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Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder graduate student Connor Antonio Diaz and Assistant Dean Patricia Gonzalez were among five systemwide recipients of the this year. The annual awards honor individuals and units from across the University of Colorado who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to building an environment where everyone can thrive.

Connor Antonio Diaz

A fourth-year graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences, Diaz is striving to increase accessibility in STEM, improve pathways for underrepresented students and integrate inclusivity across educational, research and civic settings. By taking part in community and civic activities, he has learned strategies that inform his teaching and mentoring.

Diaz volunteers for the Denver Special Education Advisory Committee, a Denver Public Schools advisory group dedicated to improving outcomes for students with disabilities through collaborative and intentional community engagement. His activities have included providing technical reviews of policy documents, presenting on research-based recommendations to city and state officials, and contributing to legislation (Colorado House Bill 25-1017) to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

Diaz also volunteers for the Gigi’s Playhouse network of Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, where he helps design STEM teaching modules, trains behavioral therapists in STEM integration and leads family-focused science events.

In his lab activities for an introductory geology course, Diaz implemented multimodal instruction—i.e., introducing concepts using visual, tactile and verbal approaches—to engage students in learning through multiple cognitive pathways, which can be helpful for students with ADHD.

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Patricia Gonzalez

The transformative impact of Gonzalez reaches within and far beyond her corner of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. In her role as assistant dean of the Office for Access and Community Engagement (ACE) in the College of Arts and Sciences, she supports students, faculty and staff. Among her first initiatives after arriving on campus in 2021 was the establishment of the ACE Mentoring Program for staff and faculty, pairing mentors and mentees to support greater understanding of the college and Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder.Ìý

Gonzalez is intentional about ensuring every member of the college, regardless of title or position, has a voice. She works to elevate the potential she sees in those whose talents might otherwise be overlooked.

As co-founder and co-chair of the JEDI Leaders Community of Practice, Gonzalez helped build a community of over 128 members across Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. The structure and purpose of this engaged network of professionals was informed by Gonzalez’s clear vision of community, shared leadership and transparency. Her ability to cultivate a trusted, supportive environment has empowered JEDI leaders to engage in honest reflection, exchange strategies, learn from one another and build resilience.

Gonzalez also manages the Boulder County Latina League Empower Program, providing scholarships and student support, and leads the College of Arts and Sciences Action Plan 2.0 planning committee.

Beyond the college, her collaboration with the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØPolice Department resulted in critical changes to police training, while her effort to ensure emergency alerts are delivered in multiple languages led to the improvement of safety and inclusion for thousands of students, faculty and staff. Gonzalez alsoÌýplayed a vital role in campuswide efforts to ensure staff members receive parental leave upon hiring, creating parity with faculty and promoting a healthier, more humane work environment for all.

Gonzales holds a Doctor of Education.Ìý

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