Ragan Consulting Group has recognized Community College of Denver (CCD) as one of the “Top Places to Work in Communications for 2025". The exclusive award was granted to 59 companies and institutions, with big names such as The Home Depot and Carnival Cruise Line being among those.

Small Team, Big Impact

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is the size of CCD's Communications department—a two-person powerhouse consisting of a director and coordinator. This "small but mighty" team consistently delivers impressive results that support the college's ambitious mission and initiatives.

“It is no small feat for a team this size to be successful in its effectiveness across a faculty size of over 1,000, student body population of 10,000, and a campus size of 100,000 students,” notes Gina Melso, Communications Coordinator. “Every interaction, whether student or employee, presents an opportunity to shine light on CCD’s transformative work and incredible stories and journeys.”

Empowering Leadership Inspiring Excellence

At the foundation of CCD's communications success lies exemplary executive leadership. Under President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis's visionary guidance, the Communications department has fostered a culture built on integrity and a healthy work environment.

Dr. DeSanctis and the executive team have created an environment where student experience and employee well-being are prioritized in every decision. This approach has established a workplace where communications professionals feel deeply connected to the institution's purpose and motivated to excel in their roles.

Steadfast Focus on Professional Growth

CCD stands out for its dedication to continuous learning and professional development. The college offers tailored opportunities that empower communicators to enhance and evolve their skills and explore creative potential through various multimedia formats.

This investment in professional growth ensures that communications staff remain at the forefront of industry trends while continuing to develop innovative approaches to higher education marketing and communications challenges.

Work-Life Integration

CCD’s leadership encourages staff to prioritize their well-being, setting the foundation for a culture that embraces work-life integration. This commitment to well-being not only supports individual employees but also strengthens the overall productivity and morale of the team. This philosophy stems from the understanding that professionals thrive and produce their best work when they feel supported both professionally and personally.

Setting the Standard in Higher Education

The prestigious recognition from Ragan validates CCD's commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace for communications professionals. It reflects not only CCD’s dedication to excellence in communications but also our broader institutional values. As CCD continues to serve a heterogeneity student population and support dedicated faculty and staff, this award reinforces that our approach to building a supportive, dynamic workplace sets a standard in higher education communications. 

As CCD continues aiding its multifariousness student population and bolstering dedicated faculty and staff, this award confirms that the college's approach to building a supportive, dynamic workplace sets a standard for communications departments across higher education. It is an affirmation of current practices and inspiration for continued excellence as CCD’s Communications department subsists in its vital work supporting the college’s mission of providing accessible, top-quality education to the Denver community.