WE WERE WONDERING: A TCEQ BLOG
Originally Posted: August 4, 2021
Cristina Barrera graduated in 2017 from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. She interned with TCEQ’s Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program in 2015 and 2016 and is currently attending the Yale School of the Environment for a master’s degree in environmental management. I asked Barrera about all things MLEIP—from what she learned during the two summers she interned at TCEQ to how those internships helped her focus her interest in the environment on a smaller niche.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up just outside of Austin, where I learned to love hiking, kayaking, soccer, and live music. I figured out that I wanted to work in the environmental field at a really young age, beginning with my favorite bedtime story – “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. That was reinforced by my experiences with Girl Scouts, environmental clubs and courses throughout high school. I went to SMU knowing I wanted to work at the intersection of business and the environment. I decided to pursue a master’s degree at Yale School of Environment to further my knowledge on how to foster social progress and environmental stewardship both professionally and personally. READ MORE