Cristina Ruggiero

About Cristina Ruggiero

I\'m a growth oriented leader with 15+ years of experience in health, human services, education and community organizations. With my servant leadership approach, I excel at developing strategy, building partnerships, managing projects, leading teams and using data to implement change. And if you want to know even more: Confident in presenting to various audiences both virtually and in person, I am a persuasive, clear communicator and skilled writer. My superiors and colleagues commend me for being an effective collaborator, problem solver and relationship builder with a diverse set of clients, colleagues and stakeholders. Being curious and authentic enables me to build credibility and develop partnerships. With my pro-active orientation, I\'m always looking to research new ideas, analyze data or develop new processes in order to drive improvements and make change. As a agile learner, I adapt and thrive in high energy environments. Personally, as a first-generation American and college student and through my professional and volunteer endeavors, I seek to empower others and embed inclusive practices into my work. While I\'m not a native Pittsburgher, and more a soccer than football fan (sorry Steeler Nation!), I\'m happy I\'ve found my home here.Professional Skills:Leadership | Project Management | Business & Relationship Development Consulting & Client Services | Recruitment | Talent Development | Strategic Planning | Training Communications | Data Analysis | Operations | Impact Storytelling | Performance Management Budget Administration | Assessment | Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

Experience

1. Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources

   Disability Rights Fund

   Sep 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Master’s Degree, Political Science

• Wesleyan University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Government; Theater

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Political Science; Public Law, American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics.

  2008

Skills

• Grants
• Teaching
• Program Development
• Event Planning
• Public Policy
• Stata
• Nonprofits
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Program Evaluation
• Organizational Development
• International Relations
• Data Analysis
• Quantitative Research
• Strategic Planning
• Higher Education
• Leadership Development
• Distance Learning
• Community Outreach
• Writing
• Research
• Public Speaking
• Staff Development
• Fundraising
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• University Teaching
• Statistics
• Spss
• Editing
• Program Management
• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Curriculum Design