Meet the CUPS Staff

Ashley (Ash) Bedore is the Graduate Assistant Lead for UPP and a Graduate Assistant for CUPS here at the Office for Educational Outreach and Pathway Initiatives. They are grateful to assist the EOPI team in providing comprehensive support and enriched opportunities for each scholar’s academic journey and goals. Ash is a graduate student from the 4+1 BA to MA program at the University of Colorado Denver’s Sociology department. As an LGBTQ-disabled person, they are passionate about filling the gaps in the social research at the intersection of their own identities. In their free time, Ash adores anything involving music, supporting local music and art scenes, exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado, community involvement, and working on their creative projects.

I am a proud first-generation bilingual Mexican-American and college student. I am in my junior year at the University of Colorado Denver, majoring in Business with a concentration in Accounting. I am committed to further developing my skills within my discipline and my community. I am incredibly passionate about my education and helping others set and achieve educational goals. In my current role as Program Coordinator for the CU Pre-Health Scholars program located at the Anschutz Medical Campus, I serve scholars grades 9th-12th in high school in pursuit of their dreams of becoming a professional in STEAM & Healthcare careers by assisting in exposing scholars to STEAM/Healthcare related activities and college navigation counseling.

Hi! My name is Fatima Salman and I am a current freshman at Villanova University studying Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience on a pre-health track! I am a Pakistani-American, Muslim, first-generation student. I was a student in CUPS for 3 years, and this is my second year working in the EOPI Office. I’m not sure what I want to do in the future, but I have a love for learning and passion for equity in healthcare, and I am always open to exciting opportunities! Outside of work, I love reading books, making latte art, and curating my Spotify playlists.

I'm currently on my academic journey, pursuing a Master of Arts in STEM Math-Science along with a Graduate Certificate in Mathematical Content Knowledge for Teaching. As a non-traditional student with Indigenous and Latinx heritage, I'm deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. I'm honored to serve as the curriculum coordinator for CU Pre Health Scholars, where I apply the latest DEI teaching practices to empower the next generation of scholars.

Hi! My name is Kim-Phung (Kimmy) Van and I am a learning assistant for the CU Pre-Health Scholars program and a part of the EOPI team! I am a first-generation student currently studying Psychology with double minors in Spanish and Chemistry at the University of Colorado Denver. I am committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social and racial justice, as I believe these values are essential in creating a supportive and empowering educational environment. CUPS offered me many opportunities that supported me in my transition into college, which ignited my desire to be able to give back to the program and express my infinite gratitude. 

My name is Manaar Khan and I am a first-generation Pakistani-Muslim American. I am currently a senior studying at the University of Colorado Denver with a major in public health and minor in leadership studies. I've graduated through both the CUPS and UPP programs at Anschutz and am excited to have continued working with the EOPI office! I hope to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy one day! Aside from my educational ambitions, I thoroughly enjoy painting Islamic art, reading, cooking desi food, and watching K-dramas.

Hello! My name is Matthew Kleyman, a learning assistant for the CU Pre-Health Scholars Program and a member of the EOPI team. I am currently a student at the University of Colorado Denver on the Pre-Medicine track majoring in biochemistry and double minoring in biology and chemistry. As a former CUPS scholar, I am now able to give back to the program and allow for further growth and development for our students. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, reading, and going on adventures.

Hello! My name is Samantha Ramirez, a Student Assistant for the Middle School Pathway Programming at the Office of Educational Outreach and Pathway Initiatives. Currently, I'm in my second year at the University of Colorado Denver, pursuing a pre-med track. Although born in Denver, I spent the initial five years of my life in a small little town in Mexico called La Garita, Jalisco. Beyond the realm of academics, I have a passion for volunteering, exploring the outdoors, and baking!