SE Valley Times

Cordero Holmes, a 2022 graduate of Rio Salado College, has recently been recognized with two significant awards. In January, he received the 2025 Arizona State University (ASU) MLK Jr. Student Servant Leadership award. Additionally, this spring, he was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Holmes served as the student commencement speaker at Rio in 2022 and is currently pursuing two master's degrees at ASU's Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

“Cordero Holmes exemplifies the very best of what education can inspire—resilience, service, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others,” stated Rio Salado President Dr. Kate Smith. She emphasized that his journey highlights the power of second chances and servant leadership.

The ASU MLK Jr. Student Servant Leadership Award recognizes leaders dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s value of service across four categories: community, faculty, staff, and student. Holmes accepted his award during ASU’s MLK Jr. breakfast celebration on January 23.

“I was humbled and deeply honored to be selected for the Student Servant-Leadership Award,” Holmes expressed. He reflected on how Dr. King’s legacy influences his work in community building and equity.

Holmes' background includes time spent incarcerated before becoming an honor student and social activist. He strives to approach interactions with kindness and justice, mentoring youth and volunteering with marginalized communities.

One notable experience occurred while working with youth at Durango Juvenile Detention Center when a young person expressed that Holmes' words had inspired him to pursue education further.

Holmes also received recognition from AACC for outstanding community college alumni who excel in their fields and give back to their communities. As director of operations for Progress Pushers in Arizona, he focuses on empowering youth affected by societal systems.

“Receiving this award is more than just an honor—it’s a reflection of the journey I’ve been on,” said Holmes, acknowledging support from institutions like Rio Salado.

Community service is central to Holmes’ mission: “I know what it’s like to feel lost... Engaging in community work allows me to be that person for others.”

He will receive the AACC award at its annual convention in Nashville on April 16, 2025. Holmes plans to complete his master’s degrees by spring 2027 while continuing his advocacy work focused on public policy influence.

Holmes has achieved multiple academic honors at Rio Salado including serving as a Student Senator and earning scholarships such as the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.