Overview:
Front Range Community College’s LEADS program teaches students that their culture is "a source of strength, not a barrier."
“As someone who has had many young women leaders help me in life, I want to be that for the next generation,” said Alexsandra Varela, a student at Front Range Community College (FRCC) in its LEADS (Latinx Excellence Achievement Development Scholars) program. “I want to give back.”
Since 2013, the LEADS program has aimed to empower students by connecting their personal histories with a powerful, service-driven leadership model. This program aims to help students gain a better understanding of their individual leadership abilities and values, as well as how culture, diversity and social justice affect their role as leaders.
To be accepted, students must go through an application process and demonstrate great academic standing, along with strong critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Successful applicants receive a $1,000 scholarship from the FRCC Foundation and are accepted into the 15-week program designed to improve students’ leadership and communication skills.
“LEADS is based on the principles outlined in ‘The Power of Latino Leadership’ by Dr. Juana Bordas,” explained Program Coordinator Adalinda Nava. “We hope to help our students discover their strengths, practice skills like speaking up and working well with others, and ultimately become role models in their community.”
Varela, an immigrant from Mexico who moved to Colorado just four years ago, knows firsthand the challenges of navigating a new education system. Her desire to “give back” mirrors the philosophy of Bordas.
An immigrant from Nicaragua, Bordas often says that she learned the essence of leadership from her parents, who sacrificed everything for their children’s education and future. This connection between personal sacrifice and future success resonates deeply with students like Varela, who sees the program as a way to honor her own journey.
For Varela, who has aspirations of owning her own business, LEADS is a chance to apply the principles of Latina leadership to her daily life. She is excited to learn from Bordas’s book, which is gifted to each student and serves as the program’s core curriculum.
“Bordas’s book helps me recognize that my roots, my culture, are a source of strength, not a barrier,” Varela said.
Another student, Shaya E. Flores, a psychology major with a passion for child development, joined LEADS to build community and become a confident advocate for others. “I believe we learn better collectively and as a team, and everyone has something unique and valuable to bring to the table,” Flores said.
This sense of collective learning is what drew her to the program, which is rooted in the belief that leadership is a shared process, not a solo mission. By connecting with her peers, Flores hopes to expand her own perspective while contributing to the group.
“I’m looking forward to applying the skills I learn to real-world situations and becoming a more confident advocate for myself and for others,” Flores said.
Leadership is service, not power
Dr. Juana Bordas’s approach to leadership is a powerful counterpoint to traditional, top-down models. For her, leadership isn’t about titles or status; it’s a “communal responsibility” and a “shared process” focused on the greater good, a lesson she learned from her own family’s journey.
“My parents’ vision, determination, and sacrifice were an endless source of inspiration,” said Bordas. “They taught me the very essence of servant leadership—that leadership is a path of service … a philosophy that has guided my entire life.”
This philosophy challenges students to see their personal identities not as obstacles but as their greatest strengths. For many, this is a new way of thinking. As Bordas explained, she hopes students understand that the qualities that made their immigrant families resourceful and street-smart are the same ones that make them natural leaders today.
“I wrote the book to be a gift to every student of leadership,” Bordas said. “I wanted to showcase the inclusive, people-centered, and socially responsible ways that Latinos have led for centuries … I want them to see that the activist tradition of our leaders, with the spirit of ‘Sí Se Puede,’ is a call to action for them today.”
The program’s design, which emphasizes strong connections with caring teachers, staff and mentors, creates what Bordas calls a “Comadre Ship” of trust and collaboration. This supportive environment is vital for helping students overcome self-doubt and push past barriers to find new opportunities.
“LEADS is based on the principle that leadership is not about titles or status,” Dr. Bordas noted. “It is about impact and the ability to elevate others.”
A stronger future, built from seeds
The need for this kind of support is clear. Student Engagement & LEADS Program Coordinator Adalinda Nava knows the challenges her students face, including the self-doubt that can hold them back. She points to statistics that show “over 40% of Latinos don’t think they can get into a four-year college” as a sign of the systemic barriers still in place. The LEADS program is a direct response to this, empowering students to build a foundation for success.
This year marks the largest cohort for the program, offering scholarships to 30 students.
“For me, it is an honor to guide and walk alongside this cohort of student leaders,” Nava said. “I am truly passionate about helping each student achieve their full potential. This continues a vision that reflects our college’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and belonging.”
Nava explained that a key part of the program is its focus on the student as a whole person, not just an academic record.
“We see every student’s journey as a unique path,” Nava said. “Our goal is to uplift and support them, equipping them with the skills to succeed not only in college but in every aspect of their lives.” She emphasized that this support extends beyond the classroom. “We make sure our students feel connected to a community that believes in them,” Nava said.
The program’s impact is already tangible. LEADS has an impressive 70.08% graduation rate for its students, and its alumni have earned over 75 Associate’s Degrees and 61 certificates.
But their journeys don’t stop there. 67 students have successfully transferred to top institutions like CU Denver, MSU Denver and CU Boulder. To Dr. Bordas, seeing these young people step into their power is the ultimate reward.
“The circle is complete when we inspire a new generation to take the lead,” Bordas said. This mission is beautifully captured by a Mexican proverb that serves as a powerful reminder of the program’s enduring spirit:
“Quisieron enterranos, pero no sabian que eramos semillas” (“They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds”) — Dinos Christianopoulos
For a student like Varela, this is more than just a proverb; it’s her story. It’s the story of countless others in her community, all planting the seeds for a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone in our community.
“It’s a powerful thing to have someone tell you that your story matters, that your voice is needed,” Varela said. “It’s what makes me want to be that person for others.”
