Carissa (they/them) is a 2020 graduate of the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science, Spanish, and Human Rights and a 2026 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work, where they received their MSW (Master of Social Work). They joined Multicultural Student Services as a Program Coordinator in July 2022. Prior to joining UVA, Carissa worked in Admissions at a small liberal arts college in Virginia recruiting first generation and Latinx students. They love to cook, do all kinds of puzzles (crosswords, jigsaw, escape rooms, puzzle boxes, etc.), watch scary movies, play board games with their fiancée, and cuddle their cats.

In their current role as Assistant Director, Carissa oversees the LGBTQ Center, intercultural education initiatives, and assessment for Multicultural Student Services.