Masters in Public Administration student Cristina Valenzuela has been named a recipient of the 2009 Raoul Wallenberg Scholar Award. Valenzuela is still overwhelmed about being selected for the Wallenberg award. She believes those selected for this award honor Wallenberg's courageous and unselfish actions. "That's what I admire about him - that he saw what was being done to the Jews and did what it took to help. I only hope that I also make a positive impact in the communities I work in," she said.
While living in Chicago, Valenzuela worked as a counselor and legal advocate for those who suffered from domestic violence. She then began to counsel teen mothers. During the time she lived in Hawaii, she worked with a substance abuse treatment program as well as advocated for the preservation of the Hawaiian culture and language. "People find courage even during the most difficult times - that inspires me. Also, it's knowing deep down that if we all look to change the injustices, whether it's through our words or actions, it can be different," she said.
