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
Chris Toole
FaM mentor, Chris Toole, has played a key role in mentoring students and strengthening the partnership between FaM and Ovintiv. Currently a manager on the reporting team in Denver, Chris has been with Ovintiv since graduating from Kansas University, where he interned in Denver and knew it was the right place to start his career. Through Ovintiv’s rotational program, he has had the unique opportunity to work in six different finance roles within the same company.
Though Chris is neither first-generation nor multicultural, he is deeply committed to supporting those who are. His involvement with FaM began when his VP introduced him to Nimol Hen, program director, during its early days. When FaM sought career mentors, Chris was one of the first to volunteer, and since then, his involvement has only grown. He has helped host corporate site visits for students at Ovintiv and is assisting with FaM’s new Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program, a longer-term internship that enables students to work during the academic year. He understands that many students work full-time jobs to support their education and that traditional internships do not work for everyone.
Over time, Chris has witnessed the full-circle impact of the FaM Program. A student who attended one of the initial site visits at Ovintiv is now a full-time employee with the company. Another one of his FaM mentees recently joined his team as an intern. This partnership has proven fulfilling not only for the students but also for Ovintiv and Chris.
Outside of work and mentorship, Chris enjoys golfing, riding motorcycles, and spending time with his family. He frequently visits family in Kansas and Oklahoma for lakeside vacations and is a fan of Kansas University basketball and football, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs.
To current and future FaM students, Chris offers this advice,
“Make sure to pursue an internship while in school. A lot of people think they know what they want to do or have a good idea, but an internship gives real-world exposure. Even if the company isn’t the right fit, other employers will look favorably on that experience.”
Nimol Hen, Executive 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
Nicole Lovato, Project Manager (Pronouns: She/Her)
Nicole Lovato is thrilled to return to her alma mater and join the “FaM” - First-Generation and Multicultural (FaM) Program as Project Manager where she will support inclusive student success initiatives and alumni engagement efforts. Previously, she led the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver, overseeing program operations, recruitment, and high-touch experiential learning from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Some of her prior leadership roles include Director of Programs at the DU Latino Leadership Institute, Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Denver Public Schools, Director of the Stock Market Experience program at the CO Council for Economic Education and Marketing Director at the Second Wind Fund. In addition to her work in education & nonprofit management, Nicole has over a decade experience in bank management and real estate, as well as, six years as the Cancion Mexicana on-air host for Jazz 89.3fm KUVO.
Nicole holds an M.P.A. in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management and a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Spanish, both from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a proud alumna of CU Denver and the DU Latino Leadership Institute. She is also a dedicated board member for Su Teatro and Trendlines.
A fifth-generation Colorado native and the first female in her family to complete college education, Nicole is deeply passionate about serving and creating transformational opportunity for those in pursuit of education, business and community leadership – YOU! She considers the opportunity to support you and your future one of the greatest honors of her life and cannot wait to work closely with you!
Contact: Nicole.Lovato@ucdenver.edu
