The alumna of the year exemplifies a woman of heart, faith, and courage who serves as an inspiration for future generations. She is a strong female leader who conducts herself with a spirit of empathy and excellence, not only in her demonstrated field of endeavor, but in her service to others as well.
A few quotes from nominating alumnae:
“Kristina embodies the CSJ charism of “doing all that woman is capable of doing”.
“Kristina, on a day to day basis animates Carondelet’s mission by living her faith, sharing compassion and standing up for her moral convictions.”
The Alumnae Association is excited to announce the 2020 Alumna of the Year:
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A message from Kristina:
I am very humbled to receive this award. My four years at Carondelet were instrumental in making me the person I am today.
I have been working with immigrants and refugees for more than 20 years, and my life was changed profoundly when my students and I began working with detained women and children seeking asylum on the US-Mexico border in 2015. Witnessing their courage and seeing their strength inspired me to do more to help immigrant children.
In 2018 I became an advocate for orphaned children from Colombia who were seeking adoptive families in the United States through my work with the non-profit organization, Kidsave. This led me to meet my daughter, Flor Estrella, whom I adopted in 2019 when she was 13 years old.
Becoming her mother is the biggest joy of my life, and watching her thrive and grow in our home and our family has made it clear to me why God set me on this path.
Thank you so much for this honor. I am grateful to be recognized and thankful to my family, especially my parents, for giving me so much love and support my entire life.
Sincerely,
Kristina