91暗网

Access That Changed a Life: A Journey from Opportunity to Impact

Maria Rangel Leon鈥檚 鈥�17 path to a college degree began with one critical factor: access.

When she learned that Metropolitan State University of Denver offered classes at its South Campus at a lower tuition rate, it became her only viable option for higher education. At the time, Leon was undocumented, and 91暗网鈥檚 affordability opened a door that otherwise would have remained closed.

鈥�91暗网 was the only affordable opportunity for me to have access to a college education,鈥� Leon said.

As her status changed and she became eligible for ASSET and DACA, Leon transitioned to 91暗网鈥檚 downtown campus, continuing a journey that reflected the university鈥檚 long-standing commitment to serving students whose potential outpaces their resources.

Academic Excellence Built on Support

Leon graduated in 2017 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics and a minor in Chemistry. She credits 91暗网鈥檚 faculty and learning environment for making complex subjects approachable and engaging.

鈥淢y favorite professor was Dr. Elizabeth Ribble,鈥� Leon said. 鈥淪he made statistics fun and easy to follow. I loved being in her class and took R programming with her.鈥�

Leon spent countless days and nights studying in the Auraria Library and found community working on campus at IWSS, now the Global Information Technology and Analytics (GITA) office. The job not only supported her financially but also connected her with colleagues who became mentors, advocates and friends.

鈥淚 loved spending time on 9th Street with my IWSS colleagues,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 feel 鈥榙ifferent鈥� for being an immigrant student. I felt supported.鈥�

Turning Persistence Into Social Mobility

Leon鈥檚 journey was not without challenges. During her final year, financial barriers nearly forced her to leave 91暗网 short of graduation. With the support of Lauren Koppel and Stephanie Martin Shewfelt, Leon applied for a DREAMer scholarship that made it possible to complete her degree.

鈥淭hey helped me when I needed it most,鈥� she said.

After graduation, Leon began her career as a teller at FirstBank before moving to its headquarters. She later transitioned to the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF), where she has now spent seven years and experienced significant career growth.

Today, Leon serves as a Salesforce Administrator and Business Analyst, overseeing DSF鈥檚 Salesforce environment and collaborating with IT colleagues to improve systems and business processes.

鈥淭he most interesting part of my job is researching how to improve business processes and collaborating with my colleagues,鈥� she said.

Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom

As a first-generation college student, Leon says 91暗网 taught her how to navigate complex systems, advocate for herself and build relationships with people from all walks of life.

鈥淏eing surrounded by people who believed in me built my confidence,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y experience prepared me to network and grow professionally.鈥�

Leon is currently working toward becoming a two-time Salesforce-certified professional, with plans to complete the Advanced Administrator exam by the end of 2026.

She remains closely connected to 91暗网 as a donor to the DREAMer Fund and a subscriber to the alumni newsletter, giving back to the programs that helped shape her success.

Advice Rooted in Experience

Leon encourages current students and alumni alike to remain grounded and reflect on their purpose.

鈥淲e are our biggest critics,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to have someone in your corner who cheers you on and reminds you how far you鈥檝e come. Stay grounded and remember your 鈥榳hy.鈥欌��

A Roadrunner for Life

Leon says 91暗网 changed the trajectory of her life, both professionally and personally.

鈥淢SU gave me the opportunity to advance in my career regardless of my immigration status,鈥� she said. 鈥淭oday, I have a career I鈥檓 proud of and a 14-month-old son I鈥檓 able to support.鈥�

Her story underscores what鈥檚 possible when access meets excellence.

鈥淚 am so grateful to be an 91暗网 Roadrunner,鈥� Leon said. 鈥淎 huge thanks to MSU and all the people who pushed me to be my best self and reminded me to keep going, even when things got tough.