The First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Business Program is a comprehensive program designed to increase support and opportunities for first-generation college and multicultural students. FaM is unique to the CU Denver Business School. It is a program for students of any race or any racial background which we define as multicultural. The students we serve, 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 cultivates a thriving ecosystem where the inherent strengths of every student are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated, fostering a shared journey towards 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 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.
Information is based on the November 2024 interview date.
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.
Information is based on the February 2023 interview date.
Alex Nguyen
2024 Graduate | Information Systems
"Talking to the employees helped me realize that everyone starts at different points in life, but there’s always an opportunity to gain experience, no matter our majors, interests, or knowledge.”
Click here to read Alex's full student bio.
Information is based on the May 2023 interview date.
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.
Information is based on the February 2024 interview date.
FaM Mentor Spotlight
Casey Zeringue
Casey Zeringue is a former veteran and entrepreneur who now serves as Vice President and Branch Manager at Charles Schwab. A self-starter, Casey began his college journey in his late 20s after four years of military service and six years as a private security contractor. Inspired by his father's belief that intelligence is a lifelong asset, he graduated from CU Boulder’s business school and went on to found two security firms and a hair salon before joining Schwab.
In his career at Schwab, Casey has held various roles, including client-facing advisor and stockbroker, before rising to his current position. Throughout his journey, he has upheld the values of ownership and accountability, principles instilled in him during his military service. Casey also values a diverse team, recognizing that differences in socioeconomic backgrounds and upbringings enrich his perspective and help him grow as a leader.
Casey was recommended to join the FaM program as a mentor by two Schwab executives who serve as its executive sponsors. Through them, he met program director Nimol Hen, who helped him achieve his goal of becoming an ally to students. For the past two years, Casey has offered guidance and empowerment to students from various backgrounds, believing that there is no greater power than helping one another.
Outside of his professional career, Casey focuses on work-life integration rather than balance. He is deeply committed to his role as a father, finding immense joy in raising his son. He also enjoys outdoor activities, golf, fitness, and reading, which help him recharge and stay grounded.
To all FaM students, Casey offers this advice:
“Pick a person, an author, actor/actress, a politician, pick someone who you look up to. They received help at some point. As hard as it is to accept the help, you have to do it.”
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)
I'm a proud first-generation college graduate from Denver with a background in social work and a passion for educational equity. After earning my degrees from CSU Fort Collins and MSU Denver, I now serve as the Program Manager for the FaM Business Program at CU Denver, where I support first-gen and multicultural students in becoming confident, equity-driven leaders.
I care deeply about building inclusive, data-informed systems that amplify underrepresented voices and drive meaningful change. As I continue expanding my training in the nonprofit sector, I’m always eager to learn from others. If you’re open to sharing your story or connecting around equity in education, I’d love to hear from you.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, coaching youth sports, trying new recipes, and spending time with loved ones, including my pup, Leia.
Contact: Dominique.Maes@ucdenver.edu
Upcoming Events and Announcements
The 2025-2026 FaM Program application is now open.
Interested students should apply between 3/1/25 and 6/1/25.
https://tinyurl.com/FaM-Student-Application
