A Pitt alumna was selected for the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program

Rosamaria Cristello, founder of the Latino Community Center and alumna of the University of Pittsburgh, will represent Pennsylvania in the inaugural class of the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program.

Cristello (GSPIA ’17) will spend six months in the program, connecting with 100 emerging leaders from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations. Together, the cohort will develop skills to accelerate lasting change in their communities.

It’s a mission she knows well. As executive director, Cristello has built a strong team and governance structure for the Latino Community Center to grow with, empower and respond to the ever-changing needs of the Latinx community in Pittsburgh.

Emerging leaders will participate in action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the U.S. and community groups for fostering constructive dialogue in a polarized environment. Throughout the program, participants will engage not only with one another, but also President Obama, leadership coaches and subject matter experts.