Christian Tanja

I am an Admissions Outreach and Selection Officer at Schwarzman Scholars, a young leadership program developed to train leaders in a world where China plays a key role. Initiatives that elevate diverse program representation, cultivate intercultural cohesion, and promote equal access to leadership programs energize me. Before joining the Stephen A. Schwarzman Education Foundation, I worked in scholarship outreach and recruitment at the Institute of International Education (IIE). I graduated with an M.A. from Teachers College, Columbia University in International Educational Development & Higher Education. Previously, I lived in Shanghai, China serving as a high school college counselor and an admissions officer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where I graduated with a B.S. in Psychobiology and Education Studies.

I spend significant time mentoring 1st-generation college and historically excluded students at various partner foundations and non-profit organizations. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, I also have interests in choral performing, vocal percussion, volleyball, tennis, cooking, traveling, plant parenting, and taking on my life-long mission of "changing the world by empowering world-changers." Helping marginalized people stretch for incredible opportunities brings me great joy. It’s these community-minded leaders who will distribute power rather than hoard it.

Guided by the values of inclusion, optimism, empowerment, and maximization, you can count on me to help you articulate your stories with passion and positivity by listening with different perspectives in mind. I have an incessant craving for stories and look forward to learning more about yours. I am just a simple conversation away.