Christina Burton
Department/Subdepartment
Biography
Values/Strengths
Innovation: I thrive on discovering patterns that illuminate new means of streamlining systems and processes. This skill serves me well in leveraging strategic partnerships to design programs that provide equitable access to opportunities and resources; it also enables me to identify effective solutions to complex problems.
Thoughtfulness: I am intentional about identifying the context that impacts decision-making. I tend to reserve judgment until I’ve had the opportunity to ask questions and explore various perspectives. In this way, I am an advocate for underrepresented voices and am passionate about empowering others to act in accordance with their values and goals.
Curiosity: I enjoy learning new things and actively seek out opportunities for personal and professional development. As such, I love reading, participating in collegiate discussions, and exploring various learning opportunities: I recently earned a certificate in Leadership and Communication and took an interesting online course in data analysis at the University of Pennsylvania. I feel most alive when I’m trying new things, like taking solo trips to various continents or enrolling in a new cooking or yoga class.
Ambition: I am driven by completing the projects or tasks I prioritize. I value maintaining a strong work ethic and making a positive contribution to those around me, and the projects I manage.
Adaptability: I appreciate that people and circumstances are always evolving. I try to create a safe space for others to explore different aspects of their personality and values. While adapting to change can be challenging, I remain focused on the opportunities that each change presents. I help others to stay grounded through transitions by coaching them to do the same. Adaptability fuels my curiosity, ambition, and ability to innovate, and inspires me to persevere.
My first job out of graduate school was as a drug and alcohol, and mental health therapist with the Juvenile Treatment Court in Philadelphia. In that role, I learned the importance of advocacy and exposure to transform one’s outlook and identity. The experience led me to pursue career opportunities in youth development through education and career readiness at various schools, education management companies, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking or trying new restaurants, exercising, and streaming new documentaries or series.
I am passionate about issues surrounding equity, social justice, and leadership development.
I joined the Career and Civic Engagement Center in 2024 as Senior Associate Director for Alumnae/i Career Services. I am tasked with increasing alumnae/i engagement through networking, student mentoring, career coaching, graduate school preparation, and professional development and enrichment. I am excited to apply and enhance my skill set to better serve the incredible alums and students who proudly represent ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø’s values and legacy.
Prior to joining the ²ÝÁñ³ÉÈËÉçÇø community, I led graduate admissions at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania. I devised and executed a recruitment strategy that increased engagement and enrollment in on-campus master’s and doctoral programs for four consecutive years. I also collaborated across Penn schools to design a STEM pipeline program into doctoral studies, for which I received the university’s prestigious Models of Excellence Award. I am passionate about empowering others to persevere in pursuit of their life goals and personal development. I value curiosity, integrity, and communication, and am eager to liaise with key stakeholders to strengthen opportunities and connections among BMC alums and students.
Christina earned a Master of Education (EdM) degree in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science (BSE) degree in Psychology at Ursinus College. She recently received a certificate in Leadership and Communication from the University of Pennsylvania.
Christina is a proud Philadelphia native and resident.