Crista Arias
Crista Arias is Manager of Recruitment at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). In her role as Manager of College Programs, Crista manages the Congressional Internship Program comprised annually of over 70 college students. She has managed over 400 CHCI interns and is responsible for congressional office placements, leadership learning opportunities, and weekly programming. Crista demonstrates a commitment and passion to advance educational and leadership
opportunities for Latino youth. Before CHCI, Crista worked for the office of Congressman Lloyd Doggett as a Legislative Correspondent. During her time on the Hill, she focused on various legislative issues including foreign affairs, defense, immigration, homeland security, veterans’ affairs, and crime. Crista monitored floor activity relating to her issues, providing voting recommendations, drafting talking points, answering constituent mail, and reaching out to other offices asking for co-sponsorship of her member’s bill. She co-organized an immigration rally called “March on Washington” consisting of over 100 individuals bussing in from various parts of Texas. Crista staffed her congressman at conferences and galas throughout the year and, when her member was unable to attend, Crista was asked to give remarks at a Bronze Star pinning for a Vietnam War hero at the D.C. Vietnam Memorial. She is an alumna of the Mujeres de HACE program and sits on the advisory board of the MILLA Magazine project. Crista graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Advertising and a B.A. in Spanish. She is proud of her Mexican roots and has enjoyed the past six years living in D.C.
Sonia Bernal
Sonia Bernal is a Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) for the Texas Department of State Health Services in San Antonio, Texas. She serves as a therapist pursuing her Clinical Social Work License (LCSW) at NIX Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. Sonia provides an environment of compassion and support to help individuals and families overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive. With over 5 years of experience in the field, she has worked with all populations
from newborn children to geriatrics. In addition, Sonia is a proud charter member and current Alumnae Advisor for the Beta Gamma Chapter at Our Lady of the Lake University. She has a passion for working with fellow sisters to engage their full potential. Working in the helping profession and handling multiple responsibilities, Sonia understands how busy we can become solving problems for others. She strives to motivate others to take care of the most significant relationship…the one we have with ourselves.
Shane Bills
Shane Bills is a founder of Bubble and expert on the intersection of startups and Hollywood. Shane started his career on Wall Street and has spent the last decade building successful startups and applying innovation theory to startups and the venture capital industry with renown thinker, Clayton Christensen. Shane lectures at universities across the country and has a Masters degree from Harvard Business School.
Amanda Calton
Amanda is a recent graduate of Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and is an associate working in domestic relations in northern New York. She was a Charter member of the Beta Beta Chapter at Clarkson University and has served as Risk Management Officer from 2015-2017.
Workshop Speaker Bios