How Cristal Torres Deherrera’s early experiences with nature inspired a lifetime of leadership and community impact
By Kristen West
THE MOMENT Cristal Torres DeHerrera stepped into her aunt’s horse barn in Oregon as a child, her world changed. “It was like my life went from black and white to color.”
She spent every summer from age eight on that ranch, waking early to feed animals, fill water buckets, muck stalls, and then slipping away to lie in the pasture, surrounded by tall grass and endless sky. “That interplay with nature and animals completely changed and influenced who I am today,” she says. “It shaped my values as a leader.”
Her latest role as the acting president and CEO of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) might seem like a natural extension of those early experiences, but her journey there was unique.
Torres DeHerrera first pursued her passion for law, rising to partner at the Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, where she advised on complex corporate deals and transactions—all while starting a family. Her desire to make a broader impact led her to city government under Michael Hancock, where she served as deputy city attorney. There, she helped establish the governance framework for the National Western Center, turning the adopted master plan into a functioning institution that benefits both the community and the city.
She later joined Denver International Airport’s leadership team, helping guide one of the nation’s busiest airports through pandemic challenges, supporting major upgrades to the Jeppesen Terminal, and implementing strategic plans to prepare the airport for millions of future travelers. “The through-line in my career is that I’ve focused on strengthening the institutions that communities rely on,” Torres DeHerrera says.
When the opportunity at DZCA arose, it felt like a natural fit—an unexpected chance to merge her leadership experience with a lifelong connection to animals and nature. Now, she describes the work as deeply meaningful.
“There’s a lot going on in the world, and people go to the zoo because it’s peaceful and gives them a sense of tranquility,” she says. “Being the best part of somebody’s day—there’s nothing better than that.”
Her children, now 9, 16, and 19, agree, often requesting visits even on her days off. While balancing family life isn’t always easy, Torres DeHerrera says she has always unapologetically prioritized her family throughout her career and encourages her team to do the same.
That commitment carries into how she spends her time outside of work. Inspired by her own childhood, she and her family maintain a ranch in the San Luis Valley, instilling that sense of awe and connection to nature. They also explore Colorado’s trails with their rescue pup, and Torres DeHerrera makes time to exercise each morning at sunrise, a routine that helps ground her for the day.
Reflecting on her life and career, she says, “I believe that being a good leader is bringing out the best in others—whether at work, within family, or in the community.” She hopes people will look back and say she was a good steward who uplifted others and created opportunities for growth.
Through it all, she remains grounded in her roots. “I’m still that kid who grew up on a ranch and was so proud to show horses and take care of our animals,” she says. “Being true to who I am allows me to give my best to whatever role that I’m in.”
