Gonzales is a professor of history and vice provost for diversity and inclusion at Regis University. A mother of two sons, Gonzales is based in Denver, but her family has “deep roots” in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, according to History Colorado. She is also part of History Colorado’s State Historian’s Council.

Gonzales said one of the main perks of her new position is that she can combine her personal values of equity and justice with the role of the State Historian "by encouraging the representation or promotion and advocacy of stories from under-represented communities."

"I love history, and I love Colorado history," Gonzales said. "And so to be able to represent or help interpret the history of my home state means a lot to me."

She added that being the first Latina State Historian makes her feel "a responsibility to my community to represent well and to be a role model for youth."

History Colorado said Gonzales is interested in researching Southern Colorado’s land grant movements as well as the experiences of Chicano Vietnam Veterans. She also served as an advisor for the History Colorado exhibit "El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement in Colorado."

You can learn more about the movement in the Rocky Mountain PBS special "La Raza de Colorado - El Movimiento."

“Gonzales’ historical expertise focuses on Chicano history and Southwest social and political movements,” History Colorado wrote in a statement. “She plans to incorporate youth in the exploration of Colorado’s past during her term as State Historian, and to support more inclusive practices of historical inquiry. In doing so, Gonzales is eager to raise more awareness about historical events with significant contemporary legacies, such as the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, about which History Colorado is currently collaborating with tribal partners to present a long-term exhibition.”

Gonzales' tenure begins at a time when many people in America are reckoning with the country's history of racism and violence against marginalized groups, and that fact is not lost on Gonzales. She describes the role of State Historian as "crucial" during this time.

One of her goals is to create "a more inclusive, broader history of our state."

Gonzales succeeds Dr. Duane Vandenbusche as the Colorado State Historian. Vandenbusche, a professor of history at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, was the first state historian based outside the Front Range. 

Before Vandenbusche, the Colorado State Historian was Dr. William Wei, who recently spoke with Rocky Mountain PBS about the history of anti-Asian racism in Colorado.