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Ccdp Cristina Santos
Senior Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Capital Group
Cristina Santos, CCDP-AP, is the Senior Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement at Capital Group, based in the New York City Metropolitan Area. She is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of corporate experience, specializing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), as well as associate engagement. Cristina has been in her current role at Capital Group since March 2021, where she leads DEI strategies and initiatives to foster a culture of respect, belonging, and empowerment within the organization.12
Professional Background
Cristina has held prominent leadership roles in DEI across various industries. Before joining Capital Group, she served as:
- Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Sanofi
- Director of Diversity & Culture at Novo Nordisk
- Held commercial and sales management roles at companies like Novartis, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Alcon, and Merck.23
She also works as an Adjunct Instructor at Cornell University's ILR School, facilitating courses on Diversity & Inclusion.2
Education and Certifications
Cristina holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Florida International University. Additionally, she has completed executive education programs at:
- Cornell University (Diversity & Inclusion Advanced Practitioner Certification)
- Babson College (Business Awareness: Strategy, Marketing, and Finance).12
Her certifications include:
- Certified Korn Ferry Assessor of Leadership Potential
- Certified Director of Training & Development.1
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Cristina emphasizes intentional inclusion and innovation to drive empowerment and belonging. Known for her strengths-based leadership style, she focuses on activating others to prioritize DEI with urgency and purpose. She believes that collaboration and diverse perspectives are key to achieving meaningful change.14
Personal Life and Advocacy
Cristina is a Cuban-Portuguese mother of four who values mindfulness and work-life balance. She actively participates in nonprofit organizations such as the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and Junior Achievement. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Trailblazer Award from Women of Color in Pharma.34

