Inclusion Outcomes

Transforming the journey

Hanna Nordwall — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:09:50 +0000

Transforming the journey Hanna Nordwall Fri, 06/06/2025 - 10:09

Charles Ferrer

For engineering students, the path to a degree is more than just solving equations or finishing projects — it’s a journey to find belonging, overcome challenges, and build a foundation for a successful future.

Initiatives like Engineering Connections and the Lattice Scholars Program are transforming the college journey for CU Engineering students, fostering a culture of support, empowerment and resilience that helps them thrive.

A firm foundation

Transitioning to college can be daunting for first-year engineering students. Now in its second year, the Engineering Connections residential community in Williams Village was designed to ease the transition by combining academic support with community-building activities.

The results speak for themselves: Ninety percent of the fall 2023 cohort returned for their sophomore year, the highest-ever second-fall retention rate in the college’s history.

Engineering Connections integrates academic support through a first-year seminar course, peer mentoring and collaborative study spaces. These resources ensure students start their college careers on solid ground, blending faculty expertise with personalized guidance.

Plus, with events like Foodie Tuesdays, talent shows and excursions to sporting and arts events, it offers students a space to feel at home.

“Engineering Connections goes beyond academics and was incredibly helpful in making friends and finding my place in college,” said Tana McCoy, a second-year chemical engineering student who moved to Colorado from the East Coast.

Breaking barriers

The Lattice Scholars Program launched in 2023 to support Colorado residents who are the first in their families to go to college and demonstrate high financial need. At its core, the program seeks to remove financial and other barriers that might hinder a promising engineering career.

Like Engineering Connections, Lattice is off to an impressive start. Ninety-five percent of the first cohort returned to CU Engineering for their sophomore year. Program managers are conducting research to share their model with other institutions, demonstrating how this holistic support can empower students to excel.

For Abdirahman Abdi, a second-year computer science major, the program has been life-changing.

“Lattice is where I found my first core friend group,” he said. “We met during the first week of school and connected over classes, homework and shared experiences. That sense of community has made a huge difference.”

Abdi, who dreams of a career in artificial intelligence and machine learning, credits the program with teaching him financial literacy and exposing him to professional opportunities. Lattice also provides workshops on mental health and career exploration to help scholars navigate college and beyond.

Engineering Connections residential community, Lattice Scholars Program are having a big impact on student retention.

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Día de Ciencias inspires future engineers through hands-on STEM activities

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 12 May 2025 16:02:42 +0000

Día de Ciencias inspires future engineers through hands-on STEM activities Charles Ferrer Mon, 05/12/2025 - 10:02

Charles Ferrer

��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) welcomed Hispanic middle and high school students from across the Denver metro area for the third annual Día de Ciencias in early-April. Through hands-on activities in water quality, robotics and STEM, students explored the possibilities of engineering and saw that a future in science and technology is possible.

Middle school students were tasked to create a prosthetic leg in an imaginary zombie apocalypse and competed against other teams to see who had the strongest and most stable leg.

While the number of Hispanic students earning engineering degrees in the United States has nearly doubled over the past decade, significant gaps in representation and access to STEM education remain.

“I didn’t even know what engineering was growing up,” Cindia Denova Garduno, a recent architectural engineering graduate, said.

Her story represents the challenge that Día de Ciencias or Day of Science aims to solve—how can Hispanic youth pursue engineering if they’ve never been exposed to it?

In being part of the solution, the SHPE partnered with CU Engineering’s Integrated Teaching and Learning Program (ITLP), to make Día de Ciencias a reality for the young attendees. SHPE also received generous funding support from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering to make this venue possible.

Led by Arly Diaz de Leon, an environmental engineering student and the event’s main organizer for the past three years, the SHPE and ITLP worked together to plan STEM activities and workshops for students from the Boulder Valley School District and JeffCo Public Schools. The collaboration hopes to expand their outreach to more schools in future years.

“One of my favorite highlights from the event was seeing both the students and parents excited to learn about the world of engineering,” Diaz de Leon said. “Hearing amazing input from parents and their eagerness to already sign up for next year’s Día de Ciencias was so fulfilling. It’s proof that even one day of exposure can spark a lifelong interest in STEM.”

Throughout the day, students were divided into groups for hands-on engineering activities tailored to their grade levels.

K-2nd graders explored water science by building levees and water filtration systems.

3rd-6th graders practiced coding skills with micro technology.

7th-12th graders tackled the ‘Zombie Got My Leg’ challenge, where teams designed and built prosthetic legs out of materials like cardboard, bubble wrap, PVC pipe and tape, simulating how engineers work creatively within real-world constraints.

Behind the scenes: A collaborative effort

The event relied on a team of SHPE student members working behind the scenes.

Don’t let imposter syndrome get in the way of reaching your fullest potential. Don’t let mistakes get in the way of reaching your goals, as progress and learning is never truly linear!”

Arly Diaz de Leon

“This year’s Día de Ciencia was a lot of fun and successful,” Denova Garduno said. “On the day of the event, I was mainly involved with making sure everything was set up properly to ensure the best experience for our volunteers and the wonderful families that joined us.”

The event not only exposed students to engineering fundamentals but also emphasized family involvement in the college journey. During the event, parents had opportunities to attend workshops on college readiness and financial aid, which is critical for the transition from high school to college.

Keriann Jacobson, education and outreach coordinator at the ITLP, emphasized the importance of the collaborative approach taken between SHPE and the college.

“We are proud to partner with SHPE in creating hands-on engineering experiences that spark a passion for STEM in the next generation of engineers,” Jacobson said. “This allowed us to engage not only with students, but also with their families, bringing parents into the conversation and making them active participants in their children’s STEM education.”

Personal journeys in STEM

For Diaz de Leon, the journey leading up to her leadership of Día de Ciencias has been personal. As a first-generation college student, she participated in ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s Pre Collegiate Development Program, which helped build the leadership skills she now used to inspire others, she said. After initially pursuing chemical engineering, her experience working in an environmental engineering lab and seeing tangible impacts on public health policy motivated her to switch majors.

Denova Garduno (left) and Diaz De Leon (right) attending the 2024 SHPE Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

“Being a part of SHPE has opened up so many opportunities for me as an underrepresented woman in engineering,” Diaz de Leon said. “Leading this event has given me the courage to advocate for myself and others, both in school and as I look toward my future career.”

Denova Garduno shares this commitment to representation and mentorship.

“Helping organize Día De Ciencia motivated me to continue pushing forward in my career by reminding me of one of the most important goals as a Latina in STEM,” she explained, “which is to be an engineer who can help future Hispanic students believe that they, too, belong in STEM.”

Denova Garduno recalled how she had a wonderful math teacher, Ms. Mejia, who noted how good she was in math in middle school. That left a very important mark to her which shaped her future as an engineer. From that moment, she was inspired to create opportunities for young students to explore engineering.

“There is so much pride and joy in seeing the children participate in STEM activities,” Denova Garduno said. “It reinforces how powerful it is for young students to work together as a team to create something they can test and be proud of.”

Diaz de Leon hopes to pass down the lessons she’s learned to the next generation of SHPE leaders and to the young students they serve.

“We have overcome many hurdles just by being here,” Diaz de Leon said.

“And we should never forget that we all started as eager young kids, curious about the world of STEM.”

��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers welcomed Hispanic middle and high school students from across the Denver metro area for the third annual Día de Ciencias this spring semester.

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The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers hosts middle & high school students for a Dia de Ciencias in April 2025.

Amy Moreno-Sherwood receives prestigious President’s Inclusive Excellence award

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:40:44 +0000

Amy Moreno-Sherwood receives prestigious President’s Inclusive Excellence award Charles Ferrer Wed, 04/30/2025 - 14:40

Charles Ferrer

When Amy Moreno-Sherwood stepped into her role as Director of the Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center in 2022, she brought with her not only a strong variety of experiences in higher education, but a personal understanding of what it means to navigate college as a first-generation student in STEM.

Now, she’s being recognized across the entire University of Colorado system for her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.

Moreno-Sherwood is the recipient of the 2025 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award, one of the university’s highest honors for individuals who go above and beyond to build inclusive and empowering communities. The annual awards celebrate those who have made significant contributions to removing barriers and embedding inclusivity into the CU community.

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, said Moreno-Sherwood’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the college community.

“Amy’s leadership of the BOLD Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students of all backgrounds,” Molenaar said. “Amy’s dedication and innovative approach are truly inspiring. Her recognition with the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions.”

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Moreno-Sherwood has called ��ƷSM��ӰƬ home since 2010, holding a variety of student-facing and leadership roles across campus before joining the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2019.

She earned degrees in Animal Science and Cultural Anthropology from Iowa State University, along with a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and also holds a graduate certificate in Engineering Leadership and Management from ��ƷSM��ӰƬ.

As the ��ƷSM��ӰƬ campus honoree, Moreno-Sherwood’s leadership of the BOLD Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Through scholarships, mentoring, academic services and student societies, the BOLD Center supports CU Engineering students to thrive personally and academically while preparing them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.

Now, in a full-circle moment, she leads the kind of program that helped shape her own journey in STEM.

We sat down with Amy to talk about how her personal journey informs her leadership, what drives her work and why inclusion is more than a goal, it’s a daily practice.

What first drew you to this kind of work in higher education?

Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents were working class and childcare wasn’t always accessible, but we were given the space to explore the world around us. I was always curious about science, nature and how things worked and I carried that with me.

I was also the first in my immediate family to go to college. My mom got her GED and I remember being inspired by the teachers who believed in me. I always knew education could be life-changing. That belief never left me.

I ended up going to a research university not far from home, though I’d never set foot on the campus before. I was part of a multicultural scholars program and paired with a mentor I’m still in touch with today. Being in that program and studying science, just soaking up everything I could about the natural world, opened my eyes to how education could transform not only my life, but the lives of others.

Eventually, one of my professors asked me, “have you thought about working with students?” And that was the spark. I originally thought I’d become a secondary education teacher, but I kept coming back to higher education. It was a space where I could make an impact, helping others navigate access and gain opportunities.

What do people often misunderstand about leadership work in higher education?

It’s ongoing, it impacts people and never feels complete. This work isn’t something you turn on

Amy’s willingness to share and support colleagues in inclusive excellence is so impactful to our collective growth in this area. I personally have learned much from her.”

Mary Steiner, associate dean for students, College of Engineering & Applied Science

just from 9 to 5. It’s about constantly asking yourself, “how can I improve the places and communities I’m a part of?” It takes intention, care and self-reflection every day.

The work is also challenging. There are moments where you have to decenter yourself, really consider others’ perspectives and experiences, and that’s not always easy with the volume of work that there is to do. Sometimes the right or supportive thing is also the most uncomfortable or difficult thing. You need courage to keep showing up. That’s why it’s so important to stay rooted in your values and keep going.

You’ve been doing this kind of work for over two decades. What keeps you grounded and inspired?

Being in higher ed for 25 years now, I’ve had the privilege of working with many students, many of whom come from all backgrounds. What keeps me going is that connection to their stories and dreams.

When I reflect on my own college experience, I didn’t know I was first-generation until someone told me. I didn’t know I was navigating systems that weren’t built for me until I was in them. So now, when I see students who show up at the BOLD Center with all the potential in the world, I want to make sure we’re creating an environment where they can thrive, be seen and lead.

What advice would you offer to leaders working to bring inclusivity in spaces and places around them?

Amy’s ability to foster community and create pathways for underrepresented voices to thrive is remarkable. Her contributions have not only enriched the ��ƷSM��ӰƬ community but have also inspired others to take actionable steps toward building a more inclusive environment.”

Dr. Patricia Gonzalez, assistant dean for access & community Engagement, College of Arts & Sciences

Know your community. Find it. Cultivate it.

Leadership can be lonely, especially in a polarized environment. It’s easy to retreat or second-guess yourself when you’re navigating difficult decisions. But, we can’t do this work alone. I’ve found so much strength in community, in having people I can be authentic with, process challenges with and stay rooted with.

That’s part of why, over three years ago, I partnered with Dr. Patricia Gonzalez over at the College of Arts & Sciences to launch our Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leaders Community of Practice. We wanted a space where people leading this work could come together and feel supported. Even now, our tagline remains: “you’ll always have a seat at our table.” Because there are times when you won’t be invited into certain spaces, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

And finally, reignite your passion. Know your purpose. Be able to communicate your values clearly and consistently, especially during challenging times. That becomes your compass.

Why is representation in leadership critical?

Validate experiences, inspire authenticity and foster greater understanding.

I am very grateful for the community in the BOLD Center and the college for validating the impacts and importance of our staff and faculty representing our students. Every day that I walk into our Center, I am cognizant of my background and positionality as a leader in our college. My hope is to inspire our students and staff to see themselves in leadership positions and work to achieve even greater success.

Positive representation can also shift public opinion, foster greater understanding between different cultures and communities and affect resources. I want to ensure that the needs and perspectives of our community are reflected so that we can have more effective services, programs and policies.

What does inclusive excellence in engineering look like and why does it matter?

It matters because it’s about people.

So many of our students are driven by a desire to solve problems they’ve experienced firsthand—lack of access, systemic barriers, local or global challenges. They want to be part of the solution. And for them to thrive in engineering, they need an environment that recognizes their experiences, removes barriers and fosters growth.

Engineering impacts every corner of our world. And the best solutions are built when diverse voices and perspectives are at the table. But diversity alone isn’t enough, you need spaces where people feel like they matter, where their ideas are welcomed and where they can develop the skills to collaborate across differences. As we continue our work, it is critical to understand that it is not truly excellent unless it is inclusive.

How has your experience as director of the BOLD Center shaped your perspective?

It’s been just over three years in this role and five with the college—it’s a joy.

Every time I meet a student, I think back to my own journey: setting foot on campus for the first time, not fully knowing what a major consisted of or what careers were even possible. Our students are coming in with different backgrounds, identities and challenges. Being able to support them with our staff, as they figure it all out, is a privilege.

At BOLD, we’re focused on helping students feel seen, supported and celebrated. That means building real relationships, removing barriers and making sure people know they matter. We want students to graduate not just with degrees, but with a strong sense of self and community. It’s been so rewarding to see how the Center has grown into a place of connection and innovation. The work our students are doing: it’s going to change lives and impact the world.

What do you hope students take away from their experience at the BOLD Center?

I can’t imagine my time at CU being the same without Amy’s guidance, positivity and support. She helped me navigate some difficult times in life and I want to thank her for being a huge part of that."

Bruno Armas, BOLD alum

I want them to leave knowing: This place saw me. This place supported me. This place helped me grow. I hope they feel a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.

And I hope they know they’re not alone. That there’s a community behind them—cheering them on, celebrating their wins and showing up in tough times. That sense of belonging can make all the difference.

And for me, that’s why I keep doing this work. Because when our students succeed, they go on to shape the world in amazing ways. And I’m honored to be even a small part of that journey.

What are you most grateful for at this moment?

So much. I want to start with our staff and students at the BOLD Center who show up every day with authenticity, curiosity and courage. They generate hope and that hope is essential for this work.

Our students are phenomenal. Whether they’re leading programs, supporting peers or sharing their stories with industry partners, they’re showing what inclusive excellence looks like in action. And our staff! You could name any one of them for their dedication to students, the relationships they build and the collaborations they spark. They are the heart of this work.

I’m also incredibly grateful to our college leadership for being willing to innovate and invest in this important work. It takes people in key places to say yes to new ideas and push for change.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This award isn’t just about me, it’s a reflection of our entire community. Students, staff, mentors and college partners, we’ve all worked hard to build something meaningful, even through change and uncertainty.

Innovation and impact speak directly to the work we’ve been doing. And the recognition tells us we’re on the right track. It reminds us that inclusive excellence isn’t just a value statement. It’s about recognizing that people come in with different circumstances and that we have a responsibility to make sure everyone has a fair chance to thrive and succeed.

What are you most looking forward to for the BOLD Center?

As we think of the future, we want to make sure that our organization and students are really set up for success by having all the resources we need to be sustainable. We are constantly enhancing our programming, scholarships and services that we’re offering for our students. I’m really excited knowing that we are a pivotal piece of student success not only for our college, but campus-wide and even nationally. So, I expect some big things to come in the future!

Amy Moreno-Sherwood was honored as the 2025 Presidential Inclusive Excellence recipient representing staff across all four of CU's campuses. Moreno-Sherwood is the director of the Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

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AAPI: All New Year Festival dazzles through culture and community

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

AAPI: All New Year Festival dazzles through culture and community Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/29/2024 - 00:00

Charles Ferrer

The numerous heritages among the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community was on full display at the AAPI: All New Year Festival at ��ƷSM��ӰƬ in early April.

More than 450 people attended the event, which featured important cultural aspects through art, music, dance, language and cuisine.

“It was such an amazing experience,” said Emily Landingham, a graduating student in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. “This event brought students, family members, staff and all different cultures of the AAPI community together. I hope this strengthens the AAPI community on campus.”

From taekwondo martial arts performances, South Asian fusion dance and Indian classical dancing to live music in Nepalese, the festival was an evening of cultural celebration showcasing the wide diversity of the AAPI identity. Plus, anyone who came hungry was treated to cuisines like dumplings, paneer, curry, eggs rolls, sushi and edamame.

Cross campus culture collaboration

Hosted by ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), the student society was inspired by Chinese and Vietnamese New Year, which traditionally takes place in either January or February.

“We realized that a lot of our members, despite being under the umbrella of being Asian, are diverse in many backgrounds,” said Helen Do, vice president of culture for SASE. “We wanted to create a festival that gave opportunities for organizations to share traditions of other AAPI identities in a space that everyone feels they belong and thrive in. ”

Planning started in the fall semester, when they secured sponsors through the Cultural Events Board, CU Student Government and the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

SASE also partnered with other BOLD Center organizations, such as oSTEM, Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics (WOAA) and the American Association of Engineers of Indian Origin (AAEIO), as well as student groups from across campus.

“Seeing all the different organizations from across campus bringing the event to life really made me happy,” said Landingham. “Especially when a lot of these organizations hadn’t really interacted before, it was great to see everyone learn from each other and bring their own members to this celebration.”

Beyond wanting to create a fun and inviting event, the festival was an opportunity for learning and inclusivity.

Do noted how collaborating with other student societies, Asian-identifying or not, was important to AAPI student groups space to share their cultures and also for non-AAPI student groups to learn about another culture in preparation for the event.

“We were especially grateful to oSTEM and WOAA, who ran our calligraphy and henna stations,” said Do. “They took a lot of care and research about the art and cultures they were representing at the event.”

Learning through culture and community

Attendees were able to get a cultural glimpse of traditions from countries including China, Korea, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam and Nepal.

Through the help of the festival collaborators, “student groups ran different booths representing countries,” said Kelly Clingan, public relations officer of SASE. “It was incredible seeing people learning about our traditions through joy and positivity.”

“We wanted an event that was representative of those different cultures and that we would really do them justice, because even within an Asian organization, we definitely can overlook specific parts of each culture,” said Clingan. “We’re so happy this festival celebrated AAPI cultures throughout campus.”

If you’re excited to learn more about AAPI cultures, you’re in luck. SASE plans to hold this festival next spring with the hopes of bringing community through more culture and celebration.

Photo Credit: Marleigh Hill; Top Photo: CU Milana; Middle Photo: CU Abhinaya

Noteworthy

The Center for Student Involvement and Colorado Creed recognizes student organizations who exemplify leadership and engagement across campus and the Boulder community.

Congratulations to SASE for receiving the following 2024 Campus Involvement Awards!

Cultural Event of the Year Award - AAPI: All New Year Festival
Student Organization of the Year Award - Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
Rising Star Award - Kelly Clingan (Public Relations Chair)

Photo Credit: Center for Student Involvement; Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at the Campus Involvement Awards Ceremony 2024

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers at ��ƷSM��ӰƬ organized a campus AAPI: All New Year Festival in early April. More than 450 people attended the cultural celebration, which featured important cultural aspects through art, music, dance, language and cuisine.

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