Published: April 1, 2021
Photo of Diana Salazar with her dog

Get to know a little about International Student and Scholar Director, Diana Salazar, who has been working at ISSS for 4.5 years!

How many years have you worked in the field of international education?

For more than 20 years, I have worked in the fields of international education or immigration law. I have worked at universities in different regions of the U.S. including the University of California San Francisco, Appalachian State University, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. I also practiced immigration law in San Francisco, CA.

Where have you lived (in the U.S. and abroad)?

My family and I have lived in California, specifically in the Bay Area. As well, we have lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, North Carolina and in hot San Antonio, Texas. I have also lived in Costa Rica and studied abroad while in college in Sevilla, Spain.

What countries have you traveled to?

I have traveled throughout Central America, to a few areas in Mexico and Canada, Israel, and in some of Spain and Italy. The art and crafts in Oaxaca, Mexico are amazing! The food is delicious too.

Where would you like to travel to some day?

I'd love to explore more of the United States, especially the national parks! There are so many national parks, monuments, and historic sites in the US and they are all so unique.

What is your favorite Colorado destination?

I have only lived in Colorado for about 4.5 years but of what I have seen, I like Leadville the best. It's a laidback town with a "Wild West" vibe. The views of the surrounding mountains are gorgeous. During the winter, there's plenty of snow to downhill ski, cross-country ski, ice skate, sled, or snowshoe. I haven't been there during the summer but I imagine that hiking and biking near Leadville are awesome too.

Before working at ISSS, what was the most unusual or interesting job you had?

When I was in high school, I worked in a seasonal apple cider mill. It was the best job ever because we got to eat the rejected donuts which are delicious when they are hot!

Favorite movie, tv show, book, blog or podcast.

I love all of Isabel Allende's books.

What is your favorite thing to cook or bake?

Anything chocolate.

What is your favorite take-out food?

Thai for sure.

How do you like to spend your free time?

When I'm not attending my daughters' soccer games or driving them to and from soccer games and practices, I enjoy hiking, running, skiing, and playing with our family's new puppy.

What was the best concert you ever attended?

I hate to make myself seem old but it's a tie between the Grateful Dead concert in Eugene, Oregon when Jerry Garcia was alive (for the cultural experience) or U2 (for the music).

In your opinion, what makes CU Boulder unique?

CU Boulder is unique in that it is a such a friendly, collaborative, and student-centered university with strong academics and research in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind natural environment.

What motivates you each day?

I love being able to assist international students, faculty members, researchers, postdocs, etc. so that they can achieve their dreams and goals.

Share something you are doing to take care of yourself during the pandemic.

During the pandemic, I take care of myself by reading fiction books that I never had time to read previously. I've been reading books that were awarded the National Book Award or the Pulitzer Prize in the past.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice that I have been given is to always try to put yourself in someone else's shoes before reacting to their actions and/or words. In other words, be compassionate and give others grace as we are all doing the best that we can.