Christopher Carmona
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Award-winning educator, author, and public historian with 15+ years of experience shaping public discourse, advocating for marginalized communities, and consulting on culturally responsive policy and educational reform. National keynote speaker and published expert in ethnic studies, public memory, and community engagement.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Latino Texas Policy Center
01.2025 - Current
-Political strategy
-Fundraising
-Organization and management
Creative Partner
Con Safos Media
01.2024 - Current
-Production management
-Content management
-Public Relations
Director
Center for Mexican American Studies & Research
01.2024 - Current
- Lead institutional efforts to advance public-facing research and culturally relevant policy initiatives.
- Oversee community partnerships and consult on public programming.
- President / Board Member – Refusing to Forget Project
Our Lady of the Lake University
01.2024 - Current
- Lead institutional efforts to advance public-facing research and culturally relevant policy initiatives.
- Oversee community partnerships and consult on public programming.
- President / Board Member – Refusing to Forget Project
National historical memory initiative
01.2020 - Current
- Advise public agencies and nonprofits on historical justice, cultural memory, and public exhibits.
- Co-develop national campaigns on anti-Mexican violence awareness and historical equity.
- Keynote Speaker / Panelist
Board Member
National Historical Memory Initiative
01.2020 - Current
- Invited to speak on public history, education policy, and Latinx cultural narratives at major universities, museums, and community forums.
Interim Director, Mexican American Studies Program
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Developed curricula focused on Mexican American studies and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Advised on policy testimony and ethnic studies standards for Texas public education.
- Notable talks: TCU MFA Exhibit Opening (2025), Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (2025), San Antonio Community Health Workers Conference (2023).
Education
PhD - Cultural Rhetoric, Writing, & Poetics
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08.2012
MA - English
University of Texas At Brownsville
Brownsville, TX12.2007
BA - English & Theatre
University of Texas-Pan American
Edinburg, TX12.2002
Skills
- Public Policy & Advocacy, Community Engagement & Coalition Building, Public Speaking & Keynote Presentations, Research & Strategic Messaging, Cultural Analysis & DEI Consulting, Grant Writing & Program Development, Media Relations & Public History
- Team leadership & development
- Integrity and honesty
- Problem-solving
- Project leadership
- Work Planning and Prioritization
Accomplishments
Lead the initiative to get Mexican American Studies in Texas Public Schools. Established a Leadership Academy, and organizing Know Your Rights For DEI workshops. Worked on an ethnic studies bill introduced by Rep. Christina Morales
Languages
Spanish (Moderate), Cherokee (Basic Speaking)
Awards
Outstanding Public History Award, National Council on Public History (2025), Friend of History Award, Organization of American Historians (2021), Texas Institute of Letters Inductee (2023), NACCS Tejas Best Fiction Book for The Road to Llorona Park (2016)
Publications
- Co-author, Texas State Board of Education Reports on Mexican American Studies implementation (2016–2018)
- Editor, Never Ending Lucha: The Fight for Mexican American Studies in Texas (UT Press, 2026)
- Contributor, Reverberations of Racial Violence (UT Press, 2021)
- Op-eds and essays published in Latino Book Review, Texas Observer, and other platforms
Timeline
Consultant
Latino Texas Policy Center
01.2025 - Current
Creative Partner
Con Safos Media
01.2024 - Current
Director
Center for Mexican American Studies & Research
01.2024 - Current
Our Lady of the Lake University
01.2024 - Current
Board Member
National Historical Memory Initiative
01.2020 - Current
National historical memory initiative
01.2020 - Current
Interim Director, Mexican American Studies Program
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01.2020 - 01.2022
PhD - Cultural Rhetoric, Writing, & Poetics
Texas A&M University
MA - English
University of Texas At Brownsville
BA - English & Theatre
University of Texas-Pan American
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