Newsroom

Every semester, the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) celebrates outstanding graduates who embody resilience, passion, and purpose. This fall, three outstanding graduates remind us why education—and those who pursue it—can change lives.

Sofia Montanez-Trujillo: Advocating Through Empathy

Sofia Montanez-Trujillo celebrates her achievement on the steps of a historic building, wearing her graduation cap and sash with pride.

For Sofia Montanez-Trujillo, earning her BS in Human Development and Family Relations (HDFR) was more than a degree. It was a purposeful step toward making a difference. Growing up as a first-generation daughter of immigrant parents in Greeley, Sofia witnessed the challenges marginalized communities face. “I want to advocate for people whose voices are often overlooked,” she says.

CU Denver offered the perfect balance of familiarity and new opportunities. “It was close to home but gave me the change I needed,” Sofia explains. In the HDFR program, she found professors who cared deeply and integrated real-world issues into every lesson. “Professor Ruben Viramontez Anguiano taught me the importance of advocating not only for myself but for others.”

What’s next? Montanez-Trujillo is diving into a medical assistant program in January while gaining patient-care experience. Her ultimate goal: becoming a physicial assistant-certified or a physician. “I want to help people—especially those who never have the support they deserve.” With empathy as her compass, she is charting a future where care and advocacy go hand in hand.

Aaron Valle: Building Inclusive Classrooms

Aaron Valle celebrates his achievement as an Outstanding Graduate in Education and Human Development, proudly wearing a vibrant serape stole that honors his heritage and journey at CU Denver.

When Aaron Valle began his BA in Education and Human Development, he was excited and uncertain what his path to becoming a teacher would look like. That uncertainty would substantially vanish when he joined CU Denver's NxtGen Teacher Education Program. "That email accepting me into the NxtGen program changed everything," he recalls. "Over the following years, I became part of a community/family that supported me through tough times and provided me with the tools I needed to be the best teacher I could be.”

Through NxtGen and his placement at North High School, Valle found mentors who shaped his journey—Carla Cariño, Megan Taylor, Elizabeth Campbell, Chris Carson, German Echevarria, and many more. “They treated me like family and watched me grow,” he says. These experiences prepared him to foster classrooms where every student feels included and empowered. As he looks ahead, Valle is exploring an opportunity to continue at North High School for the second half of the school year—and hopefully well into the future. “I’m ready to help meet Colorado’s need for more great teachers.”

Jo Hazelton: Creating Spaces Where People Feel Seen

Jo Hazelton, Outstanding Graduate in Counseling, reflects on their journey at CU Denver—a path defined by advocacy, community, and a commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen.

For Jo Hazelton (they/them), graduating with an MA in Counseling is the culmination of a three-year journey fueled by purpose. “There is real power in sitting with someone and bearing witness to their life,” Hazelton reflects. Having experienced firsthand the life-saving impact of therapy, Jo felt inspired to become that safe space for others.

CU Denver’s MA in Counseling stood out for its rigor and heart. “The practicum experience was unique and rigorous,” Hazelton says. “Students provide counseling while receiving immediate feedback from supervisors.” Hazelton also cherishes their time as a student success coach in SEHD’s Student Success Center, supporting peers, especially The Partnership for Rural Teacher Education (T-PREP) students, who are committed to serving Colorado communities.

After graduation, Hazelton will join iAmClinic, an LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling practice in downtown Denver, where they completed their clinical internship. “I’m grateful to continue providing therapy to my queer community and to learn from some of the best in the field.” Their advice for future students? “Ask questions, be nosy, and make yourself uncomfortable—that’s where growth happens.”

Montanez-Trujillo, Valle, and Hazelton represent the heart of SEHD: empathy, advocacy, and community. As they step into new roles in health care, education, and counseling, they carry forward the values that define our school. Their stories remind us that when education meets purpose, the possibilities are limitless.