Biography

Cristina Nader is a dedicated advocate for marginalized students in higher education, particularly first-generation, low-income (FGLI) individuals. As a Chicana and first-generation college graduate, she brings a unique perspective rooted in personal experience. Cristina holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University (TCU).

Cristina’s professional background includes significant roles that support student success. She previously served as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services, overseeing a substantial grant budget. As Program Director for The Posse Foundation, she concentrated on student persistence, and as an Educational Adviser for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, she helped develop personalized learning plans for Young Scholars. Cristina began her career as the Student Success and Outreach Coordinator at TCU after volunteering with the Peace Corps in El Salvador.

As a participatory research (PR) scholar, Cristina challenges educational power structures through critical inquiry, focusing on the experiences of FGLI students. Her qualitative research aims to uncover the systemic barriers faced by FGLI students and advocate for necessary policy changes to promote equity and inclusivity. Cristina’s work not only enriches academic discussions but also provides practical insights for supporting all marginalized students.

In her free time, she enjoys walking, yoga, high-intensity interval training, and exploring new podcasts and audiobooks.