Raya Kate Castronovo

Raya Kate Castronovo is an accomplished Master of Criminal Justice and CU Denver alumna. Raya Kate received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at the University of Colorado Denver in 2021 and continued her education at UCD following her acceptance into the School of Public Affairs Pathway Program. In 2023, Raya Kate earned her Master of Criminal Justice and became an Outstanding Student Award recipient upon graduation. During her time as a Graduate student, Raya Kate worked as a Graduate Assistant under BACJ Program Director Dr. Sheila Huss and wrote for the criminal justice journal Crime, Law and Social Change. Raya Kate also served as Vice President and President of Alpha Phi Sigma, CU Denver's Criminal Justice Honor Society, and assisted in planning and facilitating the University's Criminal Justice Series Events. 

Raya Kate has had extensive experience working in the Criminal and Civil Justice systems. Currently, Raya Kate is employed as a Paralegal at a private family and civil litigation firm. Previously, Raya Kate has worked as a nonprofit Program Specialist, Data Analyst, and Emergency Communications Specialist.  Raya Kate is familiar with the Colorado courts system, civil litigation, re-entry and diversion programming, addiction recovery, unhoused non-profit management, volunteer management, course and workshop curriculum building and facilitation, community resource and service provision, data collection and analysis, and working with at-risk individuals. Raya Kate has a passion for facilitating community-building and education among people navigating the Criminal Justice system or who express a desire to learn more about it.