Thought Piece: Cristina Bolaños
The Center for Economic Opportunity and Belonging recently hired Cristina Bolaños as a Special Project Manager in October. We are excited to have her join our team. Learn more about Cristina and her previous work below!
As an immigrant who left Perú at a young age, my journey has been one of resilience, purpose, and deep gratitude. In 2003, my family and I escaped an economic crisis, pursuing the American dream with hope and determination. Growing up in a predominantly white community, where I was 1 of 4 Latinas who attended high school, I quickly learned that we were not given the same educational and social opportunities that others were privileged to have. From those early experiences, I found my voice and made it my mission to amplify the voices of others, especially those often overlooked. My passion for journalism later led me to a fulfilling career as a storyteller, reporting for Univision32, Telemundo Utah, KUTV, and ABC4. As an immigrant Latina journalist, I had the privilege of covering stories that mattered to my community, particularly in the realms of immigration and advocacy.
Although my commitment and passion for journalism were strong, I often felt that I was not doing enough for my community. I wanted to be a catalyst of change. This is when I decided to go back to school to pursue a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University. My graduate experience expanded my understanding of systems and policies, allowing me to assist in various special projects. These included assisting in creating a reproductive health program for youth in Papua New Guinea, implementing educational programs for Black youth in the South of the U.S., and hosting professional events for Latino youth in Utah. I also had the opportunity to intern for two organizations in Washington D.C including the Partnership for Public Service and the U.S. Government Accountability Office where I assisted in drafting a message agreement on Large Tax Reports that was presented to Congress in 2022.
As the Center’s new Special Project Manager, I look forward to supporting communities, fostering inclusion, and creating meaningful opportunities for growth and connection. I remain committed to championing belonging and empowerment.
Outside of my professional life, I celebrate my cultural heritage through Latin American folk dancing and singing—artistic expressions that connect me to my roots and remind me of the beauty of resilience and the importance of holding onto one’s identity.