Auraria Campus appoints new board director

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correctly reflect Angie Rivera-Malpiede’s new role.

DENVER (KDVR) — A new face will be taking on the board director role for the Auraria Campus. Gov. Jared Polis selected transportation expert Angie Rivera-Malpiede as the newest team member of the Auraria Campus Board.

Rivera-Malpiede has extensive knowledge in “transportation, public relations, and advocacy,” according to a release, and currently serves as the Vice President of the Foundation for Sustainable Communities and the President/CEO of the nonprofit organization Northeast Transportation Connections in Denver.

A release from the campus said one of her main focuses will be to help promote safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation to the community, with an emphasis on diverse and lower-income backgrounds.

Rivera-Malpiede previously worked for Denver’s Regional Transportation District and was involved in projects that included the A Line to Denver International Airport and the development at Union Station.

Alongside her accomplishments, Rivera-Malpiede also has a bit of history tied to her name as she became the first Hispanic woman to chair the Board of Directors. A key figure in another piece of history as well, she oversaw the hiring of the RTD’s Debra Johnson, the first woman, and woman of color to hold the position of General Manager in their 52 years of service.

The release announcing Rivera-Malpiede’s hiring called her a “displaced Aurarian” and said her family relied on public transit, which has helped shape her understanding.

“We are thrilled to welcome Angie Rivera-Malpiede to the Auraria Campus Board,” said Colleen Walker, Auraria Campus CEO. “Her deep knowledge of transportation and her longstanding commitment to equity and inclusion make her an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to the insights and leadership she will bring as we continue to enhance the safety and accessibility of our campus for all students, faculty, and visitors.”

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