Cristina Carreto

I am a results-driven professional with over 17 years of experience in development, education, and project management. Throughout my career, I have led strategic initiatives, cultivated stakeholder relationships, and executed high-impact programs that drive sustainable growth and deepen community engagement. Skilled in fundraising, donor stewardship, event management, marketing strategy, volunteer engagement, and budget management, I am passionate about building collaborative partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities for impact. Currently serving as Associate Director of Development at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, I bring a strong track record of strategic planning, corporate engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. I am committed to advancing organizational missions through thoughtful leadership, innovative program design, and a deep dedication to community empowerment.

With over 17 years of experience across development, education, and project management, I have built a career focused on strategic leadership, community engagement, and organizational growth. I currently serve as Associate Director of Development at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, where I manage key fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship strategies, and corporate partnerships. Prior to this, I led federal grant programs at Malcolm X College, overseeing a $5M budget and aligning STEM initiatives with institutional goals. I also directed community and family engagement efforts for Chicago Public Schools, developing outreach strategies, managing public programming, and strengthening partnerships across diverse stakeholders. Early in my career, I coordinated administrative and programmatic efforts for major public-sector initiatives, including the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program. Throughout every role, I have demonstrated a commitment to strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, volunteer engagement, fundraising, and data-driven decision-making to support sustainable community impact.

I hold a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Latin American and Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). My academic background has equipped me with a strong foundation in cultural studies, community engagement, and strategic thinking, which I apply to my professional roles in development and education.