Christina Bernabe

Christina Bernabe, Daley College’s 2023 valedictorian, grew up in Chicago’s Clearing neighborhood and came to Richard J. Daley College in August of 2020. She was a returning college student who had previously put her academic career at another community college on hold due to financial obstacles.

Christina had always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur who gives back to her community and contributes to environmental causes. These dreams ultimately led her to pursue a degree in business with a focus in economics.

During her time at Daley, Christina joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and assisted students with their transfer process while serving as a Daley College Transfer Center ambassador. Additionally, she earned her first internship opportunity at one of the nation’s most recognized laboratories, Argonne National Laboratory.

Christina was a part of the very first cohort of the Students for Energy & Entrepreneurial Development program, which offers students ways to combat climate change through business internships at science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) startup companies.

After completing her program at Daley, Christina transferred to the University of Illinois Chicago to pursue her bachelor’s degree and is planning to graduate in the fall of 2024. After that, she hopes to work at a major tech firm that is dedicated to environmental initiatives and eventually plans on venturing off as an independent businesswoman who gives back to her community.