Since 1952, the Boettcher Foundation has appointed scholarships to students they deem to be the next generation of dynamic thinkers and leaders. Graduating 2020 Boettcher Scholar Annette Leyva ’24 embodied that rich tradition throughout her four years at CC, working to ensure the civil rights of all Coloradans.
Leyva graduates, with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, into life beyond CC as the new South Regional Organizer for Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), a statewide coalition building a unified voice to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees in Colorado and across the country. Leyva will leverage grassroots strategies for capacity-building and spearhead local campaigns to advance the rights and well-being of immigrants in Southern Colorado.
This work builds upon her experience in the CC Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP), where she was placed as a 2023 Summer Fellow with the ACLU of Colorado, work as a Career Center Ambassador through CC’s Bridge Program, leadership as a SOMOS (CC’s Latinx/Hispanic group) cabinet member, and participation in the First-Generation Collegiate Program.
“As a first-generation college student…the Boettcher Scholarship gave me the opportunity to attend Colorado College without financial worry,” says Leyva. “Beyond the monetary benefits, being a Boettcher Scholar has opened the doors to a brilliant community of dynamic leaders who do incredible work. I am grateful and honored to forever be a part of this inspiring community.”
At CC, Boettcher Scholars work closely with Student Success Specialist Gretchen Wardell and Director of PIFP Andrea Culp. “Gretchen and Andrea have been important supports for me during my four years at CC,” Leyva says. “They both are compassionate and selfless advisors who have been there to listen, provide advice, and push me to achieve my aspirations.”
Culp says Leyva finds purpose in giving back, advocating for and working alongside marginalized communities. “Annette is passionate about using her interpersonal skills to connect and support individuals,” says Culp. “She lifts up those around her and is dedicated to the fight that this sometimes requires. I can’t think of anyone better to act on behalf of those who are struggling due to systems and structures far beyond their control.”
Leyva earned a spot on the Dean’s List every year at CC, received two Honors Convocation awards—Excellence in Spanish and the Felisa Llorente Award, and was a member of three honors societies—Phi Sigma Iota (Foreign Languages), Pi Gamma Mu (Social Sciences), and Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science).
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