Cristina Padilla, MA is currently the Consultant for San Diego and Imperial Counties for the Academy for Professional Excellence, PCWTA. She received her B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Latin American Studies at California State University at Fullerton and her Master’s degree in Politics, Economics and Business from Claremont Graduate University. Cristina is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego, where she is also a Lecturer in the undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor. Her research focus is on self-leadership, women’s leadership, and Latina leadership disparities.

Cristina also has extensive experience in professional leadership development and training. She was previously employed as a Senior Project Manager at a global non-profit that provides executive education and research. She also serves on the board of MHP Salud, a national organization that seeks to improve health for underserved Latinos through Community Health Worker Programs.