Gov. Jared Polis nominated Olivia Mendoza to join the Board of Trustees at Metropolitan State University of Denver, pending confirmation by the state Senate Education Committee during the legislative session that began Monday. 

Mendoza joins Jerry Glick as nominees who will join board meetings beginning this month and become full voting members after confirmation by the legislature. Mendoza was appointed to complete the term of Mario Carrera, which ends Dec. 31. 

Mendoza is the deputy director for the National Redistricting Foundation, which works to end gerrymandering across the country. Mendoza earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, with a Public Good Distinction. Prior to her law career, Mendoza was the director of strategic partnerships at the Latino Leadership Institute. She also led the Minority Business Office in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through a strategic realignment. As the executive director of the Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy & Research Organization, she led advocacy efforts during the 2010 redistricting-and-reapportionment process. 

Mendoza is looking forward to serving a Hispanic-Serving Institution that is a vital part of the Denver community. 

Olivia Mendoza

“As an immigrant to this country, I understand the incredible impact that a quality education can have on the trajectory of your life, and MSU Denver provides that opportunity for so many,” she said. “MSU Denver is an incredible educational treasure in our community, and I look forward to advocating for future and current students as they forge their path.” 

Polis also reappointed Board Chair Russell Noles and Trustee Marissa Molina last month.