First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program | CU Denver Business School

First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program | CU Denver Business School
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Centers & Programs
First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program
First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program
The First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program is a comprehensive program designed to increase support and opportunities for first-generation college and multicultural students. FaM is unique to the CU Denver Business School. It is a program for students of any race or any racial background which we define as multicultural. The students we serve, in turn, help meet market demands for highly skilled and innovative thinkers and doers. We strive to help students access a wide range of opportunities and networks such as paid internships, expanded personal and professional communities, and leadership development. FaM also provides career/alumni mentorship, access to tuition scholarships, year-round programming, and many opportunities to engage in learning experiences - both in and outside the classroom - that help students successfully navigate their future career fields.
FaM cultivates a thriving ecosystem where the inherent strengths of every student are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated, fostering a shared journey towards excellence. We recognize and intentionally address historical institutional barriers to student success by strengthening connections with Business School and campus-wide resources, engaging with industry partners, and lowering barriers to a wide spectrum of learning and growth opportunities.
What We Do
FaM is more than just an additional resource for students - it is a place to call home, where students are part of a validating environment that values their identity, accelerates their success, and deepens community. We support students' college completion by focusing on enhanced experiential learning opportunities, bolstering financial stability through paid internships, and increased access to academic support and career readiness programming that helps launch them into their careers after graduation.
Play Video
Listen to the Program's Impact Through FaM Student Voices
Liz Found the Support She Needed to Rewrite Her Future at CU Denver
Play Video
Inclusive Community and Excellence
FaM believes that students enter college with the essential strengths and skills needed to be successful. Throughout their participation in this program, students will connect with peers from all backgrounds, forward-thinking industry partners and leaders, and Business school staff and faculty who are dedicated to student success. Their participation in structured program experiences will help them deepen critical thinking skills, reframe complex problems, and develop new ideas. Our aim is to work alongside students and empower them to become the next generation of business leaders.
Interested in Joining FaM?
Eligibility
Click Here to Apply
Program Requirements
The FaM Closet (professional attire)
You qualify for FaM if you are an
undergraduate
student in the CU Denver Business School who identifies as first-generation and multicultural. You are a
first-generation
student if neither of your parents has completed a four-year college degree. The program is for students of any race or any racial background, which we define as multicultural.
An application to FaM is required, please read on for more details. Through engagement with the FaM program, students will have access to academic success strategies, mentors (peers, faculty, and career), training and workshops that help develop learning and leadership skills, personalized roadmaps for success, referrals to campus resources, and more. FaM students will have ongoing opportunities to be in community with other students, faculty, staff, and alumni who identify as first-generation and multicultural. Through close collaboration with local industry leaders, FaM students will also have unique opportunities to "be who they can see" through job shadow days and career mentorship.
Mark your calendars! The FaM Application opens March 1st and closes June 1st of every year. Admitted students will begin the program in the fall semester of the same year.
Apply to FaM
Students admitted to the FaM Business Program become active participants in their learning, growth, degree completion, and career pathing journey. The program focuses on introducing students to a community of first-gen and multicultutral peers and professional networks. Through the program, students have access to corporate site visits, industry-led lunch and learns, skills building workshops, and peer and career mentors. We aim to help students prepare for the dynamic workforce and increase access to internships and jobs, informational interviews, professional certifications, and targeted community service. Throughout the program, students must:
Maintain regular communication with program staff
Maintain GPA requirements
Complete program requirements year-to-year
Students interested in applying for the FaM scholarship must submit a separate application through the
Scholarship Universe
as indicated in the FaM program application.
The FaM Scholarship Application opens March 1st and closes June 1st of every year.
FaM students have access to a closet of gently used professional attire, free of charge. Students in the program can request items to borrow for interviews, luncheons, site visits, dinners, awards ceremonies, presentations, conferences, and so on. Some of the items we have in the closet are: blazers, dresses/skirts, suits, slacks, shirts/blouses, handbags, ties, scarves, shoes, purses, and more, in a variety sizes and colors.
If you are interested in donating business attire to the FaM Closet, please email
fam.business@ucdenver.edu
or drop off items in the donation bin outside the elevators on the first floor of the business school located at 1475 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80238. If you are requesting a receipt for a donation valued at $500 or more, contact
fam.business@ucdenver.edu
for more information. CU follows IRS regulations when it comes to this documentation.
Play Video
Watch the video of our program being featured on 9 News.
FaM Student Spotlight
Sebastian Diaz-Tafel
Senior | International Business
Sebastian’s main advice to incoming FaM students is to take advantage of the opportunities given to you. “What you get out of the program is what you put in. Taking the first step is the biggest step. There will be a community waiting to support and welcome you.”
Click here
to read Sebastian's full student bio.
Information is based on the December 2025 interview date.
Iyhanna Peters
Senior | Marketing
“To be in a room with managers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs and to feel welcomed has been the most amazing experience. Get involved in activities that inspire you, not just the ones that feel comfortable. You will learn so many things that school cannot teach you. You learn what diversity and inclusion really look like, and you learn more about yourself too.”
Click here
to read Iyhanna's full student bio.
Information is based on the Spring 2025 interview date.
Gladis Garcia
2025 Graduate | Accounting
"I have a little sister, and I want to show her that, despite the challenges of being a first-generation student of color, higher education is achievable. Take advantage of opportunities; you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn.”
Click here
to read Gladis' full student bio.
Information is based on the Spring 2025 interview date.
Ayden Bouziden-LaGrange
Senior | Finance
“Whenever I’m in the FaM space, someone else is always there and we get to chit-chatting. At CU Denver, it doesn’t always feel like a college campus. It’s always nice when you come to the FaM room and connect with people. You’re not just in college to get a degree. You’re here to learn. Don’t skate by and go through the motions. Prove to yourself and to future employers that you’re ready.”
Click here
to read Ayden's full student bio.
Information is based on the Spring 2025 interview date.
FaM Donors
FaM Mentors
FaM Families
FaM Mentor Spotlight
Cindy Baroway
FaM Mentor Cindy Baroway’s story begins with a simple but powerful belief passed down from her Japanese mother: education opens doors. That message shaped her life, guiding her from a first-generation college student to a leader who now opens doors for others. Today, Cindy serves as the Executive Director of the Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) Program at the University of Colorado, Denver. In addition, Cindy and her family are business partners with two others that own 10 Office Evolution and 3 Venture X franchise locations. These are innovative workspace communities that support professionals across the Denver area. As a FaM mentor, she brings the same commitment to continuous learning and community that has defined her entire career.
Cindy’s path into the insurance industry began shortly after earning her bachelor’s degree, when she stepped into the world of Property and Casualty claims. Her talent and determination propelled her upward, eventually becoming a Home Office Claims Director. But Cindy has never been one to stay still. She left the corporate world to build her own consulting business specializing in expert witness work and auditing. Later, she earned her master’s degree in education and used her knowledge to develop the Insurance Education Program for her local CPCU Chapter, blending her industry experience with her passion for teaching.
Her impact at CU Denver is unmistakable. Since joining the Business School in 2011 as a lecturer and an External Relations Facilitator, Cindy has shaped the RMI Program through fundraising, curriculum development, and student-centered leadership. When she became Executive Director in 2021, she accelerated the program’s growth, contributing to its 100 percent job placement rate. Her influence also extends beyond the classroom. As co-chair of the Diversity Committee in 2020, she helped spark the idea that would become the First-generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program, a space she continues to nurture as a mentor, supporting students who share her first-generation and multicultural identity.
Outside of her professional roles, Cindy's curiosity and love for the world shine just as brightly. She is a PADI certified diver with more than 250 dives and has traveled with her husband across all seven continents, driven by a desire to understand different cultures. Her commitment to service is equally expansive with her serving on numerous nonprofit boards and as an elected City Councilor for the City of Lakewood. In 2013, she broke barriers once again, becoming the first Asian American and the fifth woman to serve as President and Chair of the global CPCU Society Leadership Council.
For first-generation and multicultural students, Cindy offers the same advice that has guided her own journey:
“Be willing to take risks, be bold. You just never know where you’ll end up or what opportunities will present themselves to you. Believe in yourself and build your personal brand. If a company offers to pay for additional training, certifications, and/or education, take advantage of that opportunity... Your network is your net worth!”
Commonly Used Resources
Meet the FaM Staff
FaM Student Staff
Academic Advisors
are dedicated to student success, academic advisors help students grow personally, professionally, and educationally through meaningful interactions, empowering them to navigate college life.
Business Career Connections (BCC)
offers lifelong career coaching, networking, job opportunities, and professional development for students and alumni, providing tools and resources for all job search stages.
Counseling Center
offers students with 10 free counseling sessions (individual, couples or family) each year and access to additional free workshops. Walk-in crisis counseling available.
Center for Access and Campus Engagement (CACE)
Supports underrepresented students and promotes diversity and inclusion on campus. Services include:
Advancing CU Denver's commitment to inclusivity by developing programs and policies that address structural and environmental barriers to success. They also support key student services, including American Indian Student Services (AISS), Asian American Student Services (AASS), Black Student Services (BSS), Latinx Student Services (LSS), Undocumented Student Services, and the Women & Gender Center (WGC). Fostering a more cohesive and equitable campus community
Disability Resources & Services
Ensures equal access to university programs for students with disabilities by coordinating reasonable accommodations and promoting an inclusive educational environment.
Financial Aid
Provides grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships to help pay for college or career school.
Learning Resources Center (LRC)
Promotes student success, retention, and graduation through free academic support services for CU Denver students.
LGBTQ+
Campus Resources and Services
Offers resources and community for those dealing with issues related to sexuality, gender identity, and discrimination. Located in the Tivoli Student Union, Room 213. Business hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Loving Lynx
An emergency funding resource available to CU Denver students dealing with unanticipated events including accidents, medical or dental emergencies, natural disasters, or a need for temporary housing
LynxConnect
A one-stop shop for enhancing student experiences, global perspectives, research, internships, campus employment, and career exploration.
Office of Case Management
Supports students facing challenges such as mental health issues, safety concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and family emergencies by providing intervention, advocacy, and follow-up services.
Office of Equity
Addresses sexual misconduct and discrimination, aiming to prevent and remedy these issues while providing education, training, and outreach to create a safer and more inclusive campus.
Office of Information and Technology (OIT)
Information technology resources for students, faculty, staff, and researchers.
Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs)
Offers one-on-one mentoring by trained student peers to support students on probation or suspension, helping them navigate academic success plans and university policies.
Phoenix Center at Auraria (PCA)
Provides free and confidential support to survivors of interpersonal violence, offering academic advocacy, assistance with reporting, safety planning, court accompaniment, and emotional support.
The Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF)
Provides stipends to eligible undergraduate students to cover a portion of in-state tuition at participating colleges.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Assists with admission requirements, major selection, cost estimation, and exploring student life adventures.
Wellness Center Resources
Offers a variety of wellness resources, including a student wellness center, swimming pool, spa, climbing wall, and food pantry.
Wellness Coaching
Provides one-on-one support with a certified health coach, offering personalized guidance in a confidential setting. Book a free session online.
Writing Center
Offers support for any type of writing, including class assignments, scholarship applications, and employment materials. Appointments are available in-person and online across the Denver area. Three sessions are required for the Academic Success Packet.
Work-study
A financial aid award allowing undergraduate and graduate students to work part-time to earn money for educational expenses.
Nimol Hen
, Executive Director (Pronouns: She/Her)
I am the founding director of the FaM Business Program. Over my 20 years at CU Denver, my work has centered on creating pathways that support students as they navigate college, complete their degrees, and launch meaningful careers. In 2021, I joined the Business School to build and launch FaM - a program designed to ensure that opportunities, resources, and support are more evenly extended to and accessible by first‑generation and multicultural students.
As a first‑generation college graduate and someone who arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee, this work is deeply personal to me. Like many first‑gen students and students of color, I would not be where I am today without the champions who helped me access the resources I needed to thrive. Most importantly, they believed in me and helped me see my own potential. Today, I aim to extend those same supports, encouragement, and belief in possibility to the remarkable students I have the priviledge of working with. I find tremendous joy in connecting people with purpose and am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the leaders, corporate partners, and donors who help make FaM possible.
I now hold a master’s degree in public administration and am incredibly humbled to serve and advocate for our students through FaM. I look forward to seeing you around campus and at upcoming events.
Contact:
Nimol.Hen@ucdenver.edu
Dominique Maes
, Program Manager (Pronouns: She/Her)
I'm a proud first-generation college graduate from Denver with a background in social work and a passion for educational equity. After earning my degrees from CSU Fort Collins and MSU Denver, I now serve as the Program Manager for the FaM Business Program at CU Denver, where I support first-gen and multicultural students in becoming confident, equity-driven leaders.
I care deeply about building inclusive, data-informed systems that amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change. As I continue expanding my training in the nonprofit sector, I’m always eager to learn from others. If you’re open to sharing your story or connecting around equity in education, I’d love to hear from you.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, coaching youth sports, trying new recipes, and spending time with loved ones, including my pup, Leia.
Contact:
Dominique.Maes@ucdenver.edu
Nicole Lovato
, Project Manager (Pronouns: She/Her)
Nicole Lovato is thrilled to return to her alma mater and join the “FaM” - First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Program as Project Manager where she will support inclusive student success initiatives and alumni engagement efforts. Previously, she led the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver, overseeing program operations, recruitment, and high-touch experiential learning from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Some of her prior leadership roles include Director of Programs at the DU Latino Leadership Institute, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Denver Public Schools, Director of the Stock Market Experience program at the CO Council for Economic Education and Marketing Director at the Second Wind Fund. In addition to her work in education & nonprofit management, Nicole has over a decade experience in bank management and real estate, as well as, six years as the Cancion Mexicana on-air host for Jazz 89.3fm KUVO.
Nicole holds an M.P.A. in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management and a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Spanish, both from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a proud alumna of CU Denver and the DU Latino Leadership Institute. She is also a dedicated board member for Su Teatro and Trendlines.
A fifth-generation Colorado native and the first female in her family to complete college education, Nicole is deeply passionate about serving and creating transformational opportunity for those in pursuit of education, business and community leadership – YOU! She considers the opportunity to support you and your future one of the greatest honors of her life and cannot wait to work closely with you!
Contact:
Nicole.Lovato@ucdenver.edu
Joe-Ann
My name is Joe-Ann, and I am a proud first-generation student majoring in Information Systems. I care deeply about my community and creating spaces where others feel welcome, a value shaped by growing up in a large family with five older siblings and two disabled parents. I discovered my passion for information systems through my student assistant role in the School of Education and Human Development, where I learned how access to accurate information can truly impact people’s lives. After college, I hope to become a Database Administrator in the nonprofit or education sector, using data to support communities like the ones that raised me. Outside of work and school, I love exploring new hobbies such as rock climbing, baking, building crafts, and spending time with my miniature dachshund named Ollie.
Umair
Hello, my name is Umair, and I am a Sports Business major at CU Denver! I am a first-generation student and first-generation American, born and raised in Aurora, Colorado. My family moved to the United States from Pakistan 21 years ago in hopes of providing me and my siblings with a better future. My goal is to make them proud and ensure their sacrifices do not go in vain. I am a very physically active person. My hobbies mostly involve exercising or being outdoors. I love working out, I train in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I enjoy going on hikes, and I love spending time in nature. After college, I hope to work for a sports team; whether that’s the Nuggets, Rockies, Broncos, Avalanche, or Rapids. It’s still up in the air. But my dream is to be a fight announcer for boxing or MMA promotions. I think that would be so much fun, and I believe I would be great in that role!
JazMia
I’m a proud first-generation student majoring in Information Systems and a FaM Scholar, driven to use technology and data to solve real problems for real people. Grounded in family and community, I’ve learned how to balance demanding responsibilities while staying academically focused and goal oriented. I’m especially interested in roles that bridge business and technology where I can translate people’s needs into practical, meaningful solutions that strengthen belonging and improve experiences. Outside the classroom, I enjoy travel and cultural exploration, and I’m motivated by opportunities that expand my global perspective. After graduation, I plan to begin my career in an analyst or consulting role, grow into management, and continue building ventures that reflect my long term vision for impact, independence, and leadership.
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Upcoming Events and Announcements
The FaM Program application opens on March 1, 2026!
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026.
Email questions to
fam.business@ucdenver.edu
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