Dr. Justin Hiniker Joins Cohort of Pueblo Community Leaders

Dr. Justin Hiniker, Director of Student Advocacy, Access, and Support at Colorado State University Pueblo, has been selected to join the 2025 cohort of Leadership Pueblo. The program is developed by the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. They selected Hiniker as on of their 31 emerging leaders chosen for a six-month leadership development initiative.

“I’ve lived in Pueblo for eleven years, and never felt like I knew what was happening besides the state fair and the Chile Festival,” Hiniker shares. “Friends who work at nonprofit organizations in the city had gone through the program and recommended I do it. Since I have attended city committee meetings and I am on the board of directors for a non-profit social service organization in town, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to learn about the community dynamics within the city and county. I wanted to know why Pueblo was so unique.”

Established in 1982, Leadership Pueblo brings together professionals from diverse industries to gain comprehensive insight into the community's inner workings. The program, which kicks off each January with an overnight retreat, features seven additional sessions scheduled every three weeks. Participants explore various aspects of the community, including Pueblo's history and future outlook, state and local government, education, health and human services, local resources, and arts and media.

The program emphasizes networking opportunities with both emerging leaders and established decision-makers, fostering meaningful discussions about community challenges and potential solutions. As part of their graduation requirements, participants must plan and execute a community service project.

Hiniker's participation aligns with his professional mission at CSU Pueblo. "Once I've completed the program in June, I'm looking forward to more opportunities for civic engagement," he states. "I have a strong passion for disability access and for supporting opportunities for underserved communities. I want to bridge more community opportunities for university students both to support student basic needs and to enrich the Pueblo community."

Through his participation in Leadership Pueblo, Hiniker aims to strengthen the connection between CSU Pueblo and the broader Pueblo community, furthering his commitment to student advocacy and community development.