This letter of reference summarizes the professional qualifications and experience of Carina Cristiano. The writer details that Ms. Cristiano is a talented educator and community leader who graduated from USC and California State University, Long Beach with degrees in humanities and education. For nearly 7 years she worked as an elementary school teacher and also led several successful community projects, demonstrating her skills in administration, leadership, and building partnerships. The writer recommends Ms. Cristiano for any position, praising her work ethic, commitment to serving communities in need, and effectiveness as a leader.

1. May 24, 2012
SUBJECT: LETTER OF REFERENCE FOR CARINA CRISTIANO
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to provide a Letter of Reference for Ms. Carina Cristiano. Ms. Cristiano is a
tremendously talented educator and community leader who has devoted much of her adult life to
improving the lives of people who live in the Long Beach and greater Long Beach area.
Ms. Cristiano is a 1992 graduate of the University of Southern California where she earned a
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities. In 2002, Ms. Cristiano earned her teaching credential from
California State University, Long Beach, and in 2005 graduated from Pepperdine University
where she earned her Master of Science in Administration. Although she spent nearly 7 years as
an elementary classroom teacher (1999 through 2006), her desire to be active in the Long Beach
community has led her to many professional and business-related activities which accentuated
her entrepreneurship, team-building skills and organizational leadership.
I first met Ms. Cristiano in 2007 through my volunteer efforts with the Long Beach Community
Foundation and Leadership Long Beach which were co-administering a grant-funded program
made possible through the Knight Foundation. Ms. Cristiano was retained as the Project
Director of the “Connected Corridor” project which ultimately operated for four years until the
funding expired. She did an excellent job in leading this effort and accomplished all of the major
objectives required of her. Her skill as an effective administrator, community leader, and
visionary were in clear evidence throughout the project as she built relationships among
community groups, schools, the City of Long Beach and the neighborhoods which so often go
overlooked due to lack of resources and experience in engaging community leaders.
Most recently Ms. Cristiano has been working for Los Angeles Harbor College where she leads
the efforts for an innovative Digital Media Art Design program with Adobe Certification. As part
of the new program implementation she collaborates on curriculum development with faculty,
develops industry partners, and oversees the finances for this grant-supported project.
In all matters related to her professional abilities and conduct I have found Ms. Cristiano to be an
exemplary administrator and community leader who places community service, and particularly
service to those in greatest need, as her highest priority. She is a critical thinker, excellent writer
and communicator and dependable in all regards. I am happy to serve as her reference and hope
that you will give her every opportunity to be considered for the position she seeks with your
organization.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Miller
Managing Partner