Christina is a first year Master of Public Diplomacy student at USC. She was born in Los Angeles to parents who immigrated to the US from El Salvador. In 2015 she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before beginning her graduate studies, she worked as a Designated School Official for the Office of International Students and Scholars at UCSB. Through advising international students on their immigration status, Christina has expanded her knowledge of immigration regulation and the impact of government policy and diplomatic affairs on the educational sector. She now works at the USC International Academy and forms part of the board of the USC Society of Public Diplomats. Her current research interests focus on diaspora diplomacy, the use of cultural connection as gateway for diplomatic collaboration and on indigenous diplomacy. She is currently the director of Heritage, an experiential learning program which provides a platform for women to collaborate across borders using their cultural heritage as a gateway for professional advancement.

Link to Heritage Project: www.academy4women.org/heritage