Maria Genao-Homs, Ed.D.

Dr. Genao-Homs provides oversight of the key programs areas that comprise the core of The Center: Intercultural Engagement, Pride, Education and Social Change and 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’ professional 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 an immigrant, second-language English speaker, and first-generation 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, all things food-related, lifting heavy weights and believes Pitbull pups are the cutest!