For Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Alumni and siblings Judy and Daniel Tran, education has always been more than a personal milestone. As first-generation Asian American college graduates, it has been a way to honor their family, strengthen their community, and create new opportunities for others.
Their story began with a deep connection to their Vietnamese heritage. Guided by their parents, Judy and Daniel grew up immersed in activities centered on culture, the arts, music, religion, and sports. Through these experiences, they developed a strong sense of community and went on to serve in leadership, board, teaching, and volunteer roles across Colorado through organizations such as the Nguyen Thieu Buddhist Youth Association, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Far East Center, Asian Avenue Magazine, Social Fabric Hub, Asian Girls Ignite, the American Sport Karate Association, and many others. These experiences shaped their identities and lifelong commitment to service. When their parents passed away in 2019-2020, Judy continued to step into a caregiving role and support her family with more responsibilities. Therefore, both siblings carry their parents’ legacy forward through service, advocacy, and leadership within Colorado’s Asian community and beyond.
Learn more about Judy and Daniel’s journeys, accomplishments, and continued impact below.
Judy’s CU Denver graduation photo, celebrating the completion of her Bachelor of Science degree in her graduation regalia.
Judy graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (JFK), where she frequently visited the DSF Future Center and was an active leader in her school community. Her accomplishments included winning the Miss Commander Pageant, earning Scholar-Athlete & Academic All-State First Team, serving as President of the Diversity Club, Vice President of the National Honor Society, Co-Captain of the girls’ tennis team, a TRiO Scholar, Staff Sergeant in JROTC, fourth-chair violinist in orchestra, music honor society, and the pit musical, Link Leader, STARS Mentor, member of AmeriCorps, and a dancer in Hip-Hop and Breaking Club as an honor and International Baccalaureate (IB) student at the time. She also participated in varsity gymnastics and the junior varsity swimming team.
Judy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver), where she also served as President of the Asian Student Association, Co-Chair of the Council of Asian Student Leaders, and was both a McNair Scholar and TRiO Scholar. She also completed the Nursing Aide Program at the Community College of Denver and received her license as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She worked as a CNA at Denver Health and Western Hills for two years.
She later earned a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Population Mental Health and Well-Being from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is finishing her Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Denver, where she is also the Clinic Manager at the Counseling and Educational Services, and a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a Peer Mentor to master’s and doctoral students. The guidance and mentorship she received through the DSF Future Center from Chevy Lowe, her DSF College Advisor and Maria Finan, her DSF Campus Advisor helped shape her professional path toward advocacy, empowerment, healing, representation, community leadership, and higher education.
Judy chose CU Denver because of its identity representation of students of color and Asian Pacific Islander students, as well as the connections she had already built there. As a DSF Scholar, she remained highly involved on campus and developed strong relationships with her DSF Campus Advisors, first Chevy Lowe and later Maria Finan, who became one of her mentors and a source of support.
Judy is wearing a traditional Vietnamese dress and her graduation regalia while celebrating the completion of her Master of Public Health degree with Summa Cum Laude.
“DSF made navigating college easier, and I felt more confident knowing I had my DSF Advisors to ask questions and feel supported,” Judy shared. In particular, Maria helped her access campus resources, such as the writing and math centers, and continually advocated for her throughout her college journey. Judy also remembers receiving a certificate from her DSF Future Center in recognition of the number of scholarships she applied for and earned. Even after graduation, Chevy Lowe, who was her first DSF Advisor, has continued to support her by guiding her through her master’s and doctoral programs externally from DSF. Judy’s commitment to destigmatizing mental health and expanding access to resources for communities of color has continued throughout her academic, professional, and clinical journey. She has taught courses and conducted research in psychology and public health at CU Denver and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, promoting mental and behavioral health and cultural awareness and resiliency.
Judy has also written a research manuscript examining depression and anxiety among adults with Type 2 diabetes. She will soon become a Licensed Psychologist within the State of Colorado and an Adjunct Professor who advocates for all people with backgrounds such as first-generation, SES, and underserved communities with other various identities. Although her academic and clinical journey has been deeply rewarding, she has also navigated barriers, including the limited representation of Asian professionals in psychology. Through her clinical training in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and neuropsychological assessment, she hopes to increase representation and psychoeducation while continuing to destigmatize mental health care for the clients and communities she serves.
In addition to her academic and clinical work, Judy founded two dance organizations: Royals, which she directed for nine years, and later LOTUS, which she has led for the past three years across dancers of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. She would perform and teach dance workshops at local Asian cultural events and educational spaces, individually or with her groups. She also continues to teach K-pop dance at EVQ and Tease Dance Studios, teaches local dance workshops, choreographs for paid performances, and works as a backup dancer for artists through her paid gigs. While she is passionate about giving back to her community through teaching, performing, and choreographing, she continues to pursue advancing her training in choreography and hip-hop dance with MisFits Dance Collective, where she can also learn from other dancers and expand her knowledge in dance history and styles. Through these experiences, she remains committed to cultivating, mentoring, and inspiring the next generation of individuals who are navigating paths similar to her own.
Daniel at his bachelor’s degree graduation with his regalia.
Daniel followed a parallel path of creativity, leadership, and service. While attending Abraham Lincoln High School, he was actively involved in the DSF Future Center, participated in and received awards, including recognition in tennis, drama, chess, and science clubs, and explored his interests in music, theater, and performing arts. As a DSF Scholar, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business from CU Denver, where he was also a Historian in the Asian Student Association and Council of Asian Student Leaders. He was also a TRiO Scholar and an active member in other AANHPI club organizations. He carried these passions to CU Denver, intending to understand the behind-the-scenes aspects of the music industry, leadership, and collaborations, including concert production, event management, and the business of live entertainment.
Like Judy, he received guidance and ongoing support from DSF Campus Advisor Maria Finan, who continues to mentor him as a DSF Alumni by providing career advice and resume support. Daniel remains actively connected to DSF by attending events such as the DSF Scholar Summit and continually finding ways to give back to the organization that helped support his educational journey.
Beyond DSF, Daniel continues to serve in leadership and volunteer management roles within Colorado’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and BIPOC communities, and in lion dance with the Nguyen Thieu Buddhist Youth Association. He supports cultural celebrations, community engagement, and organizational initiatives through the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Far East Center, KonnectPop, and many other community organizations.
Throughout their previous times at CU Denver, Judy and Daniel honored their family’s legacy and values through leadership, cultural engagement, advocacy, and community involvement. They both demonstrated these programming and work ethic with the Director, Soyon Bueno, at the Asian American Student Services at the Center for Identity and Inclusion at CU Denver for students of color. Their educational journeys reflect not only personal achievement but also a lifelong commitment to uplifting their community, professional work, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Overall, the Tran siblings’ story demonstrates what is possible when students have access to the tools, knowledge, financial resources, mentorship, and support needed to pursue their goals. With the guidance of DSF, the encouragement of their DSF Campus Advisors, and the unwavering support of their communities, Judy and Daniel moved forward with strength and confidence. Today, they have not only been achieving their own professional and personal aspirations, but they are still helping future generations of students recognize what is possible through higher education, honor where they come from, and imagine where education can take them.
