not only enhances individual careers but also strengthens the community as a whole. By fostering these connections, CU Denver employees are not just opening doors; they are empowering the next generation to step through them confidently.