Alumni Profiles

Everett Martinez - B.A. 2002

The Political Science Department at the University of Colorado Denver opened doors of opportunity for me, thanks to the unique and caring professors who took special interest in helping my classmates and I achieve our goals.  Without the guidance and encouragement of the department’s professors, along with the unmatched curriculum, I would have never been able to go on to work in the Washington DC office of U.S. Senator Ken Salazar, gain admission to the Harvard Law School, and to ultimately return home to start a legal career back in Denver.  Each achievement was the direct result of the education and assistance I received from the Department.  Prospective students please take note; the Political Science Department at UC Denver is a hidden treasure of limitless opportunity which can compete with any Ivy League school in the country, right here in Denver. 

JESSiCA BAKER - M.A. 2003

My studies in political science at the University of Colorado at Denver gave me remarkable experiences, ranging from grassroots political activism to international studies in the former Soviet Union. During my stay in the former Soviet Union, I had the opportunity to speak with high-ranking political figures and young people fighting for democracy. Along the way, I witnessed an Armenian revolt after a fraudulent presidential election and the tragedies in the war-torn region of Nagorno-Karabakh. My experience abroad gave me the original research material for my Master’s thesis on democratization and conflict resolution processes, and solidified my desire to have a career in politics. I currently work as an associate with a political consulting firm that has offices in both Washington DC and Denver, CO.

ERic Wolf - M.A. 2005

For me, completing a degree was the key that unlocked the doorway to a full-time position as a Department of State employee, serving the United Nations community in New York City as an Accreditations Officer for the United States Mission to the United Nations. My UC Denver degree prepared me intellectually, practically and professionally. Intellectually, the academic instruction, coursework and research requirements expanded my capacity to comprehend and complete highly complex assignments as it refined and expanded my technical, legal and social knowledge and skills. Practically, as a graduate student I was able to apply for a number of internships, ultimately landing one with the United States government that led to my current position. And professionally, the political science Master’s degree provided an authoritative validation of my credentials, produced an immediate and substantial promotion, and positioned me advantageously for future career opportunities.

From my perspective, any student that is serious about his or her career development and hopes to make a consequential civil, political and/or social contribution would be wise to consider pursuing a degree from the University of Colorado Denver. It’s a key that opens doors.

ZARA SNAPP - B.A. 2006

Initially I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study at the University of Colorado at Denver but after taking a few political science classes, it became clear that my passion lay in learning more about institutional power, as well as gaining tools to create positive community change and mobilization. Through learning more about this, I felt I would be able to institute widespread change by empowering disenfranchised communities. Having worked in the non-profit sector for the last 7 years, I already had a grassroots background in activism, but it was important for me to find ways to link that work to academic scholarship. The Political Science Department at UCD provided that and much more to me. With the guidance of professors, particularly Tony Robinson, and the help of fellow students, I applied and was awarded several university, local and national awards, including the Thomas Jefferson Award, the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and a 2005 Truman Foundation Scholarship. The greatest gift anyone has ever given me is education and the ability to question both my surroundings and myself. While all of this began early in life for me, I am grateful to the University and especially the political science department for nurturing that spirit and creating a safe space in which to grow. Obtaining a political science degree enables me to pursue any number of interests, including international affairs, public policy or community organizing. As you make your decision about what department to choose, I hope you will take a serious look at the Political Science Department. It has served me well.