Dr. Krishna Pattisapu, Director of Diversity Recruitment and Retention, CU Boulder School of Education
Hometown: Mt. Vernon, Illinois – the sweet corn and watermelon capitol of the world.
Why is your job awesome? My job is awesome because I have the privilege of supporting students who are the first in their families to attend higher education. They are blazing paths into institutions and professions that were not necessarily built with them in mind, but that they will transform with their brilliance and perseverance. My students are undergraduates who are studying to be K-12 educators and community leaders (which are pretty much the best professions ever). In my job, I have an opportunity to co-construct (with my students and colleagues) radically inclusive spaces where marginalized voices move to the center, buried knowledge is revered, and where we imagine and create the future we want to live in.
Hobbies: I like walking around lakes, taking long naps with my cats, and organizing things (like drawers and social justice rallies).
Favorite beer? Whiskey is my beverage of choice.
What's the first song on your pump up playlist? “Soulmate” by Lizzo is my jam.
You have a time machine that'll take you to any year, present or future. Where do you go? I’ve always wished for the opportunity to go back in time and relive one whole day at every age of my life that I’ve lived so far.
Favorite happy hour spot in Boulder: Mostly I like to change into my pajamas by 6 p.m., but on the rare occasion that I do go out for happy hour, I like to go to the Bitter Bar. It makes me feel fancy.
One place in Colorado everyone should visit: The Royal Gorge in Cañon City is so beautiful.
Favorite movie: I love But I’m a Cheerleader with Natasha Lyonne.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would play you and why? There’s a serious shortage of biracial Indian-American actors in Hollywood! That said, if I could pick anyone, I’d probably choose Archie Panjabi. She’s so fierce.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life? The most important lesson I’ve learned (so far) is to figure out what you’re really, really good at and really, really passionate about, and then do everything you can to share that gift with others.