Maria Genao-Homs, Ed.D.

Dr. Genao-Homs provides oversight of the key program areas that comprise the core of The Center: 

• Intercultural Engagement
• Pride
• Education and Social Change
• First-Generation Programs and Enrichment 

In this inaugural, student-centered role, she serves as an advocate for students from historically marginalized identities by leading the development of a department vision, strategy and accompanying initiatives to encourage a systemic and inclusive campus culture that celebrates and respects the unique qualities of all its members. 

Prior to her role at CU Boulder, she has served at various higher education institutions across the United States. Dr. Genao-Homs works through a lens of intersectionality to advocate for institutional policy that encourages the persistence, well-being and retention of historically underserved student populations. Her efforts have been recognized on the national stage. In 2022, Dr. Genao-Homs was the recipient of the NASPA Bobby E. Leach Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award. 

Dr. Genao-Homs’ practitioner-scholar interests include understanding how power dynamics manifest and persist in educational institutions, the experiences of first-generation students and intercultural dialogue. Her approach is informed by her own lived experiences as a multiracial immigrant, second-language English speaker and first-generation college student. 

Hailing from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, she earned her Doctor of Education at New York University; Master of Arts at the University of Colorado Boulder; and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida. In her spare time, Dr. Genao-Homs loves a good laugh, exploring the world through travel and food, lifting heavy weights and believes Pitbull pups are the cutest!