CTU Alumni Spotlights
Colorado Technical University is proud to celebrate the successes of our alumni. With over 100,000 graduates, there are countless stories to be told. Read below to learn more about their professional achievements, contributions to community, demonstrations of leadership, and other unique experiences. If you are a CTU Alum, click here to tell us about your CTU journey.
Amanda A.
BBA (2022), MBA (2025)
I owe all my success to what I have learned at CTU!
, said Amanda. My degree has helped me accomplish goals, set new ones, and give me the confidence to be successful in such a competitive industry.
Amanda, co-owner of LaCosta Remodeling Inc, is steadfast in her commitment to honesty and transparency, ensuring these principles are embedded within the company's core values. We give each customer a fresh start, recognizing their unique vision. We customize our approach to meet each client's specific needs to ensure they feel valued and respected
, says Amanda. This dedication to unparalleled customer service earned them the title '2024 Neighborhood Fave,' by Nextdoor.
LaCosta Remodeling Inc was established in 2022, amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the unique challenges the company faced, Amanda remained dedicated to creating opportunities for growth. While other companies were expanding their digital presence, she embraced a grassroots marketing approach that resonated with the local community's preferences. Amanda proudly shares, 90% of our residential clients come to us from word-of-mouth recommendations.
She also identified an opportunity to streamline operations by eliminating the need for third-party contractors. LaCosta Remodeling Inc manages every phase of the remodeling process in-house, supporting efficiency, quality control, and accountability.
She stated that perseverance has been the most valuable lesson she has learned. Obstacles in life are inevitable. Keep your path clear, never let yourself be discouraged, and avoid comparing yourself to everyone else as we each have a different path.
As a first-generation graduate herself, she also offers the following advice for other first-generation students and graduates: the hardships in your past do not define your potential or what you are able to accomplish.
Dr. Saunders
Doctor of Computer Science, 2024
As Co-Founder and managing partner of Quantum Performance Partners - a private equity consulting firm, Dr. Saunders found himself in a unique position - firmly planted at what he calls “the intersection of private equity, management, and computer science.”
With a commitment to driving meaningful change and a solid background in management already under his belt, he sought to embrace this extraordinary opportunity to blaze a new path forward. This led him to complete a Doctor of Computer Science at Colorado Technical University (CTU), where he connected with faculty, staff, and peers also committed to supporting forward thinking, creative solutions.
Dr. Saunders’ innovative approaches in the field have garnered both excitement and acclamation. He is a two-time contributor to CTU’s open access, peer reviewed publication The Pinnacle, co-authoring two articles that explore the use of AI, each within different disciplines. In 2024, he was named a Colorado Titan 100 for the second year running, a distinction awarded to the top 100 CEO’s and C-level executives displaying excellence as passionate leaders and visionaries. Dr. Saunders was also named one of “The Most Influential Chief Executives Transforming Business in 2024” by The Enterprise World magazine. In January of 2025, Dr. Saunders was added to the “Hall of Fame 2024”, again by The Enterprise World magazine.
Contemplating what lies ahead, Dr. Saunders stated, I have a duty and obligation to give back and help others get there too.
Currently, he participates in numerous advisory boards, panel discussions, presentations, and keynotes, as well as various events and initiatives geared toward giving back and evolving the discipline. Given that he has always had an interest in teaching, he envisions giving back through teaching in the future.
Jeff F.
ASIT (2022), BSBA-IT (2023), MSIT (2024)
While attending Colorado Technical University (CTU), Jeff, a United States Army Veteran, participated in an internship with the City of Colorado Springs that would become the catalyst for a career transition.
During his internship, Jeff discovered his passion for digital accessibility, setting him on a new career path in Information Technology (IT). “You don’t have to have it all figured out – your path may evolve in unexpected but rewarding ways, as mine did”, says Jeff.
Jeff credits CTU with equipping him with the tools and knowledge he needed to successfully shift from a career in hospitality to IT. “The hands-on, project-based learning approach prepared me for real-world challenges, and the supportive faculty encouraged me to push beyond what I initially thought possible.” Now serving as Senior ADA and Accessibility Coordinator for the City of Manitou Springs, Jeff takes pride in maintaining accountability, supporting the community, and developing initiatives based on digital accessibility. As a thought leader in the industry, he often speaks on the topic at both state and national conferences and has created a network of professionals and advocates across the state.
In his spare time, Jeff remains actively engaged in the community. He founded and runs a blog dedicated to integrating innovation and accessibility. He also works on special projects with the goal of developing impactful assistive technology applications in the future. Reflecting upon his experiences, Jeff’s advice to students and alumni is to “embrace the process of lifelong learning, even when it feels challenging” and to “find something you are passionate about and focus your energy on making an impact in that area.”
Julian R.
MBA, 2023
A mindset to “maximize learning opportunities and engage deeply” is at the heart of what drives Julian every day. He embraces learning as a lifelong adventure and possesses a unique ability to bring his knowledge and experience together.
Building relationships and leading by example are also important principles Julian lives by. In 2021 he was named a Top 100 Marketing & Advertising Influencer by the Marketing, Advertising, Retail Summit. This recognition was motivated by his commitment to helping small businesses throughout the Covid pandemic. During this time, he offered pro bono marketing support to small businesses, enabling them to better manage changes experienced in the market and around consumer behavior.
Julian is currently pursuing a Doctor of Management at Colorado Technical University and views his acceptance into the doctoral program as his greatest achievement so far. He explained that his parents did not graduate high school, and he is the first in his family to obtain a master’s degree. His advice for students and alumni alike is to embrace the complexity of the modern business world with both hands, let your education be your guide, and your curiosity the fuel that drives you towards continual growth and innovation.
Juliana B.
BSCJ, 2022
"It is never too late, and no one can take your education from you”, says Juliana, a Human Resource Business Partner. After finding herself in a career with little opportunity for progression, Juliana knew she wanted to expand her opportunities by furthering her education.
Juliana believes in the transformative power of mentorship and coaching. She credits her education and experiences at CTU for providing her with the opportunity to learn self-advocacy skills. Aspiring to do the same for others, she became involved with multiple workplace initiatives. Presently, Juliana serves as the Vice President of the Black Leadership Alliance Council (BLAC’), an Employee Resources Group dedicated to supporting people of color through mentorship, advocacy, learning opportunities, and coaching. She is also a member of the Women’s Employee Resources Group, focusing on supporting and encouraging women in leadership.
Juliana shared her gratitude for the mentors and coaches who have been there to guide her stating “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” Likewise, she takes immense pride in being a positive role model for her daughter who has witnessed her dedication to her goals and progression in her career. When asked about her future plans, Juliana mentions she has her sights set on a Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification. To this end, she is currently pursuing an MBA at Colorado Technical University.
Dr. Bradshaw
BSBA (2006), EMBA (2007), MBA (2008), DCS (2013)
Dr. Bradshaw, author, researcher, and Academic Program Director of Emerging Technology at Columbia Southern University, blends her passion for computer science with her dedication to education.
Her contributions to research and development are driving advancements in the field of game-based learning, an educational approach combining gaming elements with academic content to create an interactive and engaging learning experience. Many of her published works offer insights on integrating elements from popular games into learning game design.
Eager to inspire and collaborate with others, she is a mentor and advocate for fellow innovators. For nearly a decade she has served as a judge for the CODiE Awards and Serious Games Association Awards, supporting visionaries in educational technology and game-based learning. In 2016, she was awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the United States Army Research Development and Engineering Command for her role as a judge in the US Army eCybermission STEM competition.
Dr. Bradshaw further promotes industry innovation and professional development as an active member of the International Game Developers Association, Higher Education Video Game Alliance, and Association for Computing Machinery. She is invested in sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, often presenting at conferences and discussion panels. Recently she was a speaker at both the AI Summit 2025 and the Super Hero Engine (S.H.E.) summit, hosted by GatherVerse.
Reflecting on her journey as a four-time graduate of Colorado Technical University, Dr. Bradshaw said, “I am grateful for the Success Coaches who kept me grounded, the Faculty who motivated me, and Career Services who encouraged me to keep going.” She admitted there were times when she couldn’t see the path to where she is today, and others doubted her. In response, she said, “I am going to be what I am meant to be and push hard for that” and she encourages others to “push on no matter how insurmountable things get.”
CTU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. The experience of these alumni may not be representative of all students.