Maria Castro Barajas, Ed.D. (She/Her/Ella)

Maria serves as the Director of the Bridge Scholars Program under the Office of Precollege Outreach & Engagement at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has a deep commitment to supporting first-generation students in their educational journey. Her lived experience as a first-generation precollegiate student provides her with a unique perspective, allowing her to understand and appreciate the community cultural wealth that these students bring to higher education.

The initiatives Maria has developed and implemented have been tailored to address the specific challenges faced by first-generation students, focusing on both academic success and overall, well-being. Her passion for providing access to higher education has translated into tangible opportunities that empower these students to navigate and thrive in the academic environment.

Being a Colorado native, Maria’s strong connection to the local community further enhance her ability to address the specific needs and challenges faced by students in the region. This local understanding is invaluable in creating programs and support systems that resonate with the community. Maria’s extensive 25 years of experience in nonprofits, higher education, student, and community organizations contribute significantly to her effectiveness as a transformational leader. Her background equips her with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complex landscape of higher education and community engagement. She plays a key role in driving positive change and creating an inclusive and supportive environment for first-generation underrepresented students.

Maria is also a champion to her colleagues by taking the lead in the Adelante Latina/x/o Staff and Faculty Affinity group at CU. She actively contributes to fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the university. She is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion not only among students but also among the staff and faculty at the university. Which will ultimately provide a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy, contributing to a more supportive and empowering environment at the university. Maria's involvement in leading various boards serving the Colorado community underscores her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the university campus.

Maria's role as the founding mother and president of the first Latina sorority, Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc., at the University of Colorado Boulder is a testament to her leadership, commitment, and dedication to fostering a sense of community and support among Latina students. The focus on developing a strong sisterhood and educational support network that preserves Latina culture is a valuable contribution to the university's cultural and social fabric.

In addition to her volunteer work, Maria participated in the National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) Fellowship Program. Being selected as one of only 20 women in the U.S for this program.  This fellowship provided her with valuable insights, skills and connections that further enhanced her capacity as a leader. Maria is a graduate of two prestigious leadership development programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government Executive Leadership Program and the Center for Creative Leadership Executive Leadership Program. These programs enhanced her leadership abilities by gaining exposure to cutting edge leadership theories, opportunities to network with fellow professionals in the leadership field and acquire practical skills she has applied in her various leadership roles.

Maria received her Doctor of Education in Leadership for Education Equity in Latinx school communities from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Science certificate in human resource integration, a Master of Science degree in management from Regis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications, with a minor in Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver.