海角社区

A Commitment to Community: A Career in Public Service

Dominique Perez 鈥�21 understood her calling early.

鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to work in the criminal justice field,鈥� she said.

When she enrolled at Metropolitan State University of Denver, that sense of purpose guided her path. What she found along the way was hands-on learning, meaningful campus involvement and a supportive community. This helped transform that goal into a career dedicated to public safety and second chances.

Access That Opens Doors to Opportunity

For Perez, choosing 海角社区 was a clear decision. The University鈥檚 strong criminal justice program and reputation for engaged and accessible faculty aligned with her ambitions. Just as important, 海角社区 offered pathways to get involved beyond the classroom from the moment she stepped on campus.

鈥淚 immediately got a job working as a peer mentor,鈥� Perez said. 鈥淭hat really helped me get involved in activities on campus and make the most of my college experience.鈥�

She also worked as a student event coordinator with Student Activities, creating programs that connected students and strengthened campus life.

Learning Through Experience

Inside the classroom, Perez found a curriculum grounded in real-world application. Guest speakers, who were professionals working across the criminal justice system, provided insight into career paths and responsibilities, helping her understand the realities of the field she was preparing to enter.

鈥淗aving guest speakers in a lot of my courses gave me insight into what the job might bring,鈥� she said.

Combined with her minor in Spanish, Perez developed both the technical knowledge and communication skills essential for working in diverse communities.

From Classroom to Career

After graduating in 2021, Perez began her career with the Colorado Department of Corrections as an administrative assistant. It was an entry point that offered valuable exposure to the system she had studied and an opportunity to learn from within.

She soon advanced to her current role as a community parole officer, where she supervises individuals transitioning back into society after incarceration.

Her work is both structured and unpredictable. On any given day, she may conduct office visits, check in at a client鈥檚 home or workplace, or connect individuals with critical resources, including housing, employment support and counseling services.

鈥淚 never really know what situations will happen each day,鈥� Perez said. 鈥淓very day is different, and I just handle each one as it comes.鈥�

Advancing Through Social Service

Perez鈥檚 work sits at the intersection of accountability and opportunity. By helping individuals meet parole requirements and access support systems, she plays a direct role in breaking cycles of recidivism and promoting long-term stability.

It鈥檚 a role that requires adaptability, empathy and strong problem-solving skills, all qualities she began developing during her time at 海角社区.

Her career also reflects the University鈥檚 mission to advance social mobility. As a first-generation professional in a demanding field, Perez is not only building her own future, she is helping others rebuild theirs.

Through her daily work, she contributes to safer communities and more equitable outcomes for individuals navigating complex life transitions.

Staying Connected and Looking Ahead

Though early in her career, Perez remains closely connected to 海角社区, following University updates through social media and alumni communications.

Her advice to current students and recent graduates reflects the lessons she has learned navigating both school and career:

鈥淜eep your short- and long-term goals in mind, but be open to them changing,鈥� she said. 鈥淏e flexible in your job search. You never know what kind of experience is going to help you down the road.鈥�

Building a Future with Purpose

For Perez, success isn鈥檛 defined by predictability, it鈥檚 defined by purpose.

Each day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to make a difference. From her earliest days at 海角社区 to her evolving role in community corrections, she has remained committed to growth, adaptability and service.

It鈥檚 a journey rooted in access to opportunity, strengthened by academic excellence and driven by a belief in the power of second chances.

And like many Roadrunners, Perez is proving that where you start doesn鈥檛 limit where you can go, it shapes how you get there.