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When Amy Moreno-Sherwood stepped into her role as Director of the��Broadening Opportunity through Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Center in 2022, she brought with her not only a strong variety of experiences in higher education, but a personal understanding of what it means to navigate college as a first-generation student in STEM.��

Now, she’s being recognized across the entire University of Colorado system for her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.

Moreno-Sherwood is the recipient of the 2025��, one of the university’s highest honors for individuals that go above and beyond to build inclusive and empowering communities. The annual awards celebrate those who have made significant contributions to removing barriers and embedding inclusivity into the CU community.��

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science said Moreno-Sherwood’s unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the college community.��

“Amy’s leadership of the BOLD Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students of all backgrounds,” Molenaar said. “Amy’s dedication and innovative approach are truly inspiring. Her recognition with the President’s Inclusive Excellence Award is a testament to her exceptional contributions.”

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Moreno-Sherwood has called CU Boulder home since 2010, holding a variety of student-facing and leadership roles across campus before joining the��College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2019.��

She earned degrees in Animal Science and Cultural Anthropology from Iowa State University, along with a master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and also holds a graduate certificate in Engineering Leadership and Management from CU Boulder.

As the CU Boulder campus honoree, Moreno-Sherwood’s leadership of the BOLD Center has elevated efforts to support engineering students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Through scholarships, mentoring, academic services and student societies, the BOLD Center supports CU Engineering students to thrive personally and academically while preparing them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.��

Now, in a full-circle moment, she leads the kind of program that helped shape her own journey in STEM.

We sat down with Amy to talk about how her personal journey informs her leadership, what drives her work and why inclusion is more than a goal, it’s a daily practice.

What first drew you to this kind of work in higher education?

Growing up, we didn’t have much. My parents were working class and childcare wasn’t always accessible, but we were given the space to explore the world around us. I was always curious about science, nature and how things worked and I carried that with me.

I was also the first in my immediate family to go to college. My mom got her GED and I remember being inspired by the teachers who believed in me. I always knew education could be life-changing. That belief never left me.

I ended up going to a research university not far from home, though I’d never set foot on the campus before. I was part of a multicultural scholars program and paired with a mentor I’m still in touch with today. Being in that program and studying science, just soaking up everything I could about the natural world, opened my eyes to how education could transform not only my life, but the lives of others.

Eventually, one of my professors asked me, “have you thought about working with students?” And that was the spark. I originally thought I’d become a secondary education teacher, but I kept coming back to higher education. It was a space where I could make an impact, helping others navigate access and gain opportunities.

What do people often misunderstand about leadership work in higher education?

It’s ongoing, it impacts people and never feels complete. This work isn’t something you turn on

��just from 9 to 5. It’s about constantly asking yourself, “how can I improve the places and communities I’m a part of?” It takes intention, care and self-reflection every day.

The work is also challenging. There are moments where you have to decenter yourself, really consider others’ perspectives and experiences, and that’s not always easy with the volume of work that there is to do. Sometimes the right or supportive thing is also the most uncomfortable or difficult thing. You need courage to keep showing up. That’s why it’s so important to stay rooted in your values and keep going.

You’ve been doing this kind of work for over two decades. What keeps you grounded and inspired?

Being in higher ed for 25 years now, I’ve had the privilege of working with many students, many of whom come from all backgrounds. What keeps me going is that connection to their stories and dreams.

When I reflect on my own college experience, I didn’t know I was first-generation until someone told me. I didn’t know I was navigating systems that weren’t built for me until I was in them. So now, when I see students who show up at the BOLD Center with all the potential in the world, I want to make sure we’re creating an environment where they can thrive, be seen and lead.

What advice would you offer to leaders working to bring inclusivity in spaces and places around them?��

Know your community. Find it. Cultivate it.

Leadership can be lonely, especially in a polarized environment. It’s easy to retreat or second-guess yourself when you’re navigating difficult decisions. But, we can’t do this work alone. I’ve found so much strength in community, in having people I can be authentic with, process challenges with and stay rooted with.

That’s part of why, over three years ago, I partnered with Dr. Patricia Gonzalez over at the College of Arts & Sciences to launch our Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leaders Community of Practice. We wanted a space where people leading this work could come together and feel supported. Even now, our tagline remains: “you’ll always have a seat at our table.” Because there are times when you won’t be invited into certain spaces, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

And finally,��reignite your passion.��Know your purpose. Be able to communicate your values clearly and consistently, especially during challenging times. That becomes your compass.

Why is representation in leadership critical?��

Validate experiences, inspire authenticity and foster greater understanding.

I am very grateful for the community in the BOLD Center and the college for validating the impacts and importance of our staff and faculty representing our students. Every day that I walk into our Center, I am cognizant of my background and positionality as a leader in our college. My hope is to inspire our students and staff to see themselves in leadership positions and work to achieve even greater success.��

Positive representation can also shift public opinion, foster greater understanding between different cultures and communities and affect resources. I want to ensure that the needs and perspectives of our community are reflected so that we can have more effective services, programs and policies.��

What does inclusive excellence in engineering look like and why does it matter?

It matters because it’s about people.

So many of our students are driven by a desire to solve problems they’ve experienced firsthand—lack of access, systemic barriers, local or global challenges. They want to be part of the solution. And for them to thrive in engineering, they need an environment that recognizes their experiences, removes barriers and fosters growth.

Engineering impacts every corner of our world. And the best solutions are built when diverse voices and perspectives are at the table. But diversity alone isn’t enough, you need spaces where people feel like they matter, where their ideas are welcomed and where they can develop the skills to collaborate across differences. As we continue our work, it is critical to understand that it is not truly excellent unless it is inclusive.��

How has your experience as director of the BOLD Center shaped your perspective?

It’s been just over three years in this role and five with the college—it’s a joy.��

Every time I meet a student, I think back to my own journey: setting foot on campus for the first time, not fully knowing what a major consisted of or what careers were even possible. Our students are coming in with different backgrounds, identities and challenges. Being able to support them with our staff, as they figure it all out, is a privilege.

At BOLD, we’re focused on helping students feel seen, supported and celebrated. That means building real relationships, removing barriers and making sure people know they matter. We want students to graduate not just with degrees, but with a strong sense of self and community. It’s been so rewarding to see how the Center has grown into a place of connection and innovation. The work our students are doing: it’s going to change lives and impact the world.

What do you hope students take away from their experience at the BOLD Center?

I want them to leave knowing: This place saw me. This place supported me. This place helped me grow. I hope they feel a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.

And I hope they know they’re not alone. That there’s a community behind them—cheering them on, celebrating their wins and showing up in tough times. That sense of belonging can make all the difference.

And for me, that’s why I keep doing this work. Because when our students succeed, they go on to shape the world in amazing ways. And I’m honored to be even a small part of that journey.

What are you most grateful for at this moment?

So much. I want to start with our staff and students at the BOLD Center who show up every day with authenticity, curiosity and courage. They generate hope and that hope is essential for this work.

Our students are phenomenal. Whether they’re leading programs, supporting peers or sharing their stories with industry partners, they’re showing what inclusive excellence looks like in action. And our staff! You could name any one of them for their dedication to students, the relationships they build and the collaborations they spark. They are the heart of this work.

I’m also incredibly grateful to our college leadership for being willing to innovate and invest in this important work. It takes people in key places to say yes to new ideas and push for change.

What does this recognition mean to you?

This award isn’t just about me, it’s a reflection of our entire community. Students, staff, mentors and college partners, we’ve all worked hard to build something meaningful, even through change and uncertainty.

Innovation and impact speak directly to the work we’ve been doing. And the recognition tells us we’re on the right track. It reminds us that inclusive excellence isn’t just a value statement. It’s about recognizing that people come in with different circumstances and that we have a responsibility to make sure everyone has a fair chance to thrive and succeed.

What are you most looking forward to for the BOLD Center?����

As we think of the future, we want to make sure that our organization and students are really set up for success by having all the resources we need to be sustainable. We are constantly enhancing our programming, scholarships and services that we’re offering for our students. I’m really excited knowing that we are a pivotal piece of student success not only for our college, but campus-wide and even nationally. So, I expect some big things to come in the future!