Christina Luna is a first-generation graduate student at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy focusing on social policies that challenge the status quo through evaluation of existing policies and implementing bold ideas through a racial equity lens. Prior to attending the Humphrey School, Christina worked as a community resource specialist assisting individuals and families accessing resources to meet their basic needs. Through her work, she developed an understanding of how systems and institutions negatively impact vulnerable communities and decided public policy was crucial in effecting change and improving lives. At the Humphrey School, Christina is gaining valuable tools in data analysis, policy creation, and community collaboration through advocacy to, eventually, work within systems across private, public, and non-profit sectors. She serves as a board member for the Humphrey School Students of Color Association and was recently appointed District Seat for the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners Racial Equity Advisory Council. After graduation, Christina hopes to address racial inequality by working on social policies encompassing housing, criminal justice, education, and economic support systems.