Inclusive Excellence Champion
Daniela Sanchez
Daniela was born and raised in Colombia, and she has been living in the United States for the past three years. She is pursuing a degree in the Translation and Interpretation program at CCA and is a first-generation college student with aspirations of working in the medical field to improve medical service accessibility for Spanish speakers and providing consecutive interpretation services at conferences. Daniela had the opportunity to live in Germany for a year and a half and visit other countries, which sparked her interest in other cultures. She is working for the Community ESL department as a work-study, where she has been growing personally and professionally, gaining more experience for her career. Daniela sees herself as a liaison, helping to connect current and prospective students with helpful information to embark on their academic journeys or connect with information resources that may help them in other aspects of their lives. She also shares valuable information through the CESL student newsletter to keep students up to date on job opportunities, activities, and events. Besides, she’s a martial arts enthusiast, practicing Muay Thai and recently started jiu-jitsu classes. When not training, Daniela loves spending time with her husband and her two dogs.
Rising Star Awards
Elmer Hernandez
Elmer Hernandez is a first-generation college student from Aurora, Colorado, pursuing a Computer Science degree at the Community College of Aurora. His current role as a Digital Strategy Intern in the college’s Department of Strategic Communications highlights his commitment to leveraging technology to enhance campus life and communication. Here, he has been instrumental in projects such as the development of a fully immersive Spanish website, leading the migration of the student/staff portal to a more efficient system, and enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of the college’s web pages. Before stepping into the digital realm, Elmer dedicated his efforts to the college’s Student Advocacy department, where he managed the administrative tasks for the online mental health program, connected students with resources, and aided in the development of a resource database. Elmer has also had the honor of serving in student government as the Senator of Academic Success and STEM. In his role, he aided in many initiatives that would enrich the student experience, such as establishing a bookstore scholarship for students who were often overlooked by the traditional financial aid system and organizing a STEM Career Fair aimed at providing STEM students with internship opportunities. Outside of his studies and work, Elmer enjoys hiking, traveling, working out, and delving into Islamic studies whenever he can.
Husani Pessima
Husani Pessima is a 20-year-old CCA student pursuing an Associates of Science. They were born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and moved to Colorado in 2013 with their family, where they’ve been since. Graduating from Eaglecrest Highschool in 2021 with the AP Honors Award, Zani has an apt devotion to the pursuit of knowledge, and wanting to use that knowledge to better their community. They’ve participated in African leadership organizations, and are an active small business vendor at the Denver Magick Makers Market, where they sell their handmade wares and jewelry. Zani has been enamored by visual arts since they were young. Designing and creating are one of their many strengths. Alongside a love for natural sciences and plant life, Zani’s green thumb led them to delve into horticulture, developing fascination for the way humans navigate across the planet, with countless things still needing to be understood and researched. With a devoted passion to science and the arts, Zani has been actively pursuing a career choice that blends the two, landing onto Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Bioengineering. They intend to transfer to a four-year university, where they can pursue their Bachelor’s degree. Zani’s adaptability, creativity, and eagerness to learn has further pushed them to pursue engineering, a vast field with various roles to fill, and no shortage of need for innovative minds.
Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team
Academic Transfer Students
Sydney Pedregon
Bio and Picture not available.
State Student Advisory Council
Guadalupe Zuniga Solis, Representative
Guadalupe Zuniga Solis is a Mexican-American First-generation student, pursuing her Associate of Arts in Psychology at the Community College of Aurora. She will graduate in May 2024 and start her new college career at Metropolitan State University of Denver in the fall of 2024. While at Community College of Aurora, Guadalupe engaged in her institution’s Student Government Association as the State Student Advisory Council Representative. She also engaged in the Community College of Aurora’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a chapter officer. Guadalupe is also a proud TRIO student at her institution. She is also a recipient of the Community College of Aurora’s Amazon Presidential Scholarship, Aurora Gives Scholarship, COSI Scholarship, and the Colorado Community College System Stone Family Foundation Scholarship. Guadalupe’s current educational goal is to accomplish her Bachelor’s in Social Work, allowing her to pursue her career as a high school social worker. Her drive of motivation and determination are her immigrant parents and three younger sisters. Guadalupe hopes to motivate younger people in marginalized communities by sharing her story and experiences as a first-generation student. She hopes to be able to give back to Community College of Aurora after she graduates, by engaging in activities and events as an alumni. She is beyond thankful for her time at Community College of Aurora and all the people she was able to include in her support system while being there.