About

The Colorado Diversity Initiative is dedicated to advancing diversity and fostering equitable educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the heart of our efforts is the creation and support of a vibrant community that includes faculty, staff, and graduate students. This community is committed to driving systemic change and advancing social justice within STEM disciplines. Our programs are carefully crafted to support students from historically and intentionally excluded backgrounds in their educational journeys, while also fostering an inclusive environment that values and utilizes diverse viewpoints. Through united efforts and creative strategies, the CDI works to remove systemic obstacles, promote an inclusive culture, and lead the transformation towards a more diverse and equitable STEM field at CU Boulder.

CDI Mission & Vision

Our mission is to build an inclusive CU Boulder graduate community by optimizing recruitment, support, and retention strategies that honor diverse backgrounds, ways of knowing, and lived experiences of students.

We envision CDI as the cornerstone for transformative shifts and institutional transformation, radically redefining recruitment, and retention to serve as a leader for equitable, accessible education.

To ensure all team members work toward theÌýmission and vision, our workplaces goals, policies, and procedures are documented within CDI's Office Handbook.Ìý

Meet the Team

Christina Alston (she/her/Dr.), Director

Dr. Christina Alston is an esteemed science educator with nearly two decades of experience in enhancing STEM education and championing diversity. As the Director of the Colorado Diversity Initiative and a faculty affiliate in the School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Alston leads initiatives designed to foster a sense of belonging among graduate students from historically excluded and marginalized backgrounds in STEM. She holds a PhD and MS in Education, specializing in Urban Education, from the University of Houston, and a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the Racial Battle Fatigue experienced by Black women who have left the science field, advancing equity in education. Dr. Alston's commitment and contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Pre-College Engineering Education Meritorious Service Award in 2022 from the American Society for Engineering Education.

Assistant Director

Position VacantÌý

Black and gold circle logo for CDI