Dr. Judi A. Diaz Bonacquisti, EdD

Senior Diversity Officer at The University of Colorado

“ I try to recognize the beauty of different cultures, including my own, and leverage the strengths—like a collectivist rather than individual perspective—to advocate for positive change.”

For more than 25 years Dr. Judi Diaz Bonacquisti has developed programs and policies to expand college access and advance students toward college degree completion. Diaz Bonacquisti has served as Senior Student Affairs Officer, Senior Enrollment Officer, and Senior Diversity Officer. She has a track record for advancing equity in education, particularly for students of color, first-generation students, undocumented students, and students from low-income backgrounds. Judi has served at public and private colleges and universities with a range of academic offerings, admissions selectivity, and populations. She is honored to serve in the Office of the President for the University of Colorado as Senior Diversity Officer.
Can you share your journey and the key milestones that have led you to your current senior leadership position? What unique challenges or opportunities have you encountered as a Latina leader along the way.
My bachelor’s degree in engineering opened doors for me and introduced me to higher education as a profession via Colorado School of Mines. My master’s and doctorate degrees were instrumental in my ability to advance in this particular profession. For more than 25 years, I have worked at Colorado colleges and universities, and I have served as Senior Student Affairs Officer, Senior Enrollment Officer, and Senior Diversity Officer. In each case, I have been the only Latina serving in the president’s cabinet.
What strategies have you implemented to foster inclusivity and diversity within your organization or industry? How do you ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued at all levels?
My career has been dedicated to ensuring that students, especially those who are first-generation, low-income, undocumented, and students of color have access to and are successful in college. Talking to students has been important for me to know what is important to them. I also volunteer to understand and represent perspectives that are not often present in executive spaces. I rely on my lived experience and try to be true to who I am while recognizing my perspective does not represent all people who may share characteristics with me.
How do you navigate the intersectionality of your identity as a Latina leader? In what ways do you leverage your cultural background and experiences to drive innovation and positive change within your organization?
I am a Chicana from Southern Colorado who misses the way green chile is prepared and the camaraderie of small, Catholic church festivals on summer evenings. I am a mother to two Denver Northsiders who embrace both their Mexican- and Italian-American roots. I try to recognize the beauty of different cultures, including my own, and leverage the strengths—like a collectivist rather than individual perspective—to advocate for positive change.
What advice would you give to aspiring Latinas who are looking to advance their careers and make an impact in their respective fields? What are the key qualities or skills that you believe are crucial for success in senior leadership roles?
Latinas are a powerful force, especially when we support one another. Believe in yourself and recognize you are destined for greatness. Hold true to your roots while taking advantage of every opportunity to better yourself: your education, your mental and physical health, your relationships. By prioritizing yourself, you are in a stronger position to advance your community. When you are able, advocate for the next generation. You are the leaders you have been waiting for. And don’t forget to have fun!

Ivette Dominguez

Dealer at Alpine Buick GMC

“I’m usually the only Latina in the room, so I use my position to help others.”

Ivette Dominguez, a first-generation dealer and daughter of Cuban immigrants, is the dealer/operator of seven General Motors, Ford, Acura, and Toyota dealerships. She oversees Denver's largest minority-owned business and Colorado's largest women-owned company. Recognized as a "Leading Woman in the North American Auto Industry" and one of Denver's Most Admired CEOs, Ivette mentors and advocates for women and minorities in the automotive industry. She purchased Alpine Buick GMC in 2005 and later expanded with managing partners Mike Drawe and Rick Jones, managing six dealerships across diverse brands. Committed to community partnerships, Ivette is a dedicated supporter of children's causes.
Can you share your journey and the key milestones that have led you to your current senior leadership position?
I started my career in automotive when I took a summer job at a BMW dealership in the 1990s. Few women were in the industry then, much less Latinas. But I loved the industry and worked hard, ultimately purchasing my first dealership, Alpine Buick GMC, in 2005. Today, we have seven dealerships in three states.
What unique challenges or opportunities have you encountered as a Latina leader along the way?
As one of the few Latinas in the industry, I have the unique privilege of providing opportunities for minorities and women. I was the first female chair of the GM Minority Dealer’s Advisory Council, representing the interests of Hispanic GM dealers, and mentored new minority dealer owners through the General Motors Minority Dealer Development Program. I’m usually the only Latina in the room, so I use my position to help others.
What strategies have you implemented to foster inclusivity and diversity within your organization or industry? How do you ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued at all levels?
I am a committed mentor to and advocate for women and minorities entering the field. Currently, two of seven of the group’s operating partners are women and approximately 65% of dealership leadership is female. We demonstrate the value and importance women have in the overall success of Alpine—we have women salespeople, service writers, managers, and administrative team members that are all passionate about the automotive retail experience. Our dealerships employ Spanish-speaking employees in every department. Half of Alpine’s salespeople speak Spanish, providing a supportive environment for non-native English speakers looking to purchase a vehicle.
How do you navigate the intersectionality of your identity as a Latina leader? In what ways do you leverage your cultural background and experiences to drive innovation and positive change within your organization?
My parents emigrated from Cuba to give my two sisters and me the opportunities not available in their native country. They brought us here so that we could get a solid education and create a successful career, so I always worked hard in school. As I moved into my career, I operated with the same ambition. My parents taught me to take risks, work hard and have passion in everything I do, core values I instill in our employees. They also taught me the importance of family, which sets Alpine apart for our employees, vendors and customers. We are a family. We support our employees through traditional means – salary, benefits, and a good working environment - but we also go out of our way to help them to be good parents and stewards of the community. We provide time off for volunteer work and create opportunities for staff to give back through our work with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Dumb Friends League and the many smaller charities we support.
What advice would you give to aspiring Latinas who are looking to advance their careers and make an impact in their respective fields? What are the key qualities or skills that you believe are crucial for success in senior leadership roles?
My advice, first and foremost, is to work hard and have passion in everything you do. Play to your strengths and don’t be afraid to take risks and ask questions from those that have the answers. Take time to give back to the community and the causes close to your heart.

Maria Jose Torres

Community Impact Officer at Rose Community Foundation

“You don't have to have it all figured out, life will take you places you aren't even thinking about right now.”

Maria Jose Torres is a community impact officer at Rose Community Foundation. Maria joined the Foundation in 2017, initially supporting the former program areas of education and aging, then managing the portfolio focused on child and family development. Torres moved to Colorado from San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 2011 to pursue her master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies. Maria has over 10 years of non-profit and philanthropy experience both in the United States and abroad. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for ACCCESO, the Spanish Language Advisory Board for the Denver Elections Division.
Who is a role model in your life and why?
My mom, she always tought my siblings and I to work for what we want and to advocate for ourselves.
How is your unique lived experience reflected in your position?
Being an immigrant to this country, it provides an extra layer of connection, specially when I'm building relationships with people who's first language is not English, specially with other immigrants from Spanish speaking countries. There's a special kind of bond when you meet someone who didn't grow up in this country, and calls home more than one place.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
You don't have to have it all figured out, life will take you places you aren't even thinking about right now.
What's your power song/reading/podcast?
The song is hard, probably a handful because more than power songs are songs that just make me feel good: Vuela mas alto (OV7), Despues de la playa (Bad Bunny), Calma (Pedro Capo) /right now anything by mexican author Laura Baeza / Femme Normal

Rhonda Castaneda

Golden Brewery Systems Manager at Molson Coors

“Again and again, I recognize that our best achievements are the result of amazing teamwork. It takes all of us, it really does.”

Rhonda Castaneda is a wife, mom and technology nerd. She is grateful to have a career in Information Technology that has spanned over 20 years and taken her across the globe. Her roles have varied from Network Engineer, Service Delivery Manager and now her current role as a Brewery Systems Manager at Molson Coors. Through her experience she is now leading in Informational technology and Operational technology steady state support for manufacturing environments. She is in the Golden Valley with an incredible team of Manufacturing Systems Engineers and MES Technicians at Molson Coors
Who is a role model in your life and why?
My Mom and my Mother-in-Law, both who are exceptionally strong, resilient, funny and wise women.
How is your unique lived experience reflected in your position?
A contributing part of my experience is being one of four siblings and because of that, I am able to strengthen work teams and improve our results by emphasizing the importance of working smart. I stress to my team about the importance of sharing openly and communicating effectively– especially during times of conflict. That way, when we cross the finish line, we can celebrate our accomplishments together. Again and again, I recognize that our best achievements are the result of amazing teamwork. It takes all of us, it really does.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
As a matter of priority, invest more time in to finding ways to have fun with the people you care about. That, and don’t underestimate the beautiful ripple effect of celebrating things big and small.
What's your favorite power song/reading/podcast?
Power song: Work by Rhianna (I’m dancing here at my desk just thinking about it)
Reading: Solito by Javier Zamora and Atomic Habits by James Clear
Podcast: This American Life (Science Friday is also within close reach)

Lesly Fajardo-Feaux

Program Officer at The Colorado Health Foundation

“Everything is possible if you just keep doing it. You are not perfect, you are a human being with a great potential and love for life”

Lesly brings over 20 years of diverse experience in governmental, nonprofit, and academic roles in Peru and Boulder, Colorado. From working as a World Bank contractor in Lima to facilitating community engagement programs, she has expertise in child and adolescent development, project management, and community outreach. Lesly's recent roles include serving as a community engagement specialist for Boulder County's immunization program and facilitating The Raising of America Partnership.
In her current position at the Colorado Health Foundation, she supports grant management and implementation of funding initiatives in southeast Colorado. Lesly is passionate about promoting equity and believes in providing all families with access to resources and opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with her husband and two children. As a first-generation college student, Lesly is dedicated to instilling values of equity and justice in her family and community.
Who is a role model in your life and why?
My mother. She is one most determined, perseverant and with high levels of empathy. I could not have a better role model. She moved to this country at age 58 with little English and with big dreams. She runs her own business, bought her house and it is well-known in the Sewing alterations business in where she lives. She never gives up, she always is looking for more, that includes to teach other low-income Latinas women how to sew so they can become entrepreneurs in the alterations business and provide for their family.
How is your unique lived experience reflected in your position?
I come from poverty. I witnessed my parents struggled to feed us every day when were kids. My mom always said to me “Education is the key to get out of poverty”, also she said “Never forget where you came from and how to help others”
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
“Everything is possible just keep doing it. You are not perfect, you are human being with a great potential and love for life”
What's your power song/reading/podcast?
Song: Diego Torres – Color Esperanza

Briana Fernandez Luna

Assistant Vice President at Alpine Bank

“Not everyone is going to like you, and that is ok. Don’t dim your light because others are afraid of a little fire.”

Briana Fernandez Luna was born and raised in Gypsum Colorado, a small town in western Colorado. She is currently an assistant Vice President at Alpine Bank and has been with Alpine Bank for over 9 years. She started as a teller and has moved her way up to where she is now. Given the knowledge and experience She has gained throughout her different roles at the bank, she is very passionate about passing on that knowledge to the Latino community. Outside of work, Briana volunteers her time teaching financial literacy classes in Spanish and teaches classes on credit and loans. She is a true Coloradan at heart, in her free time she loves to be outdoors, whether that is hiking, paddle boarding or riding bikes.
Who is a role model in your life and why?
My mom is my biggest role model. Life has thrown some crazy things at her, and she has always handled them with grace and strength. She taught me to be independent, fight for what I want and to always do the right thing. Because of her, I have worked and fought to be where I am now and will continue to work hard. She taught me that life may not always be “fair” but good things come to those who are willing to push a little more than expected.
How is your unique lived experience reflected in your position?
Being Latina, growing up, finances were never discussed in my household. I didn’t have the concept of a budget, tracking expenses, credit, or loans. After graduating high school, I randomly applied to be a bank teller because I needed a job while attending community college. As I grew in my career as a banker, I began to learn more about the banking system in the US, credit and the importance of credit, different loan options like credit cards, mortgages, business loans, etc. I saw that there were a lot of resources around financial literacy, but only in English. Realizing there was such a need for financial literacy in Spanish, I took all of the knowledge I had gained in my career and wanted to share that with my community. I currently serve as the only bilingual lending officer for Alpine Bank in the Front Range, and I help clients buy their first home, provide business loans to continue growing their businesses, or provide them a loan on their first investment property. If my clients are not quite ready to make a big purchase, I provide them guidance and coaching on how to get to that milestone.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to not be afraid of standing out. As I navigated through college and early on in my career, I was usually one of the only Latinos in the room. For so long I tried to hide my authentic self so I could fit in better with everyone else. So, if I could give my younger self any advice, I would say “be unapologetically you”. Not everyone is going to like you, and that is ok. Do not dim your light because others are afraid of a little fire.
What's your power song/reading/podcast?
I have a few:
Song: Selena- La Carcacha (because no matter what, we can always keep going, like Selena sings “Paso a pasito”
Podcast: Se Regalan Dudas
Reading: The subtle art of not giving a FXXX

Jerilynn Martinez Francis

Chief Communications and Community Partnerships Officer at The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

“Show up, be willing to learn, and work hard will pay-off in dividends.”

Jerilynn Martinez Francis is member of CHFA’s executive team, leading the organization’s communications, public policy, community relations, marketing, and corporate giving functions. Jerilynn has more than 20 years of experience in housing policy, communications, and community relations. She joined CHFA in 2007 and has been a member of its leadership team since 2013. She is regarded as a leader in the housing policy space, with accomplishments including guiding CHFA’s nationally recognized policy efforts to renew Colorado’s state Affordable Housing Tax Credit program. Jerilynn is a fourth-generation Colorado native. Prior to her work with CHFA, she was the vice president of public affairs for the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. She received her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s degree from the University of Denver. She resides in Watkins with her husband, two dogs, and beloved chickens.
Who is a role model in your life and why?
I am most inspired by my parents. Both grew up in small towns in rural Colorado and in large families without lots of money or resources available to them. Through hard work and honest determination, they built a loving and safe home for our family. I admire their spirit and the example of pride, dignity, and human-kindness they set for themselves and others. I’m grateful they raised me with the belief that I could dream and accomplish anything I set my mind to. They never set limits on me due to my gender, race, or socio-economic status and because of that it never occurred to me to see those as barriers either.
How is your unique lived experience reflected in your position?
My unique lens is influenced not only by my Hispanic ethnicity, but also as a woman in male-dominated industries of construction and finance, as well as having family from rural and urban regions of Colorado, and my faith which guides my mission to serve others. When I was named as a member of CHFA’s Executive Team, I realized that I am among less than five percent of C-Suite executives in the United States who are Hispanic. So while I always used my personal lens to challenge assumptions that may be based on fear or misunderstanding of the places, people, and cultures that make me feel pride and love, when I transitioned to my role as a C-suite executive I became aware of my elevated responsibility to encourage others to do the same with their lens.
What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Let your light shine! Stay focused on what matters and power on. Showing up, being willing to learn, and working hard will pay-off in dividends.
What's your power song/reading/podcast?
power songs – Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez and Put A Little Love In Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon

Latina Leadership Spotlight