Meet our fabulous Changemaker of the month – Cristina De Almeida Amaral. This San Diegan is a nursing student at San Diego State University, daughter to Miguel and Liz and big sister to Ana. She has been involved with CLF for 3 years and enjoys salsa dancing, playing ukulele and traveling. In addition to her work at CLF, Cristina volunteers with the International Rescue Committee, provides tutoring to teen refugees, guides students through college applications, and teaches music in an art therapy program for girls. She is also a member of the California Nursing Student Association, has been involved with Girl Scouts San Diego since 2004, and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista.
Let’s hear more about this accomplished young lady in her own words:
CLF: How did you get involved with CLF?
CDAA: I am a class of 2016 Sunflower Scholar, and a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award Project Scholarship. I have been a participant of Finish Chelsea’s Run for several years, but became more involved by being a spokesperson for Girl Scouts of San Diego and it’s partnership with CLF.
CLF: What do you like best about Chelsea/CLF?
CDAA: The vibrancy of this organization and all those who make it thrive is undeniable. CLF has started a chain of positive change in the most impactful ways possible by both fearlessly securing a safer future for our youth through legislation, and ensuring this change by inspiring and recognizing it at a local level.
CLF: What do you do/done for CLF?
CDAA: I have been a representative of CLF in local media releases during Finish Chelsea’s Run, and am involved in starting the Sunflower Scholar Alumni Association (coming soon)!
CLF: What is your vision of CLF 5 years from now?
CDAA: CLF will undoubtedly continue to spread light and love in the San Diego community, and will inspire many changemakers in the coming years- I’m excited to see all that the past, present, and future sunflowers accomplish! It would also be fantastic to see this effect spread beyond San Diego in the future.
Cristina, you are an inspiration to each of us here at the Chelsea’s Light Foundation and we cannot thank you enough for being the incredible Changemaker that you are!