The First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program is a comprehensive program designed to increase support and opportunities for first-generation college students and multicultural students. FaM is unique to the CU Denver Business School. We serve students from all backgrounds who in turn help meet market demands for highly skilled and innovative thinkers and doers. We strive to help students access a wide range of opportunities and networks such as paid internships, expanded personal and professional communities, and leadership development. FaM also provides career/alumni mentorship, access to tuition scholarships, year-round programming, and many opportunities to engage in learning experiences - both in and outside the classroom - that help students successfully navigate their future career fields.
FaM establishes an active and vibrant culture of inclusion that identifies students' strengths and fosters excellence. We recognize and intentionally address historical institutional barriers to student success by strengthening connections with Business School and campus-wide resources, engaging with industry partners, and lowering barriers to a wide spectrum of learning and growth opportunities.
What We Do
FaM is more than just an additional resource for first-generation and diverse students - it is a place to call home, where students are part of a validating environment that values their identity, accelerates their success, and deepens community. We support students' college completion by focusing on enhanced experiential learning opportunities, bolstering financial stability through paid internships, and increased access to academic support and career readiness programming that helps launch them into their careers after graduation.
Interested in Joining FaM?
FaM students have access to a closet of gently used professional attire, free of charge. Students in the program can request items to borrow for interviews, luncheons, site visits, dinners, awards ceremonies, presentations, conferences, and so on. Some of the items we have in the closet are: blazers, dresses/skirts, suits, slacks, shirts/blouses, handbags, ties, scarves, shoes, purses, and more, in a variety sizes and colors.
If you are interested in donating business attire to the FaM Closet, please email fam.business@ucdenver.edu or drop off items in the donation bin outside the elevators on the first floor of the business school located at 1475 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80238. If you are requesting a receipt for a donation valued at $500 or more, contact fam.business@ucdenver.edu for more information. CU follows IRS regulations when it comes to this documentation.
FaM Student Spotlight
Hayden Storms
Senior | Marketing
Hayden encourages students to step outside their comfort zones. Whether that means talking to a professor, joining a club, or attending an event. He notes, “No one has to go through this journey alone, and there’s strength in recognizing when you need assistance. Your hard work will pay off, and you’re capable of achieving more than you realize.”
Click here to read Hayden's full student bio.
Liz Vance
2024 Graduate | Marketing and Info Systems
“The FaM program helped connect me to scholarships and people who were able to provide me with guidance, advice, and support. I applied for as many scholarships and programs as I could through the business school. Being open, honest, and transparent feels like a challenge sometimes - but doing so has provided me with countless scholarships, grants, and opportunities to learn from others who have found success after being in shoes like mine.”
Click here to read Liz's full student bio.
Aron Castrejon
2024 Graduate | Finance
“The FaM ended up being a catalyst for everything else I've been doing. From the clubs that I've joined, and the people I've met, the doors that have opened have been directly because of the FaM program. Recently, I joined the finance and marketing clubs, serving as treasurer in the latter. Seeing CU Denver's excellent campus engagement, I wanted to extend that experience to fellow students. As a co-lead for live music events in the campus activities team, I'm doing just that. These experiences have also helped me secure internships.”
Click here to read Aron's full student bio.
Lily Balderas-Lujan
Junior | Finance
“Difficult times are inevitable, but you will always come out stronger and better equipped. I also hope that everyone remembers that just because our paths and backgrounds may be different from the majority, that doesn’t make us any less capable or worthy of achieving all our dreams. Keep working hard to achieve all your dreams and goals.”
Click here to read Lily's full student bio.
FaM Mentor Spotlight
Gordon Hamby
Gordon Hamby, founder of Sunny Boy Foundation, brings deep passion to the FaM Program, mentoring students each year since the program's inception. Introduced by FaM Director Nimol Hen, Gordon has guided many students, helping them define their goals and achieve success, with notable mentee accomplishments such as launching community initiatives and pursuing graduate studies. Last May, he received the Outstanding FaM Mentor Award in recognition of his impactful work and the heartfelt nominations from his mentees.
Beyond FaM, Gordon leads the Sunny Boy Foundation, using music and storytelling to inspire children and instill resilience. His journey of self-discovery and giving back fuels his commitment to uplifting others.
Gordon advises first-generation and multicultural students: “Be courageous. Tap into available resources and support and remember—vulnerability is strength. It allows you to grow and connect meaningfully.”
Nimol Hen, Director (Pronouns: She/Her)
Thank you for visiting our FaM page! My name is Nimol Hen (click on the audio name badge below to hear how I pronounce my name!).
Having arrived in the US as a child refugee, I am a proud first-generation college graduate. Like many first-gen'ers and students of color, I would not be where I am today without the champions I met along my academic journey who helped me access the resources I needed to thrive as a student and complete my degree. Most importantly, they believed in me and helped me see my own potential, and for that I will always be grateful. I now hold a master’s degree in public administration. I am incredibly humbled to have this opportunity to serve, and advocate for, our students through the FaM program. I look forward to seeing you in person or virtually!
Contact: Nimol.Hen@ucdenver.edu
Dominique Maes, Program Manager (Pronouns: She/Her)
Growing up in Denver, CO, I was fortunate to have the support of dedicated professionals who encouraged me to pursue higher education. I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college and grateful for the community of diverse learners that helped me earn my Bachelor's degree in Social Work from CSU Fort Collins. I continued my education at MSU Denver where I was able to delve deeper into my passion for empowering underrepresented students in higher education. As the Program Manager for the FaM Business Program, I'm honored to support the growth of first-generation and multicultural leaders in business. Watching our students gain knowledge and confidence is a joy, and celebrating their success never gets old. When I'm not working, I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, creating art, and spending time with loved ones, including my pup, Leia.
Contact: Dominique.Maes@ucdenver.edu
