Meet the Team

Katia Delgado (she/her/ella)

Operations Coordinator

Katia Delgado serves as the Operations Coordinator for the Center for Access and Campus Engagement (CACE) at the University of Colorado Denver. She supports the department’s operations, signature programs, events, and strategic initiatives, helping create meaningful experiences that foster student engagement, belonging, and success.

Known for her collaborative approach and attention to detail, Katia enjoys connecting people, improving processes, and turning ideas into action. Her passion for higher education stems from a commitment to expanding access and helping students build community and thrive throughout their college journey.

Katia holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership Educational Organizations.

Reyna Aguirre Lopez (Ray-nuh Ah-geer-ray Loh-pez)

Student Success Coordinator

Reyna was born in Mexico and has lived in Colorado Springs since she was two years old. She graduated from MSU Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, supported by The Dream.US Scholarship.

During her professional journey, Reyna explored scholarship opportunities and student support resources, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities students face. Through this experience, she discovered that helping students achieve their educational and career goals is both a passion and a priority.

She has also focused on developing meaningful events and programs that support student engagement and post-graduation success. In her free time, Reyna enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs. 

Estéfani Peña Figueroa (she/her/ella)

Program Director for STEM & HIS

Estéfani Peña Figueroa is a proud Chapina and Guatemalan immigrant who came to the United States at the age of seven. With more than 14 years of connection to the Auraria Campus, she is a proud alumna of both the Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Estéfani currently serves as the Program Director for STEM and HSI Initiatives at the University of Colorado Denver, where she champions student success through inclusive, asset-based programming and practices. Her approach to this work is deeply informed by her lived experiences as a first-generation college student, Latina, and immigrant. These experiences fuel her commitment to creating spaces where first-generation, immigrant, and historically underrepresented students can thrive.

Outside of work, you can find Estéfani dancing, singing, swimming, exploring the outdoors, cooking, writing, reading, or spending time with her beloved cats, parakeets, and plantitas. 

Jill Rubin (they/them/theirs)

Program Director for Assessment & Operations 

For nearly a decade, they have worked in higher education supporting student success through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, assessment, and organizational development. Jill enjoys connecting big-picture ideas with practical solutions and is passionate about helping students, staff, and programs grow and thrive.

A graduate of Boston University and Florida Atlantic University, Jill’s professional background spans student affairs, health promotion, gender equity initiatives, assessment and operations. Outside of work, they can usually be found with their dog Maggie, planning their next backcountry camping trip, trying a new restaurant, or exploring Colorado’s mountains and trails. 

Duy Tran (he/him/his)

Senior Director

Duy is a first-generation Vietnamese American whose own journey as an immigrant and caretaker fuels his dedication to student support in higher education. With experience spanning nonprofits, K-12, the private sector, and higher ed, Duy has served as a youth educator, project coordinator, and admissions counselor, all roles that deepen his passion for student advocacy. He holds a BA in Communication and an MA in Leadership for Educational Organizations from CU Denver, where he now works to build community and empower students, especially through the university’s AANAPISI designation. Fluent in English and Vietnamese, Duy credits his mentors and family for shaping his path and is committed to self-leadership and lifelong learning, drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Brené Brown and Alan Watts. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, knitting, and watching “Friends,” always seeking to inspire others to realize their full potential.