Juan Chico Dimas
Financial Aid Advisor
University of Denver RMASFAA

Meet Juan Chico Dimas, 2023-24 Diversity Leadership Program Class

Meet Juan Chico Dimas. As an Indigenous person (P'urhepecha), it is rare for Juan to see people connected to Native American and Indigenous groups represented in leadership roles of a university. Yet, Juan said that Indigenous knowledge is expansive, and can be used to address many of the problems seen within higher education.

Some of these problems include student retention, alumni engagement, college affordability, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging  (DEIB) concerns. For Juan it is important that the trend of underrepresentation of Indigenous leaders within higher education become reversed, and that universities seek new ways to uplift their Indigenous leaders.

As part of the RMASFAA DEI Committee, Juan supplies DEI resources and educational opportunities to membership, to help them be fully present in the DEI dialogues that occur within the universities across his association (Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).

Juan has also been heavily involved in his volunteer work. Most recently in 2023 he provided a policy and procedure manual on DEIB mentorship to his office’s assistant director of compliance, he also presented at the 2023 Annual Rocky Mountain Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (RMASFAA) Conference, and also Co-Presented with Roderick Rose at the 2023 Annual Colorado Association of Financial Aid Administrators (CAFAA) Conference.

“By walking in two worlds (the Indigenous and 21st Century Leader ways), my experience in this world is deep and one that cannot be replicated,” Juan said. “Life is driven by ensuring that all know they matter and are welcomed into this world from the day of their birth. I will ensure that I create a space of belonging for my Diversity Leadership Program cohort and to fully engage with their stories, truths and traditions.”

Learn more about Juan in this brief Q&A below:

1. How did you get your start in financial aid?

My journey into the world of financial aid began when I stumbled upon a position as a financial aid advisor at The University of Denver. The listing resonated deeply with my passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). During the interview process, I had the opportunity to present on the significance of cultural competency in fostering a sense of belonging within an organization. That presentation has stayed with me, guiding my daily actions as I strive to create a welcoming environment for all individuals I collaborate with. I take great pride in the work I do and find immense joy in helping future students navigate the financial aid process to achieve their academic aspirations.

2. How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career?

As an Indigenous person (P'urhépecha) filled with pride, I have witnessed remarkable progress in how universities recognize the importance of land acknowledgments. Land acknowledgments serve as formal statements that bring awareness to the original stewards and present-day descendants of the land we live and work upon. By acknowledging this knowledge, we can collectively move forward in cultivating renewed respect and advocacy for the environment, indigenous communities (current and future), tribal sovereignty, and oral traditions associated with the lands we are connected to. I encourage every member of our association to take the time to engage with their university's land acknowledgment. 

3. What's a change in financial aid that you would like to see happen?

One change I am passionate about is the elimination of loan origination fees from the federal student loan process. These fees burden students and impede their ability to access and afford higher education. I highly recommend watching the informative video created by NASFAA to understand the urgency behind this much-needed change.

4. How does your perspective impact how you do your job and approach financial aid?

Being a current student myself, I possess a holistic understanding of the challenges and expectations that students have when it comes to financial aid. As an individual from a multicultural background, I create a brave space for students to share their unique experiences, family dynamics, and various aspects of their identities. By fostering this inclusive environment, my aim is to cultivate a sense of belonging and active engagement among all student populations.

5. What do you do when you're not working?

Outside of my professional endeavors, I am dedicated to pursuing my doctoral degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California (USC). Additionally, I find joy in traveling, honing my culinary skills, and cherishing quality time with my family.

6. Any hidden talents?

One of my hidden talents lies in the art of natural fragrance making, which I had the honor to learn from Perfumer Mandy Aftel. This skill allows me to transform raw materials like vanilla beans and saffron strands into uplifting fragrances that can enhance someone's everyday life. In the future, I aspire to launch my own line of cologne, sharing my passion for fragrance with the world.