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Photo credit: Lilian Wright

“Volunteer for America.” That’s what Royer Lopez’s wife, Angie Chavez-Lopez (Econ’17, MEd’21), affectionately calls him. The nickname fits.

“If I am asked to do something, especially if it's something where I feel like I could provide value, I'm more than likely going to do it. And I'm going to make it work somehow.”

Spend a few minutes with Lopez and your own energy kicks up a notch. He speaks in a fast cadence, radiating contagious enthusiasm and a can-do spirit.

From a young age, Lopez made it a priority to give back. That commitment has taken many forms, but recently, it’s evolved—thanks to one very important reason: his son, .

Becoming a father

Luca, who turned one in August 2025, brought a shift in priorities, including five months away from his full-time job as an account supervisor and DEI marketing specialist for Amélie Company, a Denver-based advertising agency.

“I’ve had a lot of support, starting with my workplace, which offered an incredible paternity leave,” said Lopez. “That time allowed me to be truly present during Luca’s first year—something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Lopez also began documenting his journey �ٳ���dzܲ��� , his personal chronicle of fatherhood on Instagram.

“I wanted it to show other dads what’s possible as society embraces more involved fatherhood, and to give myself something to look back on with pride—a reminder of the role I’ve stepped into and the example I hope to set.”

But fatherhood hasn’t slowed Lopez down. He and Angie continue to build their nonprofit foundation,  ("my legend"). As if that, parenthood and full-time work weren't enough, he also began his hybrid MBA at Leeds.

In addition, Lopez still finds the time to remain deeply involved with CU Boulder and Leeds. He serves in an advisory capacity to the Leeds GOLD Board, sits on the Forever Buffs Advisory Board, lectures for CU’s precollege program, and mentors through the Leeds Professional Mentoring Program

“I’ve loved every moment of being a dad—it’s fulfilling and exciting. At the same time, I’m constantly aware that there’s always a pair of little eyes watching every move I make. That awareness adds an extra layer of motivation to everything I do.”

“Not only did CU provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27) with his son, Luca.

Building a legacy

Both first-generation college students, Royer and Angie launched Mi Leyenda in 2022 to promote academic achievement and legacy-building through education. Inspired by Kobe Bryant, the foundation began with a basketball tournament honoring Bryant’s legacy.

“We co-founded Mi Leyenda, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, to promote the pursuit of higher education for students looking to write their own stories. Over the past three years, we’ve proudly awarded scholarships to Colorado high school graduates.”

To support the foundation, they launched , a lifestyle brand that celebrates the idea of being a legend in whatever you do. All proceeds go directly to the foundation.

“Not only did CU provide me with the professional opportunities that launched my career, but it also changed the trajectory of my entire family,” said Lopez. As the oldest of three in a Mexican immigrant household, his college journey paved the way for his two younger brothers, who also graduated from Leeds.

Why an MBA?

“Coming into this program with more than eight years of professional experience makes the learning feel different,” said Lopez. “I can apply what I know and really feel like I’m ‘mastering’ it.” Watching Angie earn her master’s in education policy also inspired him to grow as a leader.

“I want to be able to not only speak to my expertise in marketing and advertising, but also better understand the other functions of business, so I can lead in a more strategic, well-rounded way.”

Starting Mi Leyenda and Leyenda Clothing sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, and he’s eager to make informed decisions to grow both ventures.

“It feels very different from undergrad because my classmates all have full lives—kids, work, travel, family, obligations—and they also bring such diverse perspectives from their careers and industries.”

It all began at Folsom Field: Royer Lopez and Angie Chavez-Lopez's memorable marriage proposal.��

Carving out a purpose-driven career

Lopez’s career break came during his final semester at Leeds, when Sterling-Rice Group (SRG) was seeking someone with deep knowledge of Mexican culture to help grow its audience for California Almonds, its largest client.

While an undergrad, Lopez worked full-time at Wells Fargo, advancing from teller to small business specialist over five years.

“I think that gave me a lot of perspective, but also client management experience,” said Lopez.

He joined SRG his last semester and quickly made up for missed internship and study abroad experiences due to his full-time work schedule. During spring break that year, he traveled to Mexico City for a commercial shoot—his first exciting taste of business travel.

“Talk about an aha moment. It was great feeling like that, even before I graduated. And I’ve been in advertising ever since.”

Throughout his career, Lopez has worked on campaigns ranging from traffic safety to the fentanyl crisis, all rooted in what he loves most: “authentic storytelling.”

A diverse network

“One of the advantages of my MBA program is that everybody comes from a diverse background, and the majority of people don't come from business. I've already learned so much from my classmates.”

Managing it all isn’t without challenges, Lopez admits. But after completing his first semester, he’s confident the rewards are worth it.

“I think for me, especially coming from Mexican immigrant parents and being first-gen, I hope in 18 years, Luca will be able to have that lifeline like I did at Leeds. And he can look back and say, ‘Hey, my dad made these strides.’”

“I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value.”

Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’27)

Donating his time and talent just feels natural to Lopez. “I think it all comes full circle really nicely—to know that how I show up matters. And for Luca to be able to see that is very powerful.”

Aiming for a specific title or the C-suite isn’t how Lopez would define his leadership dream. “I would love to be able to gather everything I've experienced professionally and personally and share that value. I just want to be passionate and excited in whatever role I am in.”