Meet with a Current ODA Student

Hello! My name is Alexa Flores, and I am majoring in Marketing and pursuing a Global Business Certificate. As I continue exploring my interests at Leeds, I hope to further expand my areas of emphasis. I expect to graduate in May 2029. 

At CU Boulder, I am actively involved in the Opening Doors to Achievement (ODA) community, where I serve as an ODA representative and mentor students through the ODA Mentorship Program. I also serve as a Leeds Ambassador and am involved in  the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the AI Club. 

I attended Skyline High School in Longmont, where I was involved in La Raza, DECA, cheerleading, the Aspire Program, and yearbook. Those experiences helped me develop my passion for leadership and community involvement. As a first-generation Latina college student, my family has always been one of my greatest sources of support and encouragement. Growing up, they emphasized the importance of pursuing higher education and taking advantage of the opportunities it can create. Their support has inspired my passion for giving back to my community and helping other students navigate their own educational journeys. 

I am especially excited to support students as they navigate challenging, unfamiliar or overwhelming experiences in college. Having faced many new situations myself as a first-generation student, I understand how meaningful it can be to have someone to turn to for guidance. I hope to remind students that they are not alone, that asking for help is a strength, and that there is a community at Leeds ready to support them as they find their path. 

My name is Brandon Diaz, studying Finance and Business Analytics with a minor in Creative Technology and Design, with an expected graduation date of May 2029. Outside of the Diverse Scholars Program, I work as a sustainable transportation content creator for Parking & Transportation Services, serve as an Opening Doors to Achievement Representative, serve as a mentor for the Business Leadership Program, and I actively participate as the vice president of marketing for Scholars of Finance. I am an Eco-Reps Sustainability Leader, an Excel Scholar, and a Norlin Scholar. 

Before college, my high school background focused on leadership, academic engagement and community involvement, recognized through achievements like the Biliteracy Certificate. As a first-generation student, those experiences shaped my dedication to creating inclusive, supportive environments for others. I am truly excited to support students by helping them navigate academic and career development, build confidence in their skills, and connect with meaningful resources across campus. 

My name is Briseyda Hoyos, studying Accounting and Real Estate with a minor in leadership, with an expected graduation date of May 2029. Outside of the Diverse Scholars Program, I work as a social media fellow for the President Leadership Class and serve as an Opening Doors to Achievement representative. I am a member of the CU Real Estate and MBSA club as well as the President Leadership Class, and I am a Call to Action full-ride scholarship recipient. Before college, I held leadership positions in the National Honors Society, AVID, and actively participated in Upward Bound, student council and a sustainability club. Here, I earned recognition for my efforts and was awarded the Call to Action scholarship. 

Coming from a low-income household as a first-generation student, I am dedicated to making a safe, comfortable environment for my peers so they can find a sense of belonging within their college journey. I am extremely excited to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, and show them the opportunities college has to offer.

My name is Irving Sanchez, and I’m majoring in Accounting and Finance with an expected graduation in May 2028. On campus, I'm involved in the fraternity Beta Gamma Nu as a new member educator and in public relations. Before college, I earned an associate's degree and a Microsoft application certificate. Being a first-generation student and coming from a low-income background, I'm passionate about student success. I’m excited to help students by sharing resources that guided me through my first year, whether that’s with financial or academic tools. 

• Minor: Leadership Studies 

• Year: Junior 

• Graduation: May 2028 

• Co-Founder of Enhancing Colorado Landscapes LLC. 

• Member of the President's Leadership Class and Summer Bridge Program. 

• Student Staff/ Peer Advisor for the Office of Precollege Outreach and Engagement.

• President of Beta Gamma Nu Fraternity Inc. 

• High School: Silver Creek High School 

• High School Involvement: Varsity Soccer, Track & Field, Football. FBLA, Silver Creek Leadership Academy (SCLA), and an Internship with the Latino Chamber of Commerce.  

• First-Gen Latino 

Hello! My name is Kimmy Van, and I am a first-generation student here at CU Boulder. I am studying Business Analytics and Management Information Systems with a minor in Leadership. Outside of the Diverse Scholars Program, I am involved in Alpha Kappa Psi, one of our business fraternities on campus, and in Residence Life, where I work as an RA. I am also a mentor through our program at Leeds. In high school, I was involved in National Honor Society, SkillsUSA, and I am a choreographer for Vietnamese traditional dancing. I am excited to help students grow, learn and explore diverse opportunities while assisting them with questions they may have!

Hello, my name is Sara Molina-Slheep. I am majoring in both Finance & Accounting and expect to graduate in May 2029. I am involved in the Diverse Scholars Program, vice president of membership for a business fraternity called Phi Gamma Nu, and a member of the Multicultural Business Students Association. I work as a representative for the Opening Doors to Achievement Office and as a head cashier at The Home Depot. In high school, I was president of DECA and FBLA and the manager for two student-run school stores. I am a first-generation student who came from a low-income background and moved from Colombia. I am excited to get to know you and act as a mentor as you navigate the journey of college! 

I’m Yahelie, studying Marketing with an expected graduation in May 2029. As a first-generation, low-income Mexican-American student, navigating college is a journey I’m passionate about sharing. Beyond being involved in the Diverse Scholars Program, I’m involved with Business Engineering Women in Technology (BeWit) and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), building on a high school foundation in PTECH, DECA, La Raza, Opportunity CLIMB and girls soccer. I’m so excited to help you find your support system here at Leeds and motivate you to confidently pursue the opportunities that fit your vision!