We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristóbal (chris) Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristóbal (Chris), where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised mostly in Colorado, though we moved about 13 times before I finished 6th grade—living everywhere from Fort Collins, CO, to Las Cruces, NM, to Lexington, NE, and Valparaíso, Zacatecas in Mexico. These moves shaped me in two key ways: they deepened my awareness of my background as a Mexican-American from a close-knit family, and they taught me how to connect with people quickly, as I often attended multiple schools in a single year.

Being part of a Mexican-American family, I’ve always been aware of the complexities of racial relations in the United States. I see myself not just as an individual but as a representative of my family and my community, which drives me to think about the collective impact of my work, and the reputation that I’m building for people who look like me in spaces we don’t often have access to. Whether it’s finding new ways to provide access to opportunities, helping others navigate resources, or advocating for greater inclusion, I’m intentional about making a difference and bringing others along.

Building strong, meaningful relationships is also central to who I am. My mentor, Stephanie Mitchell Torrez, once said, “A network is just a group of people who care about your success.” That perspective drives me to cultivate a network I can leverage to support the organizations and communities I work with, ensuring that my connections are both impactful and actionable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to community, education, and equity. What sets me apart is how I attempt to honor those who worked to open the spaces I occupy today, and my ability to turn passion into actionable outcomes. In my work, I focus on bridging gaps—whether it’s supporting first-generation college students in finding success, advocating for inclusive communities, or building stronger networks and opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the work I’ve done to help the University of Northern Colorado gain a Hispanic Serving Institution Designtation. From developing targeted programming to leading institution-wide trainings to increase use of best practices, to facilitating changes that increase access and representation; this work even led to a nomination and selection for the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award. What excites me most is the opportunity to continue my work in both professional roles and in volunteer opportunities, lending my ear, my voice, and my network to serving others.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Growing up as a Mexican-American, moving frequently, and navigating the barriers of being a first-generation college student gave me first-hand experience with the challenges so many people like me face. I’ve overcome those obstacles by leaning into family and community, staying persistent, and learning from every setback. Those experiences have taught me the power of resilience, humility, and the importance of paying it forward to the next generation.

The lesson I carry with me is simple: your story is your strength. For me, that means representing my family with pride, embracing my role as a connector and advocate, and doing the work to make sure the doors I walked through are opened even wider for those beside me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Denver Arrival & Downtown Exploration
Stay: Check into The Maven in Downtown Denver.
Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Snooze.
Explore: Walk around Union Station and LoDo, grabbing drinks at the Terminal Bar.
Dinner: Enjoy paella and tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar.

Day 2: Nature & Sports in Denver
Hike: Take a morning hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder.
Lunch: Head back for wings at Fire on the Mountain.
Evening: Catch a Nuggets or Rockies game, depending on the season, and soak in the energy of the city.
Dessert: Post-game ice cream at Little Man Ice Cream.

Day 3: Heading North
Breakfast: Treat yourself at the Country Inn in Greeley.
Stay: Check into The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins.
Hike: Head to Horsetooth Rock for scenic trails.
Lunch: Pizza at Beau Jo’s.
Drinks: Sip cocktails and enjoy the vibe at Luna’s Tacos & Tequila.

Day 4: Estes Park & Hot Springs
Morning: Drive to Estes Park for a hike and breathtaking mountain views.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab something local in Estes.
Afternoon/Evening: Relax in the Idaho Springs indoor hot springs as you make your way west.

Day 5: The Western Slope
Morning: Head to Ouray, “the Switzerland of America,” and enjoy more hot springs.
Afternoon: Visit Palisade for a wine tasting tour and scenic vineyard views.
Dinner: Have a casual dinner in Glenwood Springs for the night before heading back.

Day 6: Denver’s Best Views
Morning: Drive back to Denver.
Breakfast: Stop at Lucile’s Creole Café for a hearty breakfast.
Lunch: Tapas at El Five, with its unbeatable views of the Denver skyline.
Evening: Wind down with drinks at Raíces Brewing.

Day 7: Closing the Colorado Experience
Morning Hike: Wrap up at Mount Falcon for one last indulging view.
Lunch: End the trip with Colorado’s best authentic Mexican food at Patzcuaro’s (don’t skip the Milanesa con Papas!).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Stephanie Torrez. She’s been the kind of mentor who perfectly balances being my biggest cheerleader with challenging me to grow and be a better person. Her guidance has been instrumental—helping me navigate the working world, celebrating my achievements, and showing up during pivotal moments of my life, all while keeping me grounded. I truly don’t know where I’d be without her support, encouragement, and insight.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorado_latino/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristobal-garcia/

Image Credits
One photo is by Alyson McClaran (MSU Denver), the others are personal photos.

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