Cristal Gutierrez

About Cristal Gutierrez

Hello! My name is Cristal Gutierrez, and I’m a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am studying Agricultural Consumer Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and Law, as well as Financial Planning, and I am minoring in Political Science.I am passionate about advocacy and committed to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. I believe that when we see the need for change, it’s important to take the initiative and be the catalyst for that change. I have a strong desire to deepen my understanding of economics and finance, as I see these fields as essential to developing effective solutions for today\'s challenges.With a focus on academic excellence and a collaborative spirit, I aim to use my education to contribute to meaningful policies that foster economic growth and promote social equity

Experience

1. Compliance Intern

   Illinois Housing Development Authority

   Jun 2025 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Trained to review and prepare accurate FOIA responses, ensuring all required information was complete, organized, and compliant with state guidelines- Conducted research on reentry programs to understand how housing, support services, and community resources help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully transition back into society.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Undergrad, Agricultural & Consumer Economics: Public Policy & Law, Financial Planning

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Minor, Political Science and Government

• West Aurora High School

  High School Diploma