Meet Elsa Holguin | President & CEO, Denver Preschool Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elsa Holguin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elsa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I wrote a story a while back with my mentor, Isabel Lopez, that I called “butterflies in your stomach” and it is leadership advice to our children and grandchildren. As a first-generation immigrant, risk was a part of my life from the moment I arrived in this country at the age of 17, the eldest of 7 children and the first one to learn English in my family. I quickly learned that I had to not just survive, but step up if I wanted a better future. I had to ask for better classes, bigger challenges, more opportunities, and quickly master job opportunities so I could advance. It meant that I had to take a risk in ways that others may not have had to, but also appreciate that I was learning how to represent and advocate for myself, my family, and my community. It was not easy and it didn’t always work, but I learned every time how to do it better and reach even higher every time.

So, I applied for my first administrative job when I was still learning English, volunteered to teach a class because I had memorized the curriculum, supervised a janitorial crew of 42 at the age of 17, founder of the Business Center for Women, associate director at Mi Casa Resource Center at age 28, the first Latina executive director in philanthropy in Colorado, a single mother of two daughters as I was getting my master’s degree, founder of the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, co-founder and incubator of several nonprofits including Early Milestones Colorado, appointed by Governor Hickenlooper to serve and co-chair the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, and led the Denver Preschool Program ballot initiative in 2023 to become a permanently funded organization.

The butterflies in my stomach became my risk recognition as well as the door to possibilities. Hence, my advice to all our children and grandchildren is to welcome that feeling and appreciate it. It is in those moments when you truly are reaching a higher level. Learn how to welcome and manage risk. It is how you open the doors to opportunity!

What should our readers know about your business?
Everyone knows that K-12 education is free. That is not the case with preschool. In most cities in the U.S., parents are solely responsible for the cost of preschool education for their children. And it is expensive. Here in Denver, the cost of preschool education rivals in-state college tuition. For many families, that is financially out of reach. That’s why the Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is so important. We help Denver families find and pay for quality preschool, and we help early childhood education providers continuously improve the quality of their programs through workforce development programs, ongoing training, and professional development stipends. DPP was the second program like this to be launched in the United States. It has been a challenging adventure, but we are most proud of DPP’s impact on our community. Since 2007, DPP has provided nearly $185 million in tuition support to help more than 73,000 Denver children attend the preschool of their family’s choice, establishing each child’s foundation for lifelong learning and success. Our research also shows that DPP support not only has numerous positive benefits for the child but that support also has positive effects for the families of those children, with 85% of DPP families indicating DPP tuition credits provided relief from financial strain, resulting in a 10% reduction of their stress.

One of our greatest lessons at DPP is that we are in and of our community. Without Denver, there would be no DPP – we are an extension of the City we love. And, more than ever, I am grateful for the resounding vote of confidence last year when our ballot initiative to become a permanent fund was approved with 70% approval! With that comes great responsibility. At DPP we are committed to listening, expanding, and amplifying the voices we look to for feedback and insight and sharing our learnings to increase the understanding of the importance of early childhood more broadly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends and family visits always include children. So, it is Denver from the eyes of a child and the Latinx community. And, I definitely will need more than a week. I would start with the landmark institutions – the Children’s Museum of Denver, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Colorado Ocean Journey. Of course, family favorites are also the Denver Botanic Gardens and some shows at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Whenever possible, Denver is also famous because of our sports teams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, and Colorado Rockies. Denver’s vibrant Latinx community beckons exploration with a rich tapestry of cultural gems and a commitment to social justice. But first, a little fun. Begin your journey at Casa Bonita, an iconic restaurant with themed rooms, cliff divers, and live performances, Casa Bonita immerses visitors in a unique cultural experience. With full bellies, venture into the Santa Fe Arts District, where Latinx-owned galleries, creative spaces, and shops showcase a blend of contemporary and traditional art. Don’t miss Museo de las Americas, Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) and El Centro Su Teatro. Dive deeper into Denver’s history of social justice by visiting Five Points, historically recognized as the “Harlem of the West.” This neighborhood, with its murals, landmarks, and community spaces along Welton Street, reflects the city’s African American and Latinx heritage and its pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Engage with local organizations to connect with ongoing social justice efforts. Denver’s Latinx experience intertwines cultural treasures with a commitment to equality, making it a destination that captivates not only with its vibrant offerings but also resonates with the spirit of activism.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Maria and Hector Holguín – They made the ultimate sacrifice as immigrants to leave their community, extended family and friends to provide an opportunity for their 7 children to succeed and a brighter future.

Website: www.dpp.org

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/denver-preschool-program-inc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@denverpreschoolprogram

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Denver Preschool Program