Professional Recognitions:
2016: Southwest Key Program Angel Award Recipient
2011: Capital Area Food Bank Award Recognition
2007: Texas Education Agency Commissioner Award: Texas Round Up Fitness Efforts
2005: Governor of Texas Award for Hurricane Katrina Task Force
Affiliations:
Texas Secretary of State Notary Public
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Christina Cantu serves as Chief of Staff and works closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer. She provides leadership and operational oversight for the Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Governance, Department of Research and Grants, and Facilities and Business Operations at National Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Christina works in collaboration with Southwest Key’s Board of Directors, executive leadership, community partners, and key stakeholders to further Southwest Key’s mission and vision with excellence and distinction.
Christina has over 20 years of experience in administrative services in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. During her time at Southwest Key Programs, Christina has served as an advisor to the President and Chief Executive Officer, managed and created systems for Corporate Governance for Southwest Key Programs and Southwest Key Enterprises, and served as a Project Manager for multiple large-scale special projects. Christina has also managed the Southwest Key Social Enterprises for-profit businesses and organized successful fundraising and community events. In 2016, she received the Southwest Key Programs Angel Award. The national award was designed to recognize an employee who has demonstrated distinguished service and contributions to Southwest Key and the youth and families served.
Prior to her time with Southwest Key Programs, Christina worked for the Texas Education Agency, the Texas A&M University System, the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented, and an Arizona-based consulting firm specializing in healthcare policy and information systems. In 2005, she received special recognition from the Governor of Texas for her efforts on relocating displaced educators and students who were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, she was awarded the Texas Education Agency‘s Commissioner’s Award, in recognition of creating the Agency’s first employee health and fitness initiative. Christina has been a member of the Southwest Key Familia since 2009.