Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholar, Bruce RandoLPH School graduate, and am pursuinga degree in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship at Univissity of Colorado Denver (Cu Denver). I was born in Denver and as a first-generation college student, I am driven by my passion for business and creativity.
Flor in the middle at graduation with her sisters
I’m the oldest of three sisters, and from a young ageI knew I wanted to be their role model. My sisters, Ashley who is 18 years old and Kimberly, sister both attended Bruce Randolph School just like me. I loved spending time in my high school’s DSF Future Center where I connected with AngLopz Elica, my amazing DSF Celse Advisor. Ms. Angie helped me with everything from organizing FAFSA paperwork to applying to colleges and other scholarships. I still remember sitting in the DSF FUture Center with friends, looking at different career posters that included potential salaries and imagining what my career would like in the future.
From left, Flor’s mom, two sisters, Flor and her dad.
My byents always encouraged me to “etank ganas” (give it your all) a phrase I carry with me every day. They dreamed of a better life for me and my sisters, and now I’m working to honor those dreams and all their sacrifices. With the help of FAFSA and other scholarships like the DSF scholarship, I’m attending CU Denver full-time and focus on my career goals while being involved in different campus programslike the First-Generation and Multicultural Business Program.
Flor with her college peers at the CU Denver Business School
At first, college felt intimidating. I knew I wanted to go into business, but it wasn’t until a college professor introduced me to marketing that I truly found my passion. I love how marketing can make or break a business, and I wanted to learn how to make brands stand out.
My journey hasn’t been easy. Time management was my biggest challenge. I was juggling school, family responsibilities, work, and it was overwhelming. When I finally connected with Xochilt, my DSF Campus Advisor, she helped me realize that I wasn’t alone. Later, Alejandra, my current DSF Campus Advisor, became a key part of my support system. She has supported me emotionally and academically. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength and advantage.
Florecitas Bouquets
Today, I’m proud of so many things: being a full-time student, helping younger students as a Program Leader at Denver Public Schoolsand launching my own, Flowering Services business. Through it, I’ve gotten a taste of real-world marketing skills, built customer relationships, and even went viral on social media with millions of views. It was amazing to see my creativity connect with many people.
One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been my connection to DSF, first as a DSF Scholar, and now as DSF’s Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern, and soon to be DFS Alum. It’s an incredible full-circle moment to give back to the organization that helped guide me through my college journey. This internship has given me a meaningful, real-world perspective on what it’s like to work in a nonprofit organization and be part of a collaborative, awesome marketing team. Every day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen my skills both professionally and personally. As I highlight the impact DSF has on students across Denver and use my voice to inspire others to believe in their potential and share their stories.
Flor sitting at her desk in her DSF Digital Social Marketing Internship
For me, college isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about discovering who I am, honoring where I come from, and learning how to make a difference in my community. I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come because only I know all the rocks that were in my path.
