Arizona State University graduate student Cordero Holmes receives 2025 ASU MLK Jr. Student Servant-Leadership Award

Cordero Holmes, a graduate student in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University, has been chosen to receive the 2025 MLK Jr. Student Servant-Leadership Award. 

He will be recognized at the university’s MLK Jr. breakfast celebration on Jan. 23. 

Question: You’ve been honored with the 2025 ASU MLK Jr. Student Servant-Leadership Award. Describe how you felt when you heard the news. 

Answer: I was humbled and deeply honored when I first heard about being selected for the 2025 ASU MLK Jr. Student Servant-Leadership Award. Dr. King’s legacy of service, equity and community building means so much to me, and to be recognized for the work I do in my community is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that our work to create positive change, no matter how small, has a lasting impact. It also makes me reflect on how far I’ve come from the place I started and how much more work is ahead of us. 

Q: How have your life experiences shaped you into the leader you are today? How do your experiences impact your work? 

A: My experiences, especially the years I spent incarcerated, have shaped me profoundly. They taught me the importance of second chances and the power of education in transforming lives. I learned firsthand how easily people can be forgotten or dismissed, and it motivated me to become someone who lifts others. My work is driven by the belief that we can all change and that the journey is just as important as the destination. It impacts my work by constantly reminding me to lead with empathy, resilience and an unwavering belief in human potential. 

Q: How have you incorporated Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of service and inclusion in your everyday life? How have you incorporated his values into your contributions to your community? 

A: Dr. King’s values are embedded in my daily actions and decisions. I try to approach every interaction with kindness, fairness and a commitment to justice. Whether I’m mentoring youth, volunteering with the unhoused or speaking out about the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and those impacted by the criminal justice system, I am inspired by his call for equality and service to others. I’ve incorporated his values by continuously working toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. 

Q: What has been your most memorable experience of helping others? 

A: One of my most memorable experiences was working with justice-involved youth at the Durango Juvenile Detention Center. The young people there have so much potential, but they often don’t see it in themselves. A young person came up to me after a session and shared that my words had given him hope and inspired him to continue pursuing his education. Moments like that remind me why I do this work — because you never know when your story, your actions or your words might spark a change in someone else. 

Q: Who or what keeps you inspired and motivated to serve others? 

A: My family, my community, and my journey keep me inspired. I think about the challenges I’ve faced, the people who helped me along the way, and the impact we can have when we come together. I am also inspired by those who continue to fight for justice and equality, often in the face of immense challenges. I stay motivated by the knowledge that no matter how tough it gets, we can all make a difference in the lives of others, especially those who are most vulnerable. 

Q: What advice would you give to future leaders here at ASU, including those who want to pursue the study of criminal justice in the future? 

A: I would tell them to stay focused on their purpose. The work in criminal justice can be difficult and at times discouraging, but it is so important. Stay grounded in empathy, listen to the stories of those who are often unheard and always work with integrity. Change takes time, but every step we take is one step closer to a more just and equitable society. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself — self-care is vital when you’re giving so much of yourself to others. 

Q: What are your plans to service your community going forward? 

A: Going forward, I plan to continue mentoring justice-involved youth, advocating for policy changes that support Indigenous communities and expanding my work with Progress Pushers Arizona. I want to build on my current work to create more resources and opportunities for individuals reentering society after incarceration, particularly through educational pathways. I also plan to work on initiatives that promote restorative justice, creating spaces where people can heal, grow and transform without facing permanent barriers to their success. 

Q: Anything else you’d like to add? 

A: I’d like to remind everyone that transformation is possible, no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through. The work we do today, no matter how small, adds up and has the potential to change lives. I am living proof of the power of second chances, the importance of community and the impact that service can have.