Christian Tanja

Bio

I am the Senior Assistant Director of Admission at the Knight-Hennessy Scholars- a multicultural and multidisciplinary fellowship program at Stanford University that offers three years of funding and leadership development for its scholars across the seven graduate schools. Previously, I served as an Admissions Outreach and Selection Officer at Schwarzman Scholars, a fellowship program developed to train leaders in a world where China plays a key role. Initiatives that elevate program representation diversity, cultivate intercultural integration, and promote equitable 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 leaders 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 quick and easy conversation away!

Current Role at Stanford

Senior Assistant Director of Admission, Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Education & Certifications

• M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University, International Educational Development (2016)
• Concentration, Teachers College, Columbia University, Higher Education (2016)
• B.S., University of California, Los Angeles, Psychobiology (2008)
• Minor, University of California, Los Angeles, Education Studies (2008)