Christina Chavez

Christina graduated from Monterey Peninsula College with an Associate degree in Sociology and will be graduating from the University of California Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Sociology in the summer of 2022. At UCSB, Christina developed a passion for research and methods and enjoys learning about how diversity, equity, and social change impact social issues. Christina served as a research assistant to Professor Winder in the Sociology department on a study that explored the intersectional experiences of queer people of color in New Orleans. Christina also has additional qualitative research experience garnered during research focused on how voodoo, hoodoo, and juju spiritual practices exist within African American cultures and how African American communities view these practices and how it affects their lives. Christina hopes to bolster her skills in statistical analysis and data collection to use within real-world settings and to one day become an Evaluation Analyst. A first-generation college student, Christina dreams of working within the research field to help enact impactful social change. Christina’s studies in sociology have informed her advocacy for diversity and equity within the world of research. During her free time, Christina enjoys mountain biking, riding cruisers by the beach with friends during sunset hours, and going to wine and paint nights downtown!