At Arrupe Jesuit High School, we are blessed with a team of dedicated and passionate individuals who go above and beyond to support our students. One such individual is Maria Orozco, our extraordinary Director of Admissions. With a heart full of empathy and a dedication to fostering a nurturing environment, Maria has been an invaluable asset to our community for the past decade.
Maria’s journey began in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she was born before moving to Colorado when she was three. Growing up in Commerce City, a tight-knit community which played a pivotal role in shaping her values and instilling in her a deep sense of belonging and family. As a first-generation college graduate she began her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and later transferred to the University of Colorado Denver to complete her degree in Business Administration.
Later she went on to earn a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Project Management from Regis University, graduating with honors. Before joining Arrupe Jesuit High School, Maria gained invaluable experience working as a call center attendant, assisting marginalized communities with their healthcare needs. In this role, she scheduled medical appointments, facilitated medication refills, and provided information on affordable healthcare options. This experience taught her the importance of patience and empathy, as she often interacted with patients during some of their most challenging times.
Maria's natural inclination towards leadership shone through in this role, where she often volunteered for leadership opportunities, such as becoming a "Change Agent." Through these experiences, Maria discovered her passion for helping others and her talent for leadership.
This realization guided her towards a career in education, where she could make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and their families. Maria’s journey to Arrupe Jesuit High School was inspired by a mentor who worked at Arrupe, and invited Maria to visit the school several times. When a position opened up, Maria felt a profound sense of serenity and joy during her interview—feelings she later recognized as God’s presence. This spiritual connection has been a constant source of inspiration and strength for Maria throughout her tenure at Arrupe.
Over the past ten years, Maria has found joy in getting to know the students and learning from them. She often reflects on the similarities between her own experiences and those of the students, finding a deep connection and understanding. Maria’s dedication to her role is driven by the love and support she sees from the parents, which reminds her of her own mother's unwavering support.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Maria’s role is witnessing the growth and transformation of students from their 8th-grade year to their senior year and beyond. She fondly recalls meeting students who were shorter than her, only to find herself looking up at them by the time they graduate. Maria cherishes these moments of growth and the joy of seeing former students return as successful young professionals and parents.
Maria’s dedication to her role at Arrupe is deeply rooted in her own upbringing and the support she received from her mother. Her mother’s encouragement and belief in her abilities instilled in Maria a love for learning and the confidence to overcome challenges.
We are incredibly grateful for all that Maria has done and continues to do, and we look forward to many more years of her compassionate leadership.
Maria finds immense joy in recognizing the talents and potential of incoming students and building strong partnerships with parents. She believes in the beauty of noticing and highlighting individuals for who they are, striving every day to see and appreciate the unique qualities of each applicant and parent.
Maria Orozco’s story is a shining example of how one person’s dedication and compassion can make a profound difference in the lives of many. We are blessed to have her as part of our community and are deeply grateful for her contributions.
