Cristina has over four years of professional experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. In 2008, she graduated from the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova with a Master’s degree in Finance, specializing in Financial Banking Administration. Cristina is an alumna of the Fund for American Studies (AIPES) and the Freedom Support Act Programs. While working as a Program Assistant within the Media Program at the Soros Foundation-Moldova, Cristina was responsible for the overall financial management of grant and operational projects starting from budget allocation to project closing, drafting and monitoring budgets, overseeing project implementation, organizing trainings, network meetings and other events, reviewing beneficiaries’ financial reports, drafting agreements, and processing payments. Prior to this role, Cristina worked at Top Consulting LLC, a consulting firm specialized in quality management consulting, where she gained practical experience in project management by drafting documentation and assisting national companies in the implementation of international quality standards. Her work with the USAID Local Government Reform pilot project, in which she trained five accountants from Rezenu village city hall to use a computerized accounting program, further spurred her interest in nonprofits. Since 2002, Cristina has been involved in various civic initiatives: volunteering with the American Councils, engaging in the Bridges Between US project as an intern; participating in the Academy for Young Social Entrepreneurs in Poland; teaching at the Association for Young Managers of Moldova’s English summer camp; and assisting Mimi Chakarova’s long-term project on human trafficking in Eastern Europe which culminated in a full-length documentary.
Host Organization: Points of Light