Cooke Career Snapshot: Progress Pushers Arizona with Cordero Holmes
Introduction and Bio
My name is Cordero Holmes and I am from the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona. I am a husband, a father of four, and currently serve as the Director of Operations at Progress Pushers Arizona—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering youth impacted by the justice system. I'm also a proud recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, Cohort 2022.
My path has been anything but conventional. After spending a decade incarcerated, I made a conscious decision to rebuild my life through education and community service. That decision has not only reshaped my future but also allowed me to play a role in transforming the lives of others.
Can you share about your academic journey?
My academic journey began inside a prison cell, where I developed a passion for learning through reading books. Reading The Autobiography of Malcolm X ignited a fire in me—I came to believe in the possibility of personal growth through education, both formal and informal.
While incarcerated, I enrolled in Rio Salado College. After my release, I continued my education and earned a couple certificates and two associate degrees: one in Applied Science and another in Arts with an emphasis in Psychology. I later transferred to Arizona State University (ASU), where I completed a Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, graduating with honors and a Certified Nonprofit Professional Certification. I am now pursuing dual master’s degrees in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Public Administration at ASU.
Can you share about your professional journey that led you to Progress Pushers Arizona?
Following my release, my primary focus was my family—especially my son Cordae, who is autistic. I worked at a stucco plant for five years, and during that time, I began volunteering at the Durango Juvenile Detention Center. Sharing my story and mentoring youth facing similar challenges to those I once faced was deeply fulfilling.
That work lit a fire in me to go further. I connected with Coy Graham, our Executive Director, and quickly realized we shared identical vision and values. From that foundation, Progress Pushers Arizona grew. Today, I manage daily operations, lead strategic initiatives, mentor youth, and work to ensure that our programs and mission continue to evolve and expand.
What does a typical day look like in your job?
No two days are the same. Some days are spent entirely with youth—mentoring, listening, and guiding. Other days involve meetings with stakeholders to align on strategy or secure funding. I often review program outcomes, coordinate with our team to ensure smooth operations, and build partnerships with local organizations.
In between, I work on advocacy and policy strategy to address systemic issues impacting our young people. Every day is dynamic and community-centered, and every task—big or small—contributes to our greater mission.
What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about your job?
What I love most is witnessing transformation up close—when a young person we've mentored enrolls in college, gets a job, or simply starts believing in themselves again. Those moments fuel my soul. I also cherish working with a passionate, mission-driven team.
The most difficult part is knowing we can't reach everyone. The need far outweighs our resources, and that reality can be heartbreaking.
What are the most important skills you use day to day?
Leadership, empathy, strategic planning, and resilience are central to my role. I also rely heavily on communication, mentorship, and systems management. It’s about turning vision into action while staying grounded in the lived experiences of the community we serve.
How have you stayed connected with your alma mater(s) after graduating?
Cordero accepting the 2025 AACC Outstanding Alumni Award at Rio Salado College.
I remain actively engaged with both Rio Salado College and Arizona State University through speaking engagements, student outreach, and community initiatives. In 2025, I was honored to receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Servant-Leadership Award, and in 2023, I was recognized with the MLK Living the Dream Honor from the City of Phoenix.
These recognitions are more than accolades—they're reminders of my responsibility to give back and stay rooted in the institutions that helped me grow.
Do you have any advice for Cooke Scholars who are interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector?
Absolutely. Lead with purpose, not just passion. The nonprofit world requires clarity, commitment, and the willingness to be held accountable. Your lived experiences are assets—don’t diminish their value. Stay close to the people and communities you serve, and prioritize listening over speaking.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. This work is deeply meaningful but also demanding. Surround yourself with people who support and sustain you.
On April 16, Cordero was awarded the AACC 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award. Each year the American Association of Community Colleges honors outstanding community college alumni who have excelled in their fields and who have given back to their communities. You can watch his acceptance speech below.