MCC Proud: Meet Christina Lee

December 11, 2024

Christina Lee is the Global Education Coordinator and co-chair of Monroe Community College’s (MCC) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accountability Council. She has worked at MCC for 11 years – starting as an adjunct anthropology professor in 2013 before moving to her current position in 2017.

Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea and came to the United States when she was a toddler. She learned English watching the television show, Sesame Street.

As a cultural anthropologist, Lee always had an interest in global cultures and systems of power. So, when there was a vacancy at MCC, she thought it would be an interesting opportunity to bring scholars, programs, and professional development to the college.

Outside of MCC, Lee is extremely active in her community. She is the vice president of the Brighton Central School District Board of Education, vice chair of the community advisory board at WXXI, a board member of the Asian Pacific American Association of Rochester, and a member of the community engagement committee at Geva Theatre. She is also a past steering committee member of the Levine Center to End Hate.

Lee has either received or been selected as a finalist for several awards over the last year. She was presented with proclamations from New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney, New York State Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, and Town Supervisor Bill Moehle for her role on the Brighton Central School District’s Board of Education. She is the first person of color and first Asian American to be elected to the Brighton Central School District’s Board of Education in 2018 and then re-elected in 2021 and 2024.

She was also a finalist for two Rochester Chamber of Commerce leadership awards, Athena International and Colors of Success.

Lee is one of the mentors for the Global Union Student Association and received MCC’s Co-Curricular Advisor Award in 2023.

“This has been quite a year,” she said. “It has totally surprised me and I am really grateful for it all.”

When asked what advice she would give current MCC students or those looking to enroll in the college, Lee said, “Ask for help and create a network of support for yourself which includes peers, staff, and faculty.”

Lee received her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Buffalo and her Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder – both in Anthropology. She also received her doctorate earlier this year in higher education administration from the Warner School of Education at University of Rochester. Her project focused on increasing a sense of belonging for Asian American students at MCC.

Fun Facts:

If you had to eat the same meal at least once a day, what would it be? Kalbi (Korean short ribs)
Favorite Movie? Past Lives
Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn? I like talking to people but I’m shy and more of an introvert than an extrovert.
Do you prefer staying up late or waking up early in the morning? Staying up late
Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you. Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t be mean.
What destination do you hope to visit one day? Mongolia
What activities do you participate in over the weekend? I walk a lot when I’m home and like to travel whenever I can.

Christina Lee