“As a daughter of immigrants and a first generation Salvadoran American, I deeply understand the importance of diversity and protecting family unity. With my cultural insight and language skills, I pursue opportunities where I can promote and advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable. The Advocacy Center serves as a beacon of hope for those who need and want justice to stabilize their future and protect family unity.“

Experience

• Cristina co-directs the Immigrant Justice Program, ensuring that immigrant adults and children are represented before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and at the state level to secure their futures in the United States. With over seven years of experience in immigration law, she has dedicated her career to representing women, children, undocumented individuals, families, and survivors of crime and abuse. She also assists in mentoring and training pro bono attorneys, helping children and their custodians at the state court level.
• Before joining the Advocacy Center in May 2022, Cristina represented survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in matrimonial, child support, custody, and immigration matters at The Safe Center LI in Long Island, NY. Before this, she worked as a staff attorney for a nonprofit organization, SEPA Mujer, that focused on advancing immigrants’ and women’s rights, representing survivors seeking humanitarian relief.

Education

• Maurice A. Dean (Hofstra) School of Law, Juris Doctor
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology and Minor in Women’s Studies
• Admitted in New York and North Carolina

Professional Affiliations:

• Mecklenburg Bar Association
• North Carolina State Bar Association
• American Immigration Legal Association

Community Affiliations:

• Women Lawyers of Charlotte