Born in Costa Rica with roots in Guatemala, Cristina España serves as Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Governor Roy Cooper. She leads efforts for New Americans' inclusion in North Carolina and co-founded key working groups focused on DEI initiatives. A former Guatemalan diplomat, Cristina holds a Master’s in Neuromarketing and is also an artist, with her work featured in several museums across the state. She lives in NC with her husband and two children and was recognized on the 2023 40 Under 40 list by the Triad Business Journal.