Pi Beta Phi - University of Southern California

3 Christina PasCuCCi '03: Living true to Pi Beta Phi vaLues C hristina Pascucci '03 has traveled the world, met former presidents and spiritual leaders, and dived with great white sharks. As an Emmy-nominated journalist, she spends her days connecting with people from all walks of life and pursuing her passion of human rights and environmental issues. Naturally curious, Christina's motivation for making a difference began in childhood and has led to a rewarding career. "I'm fascinated by how the world works, and I refuse to accept the status quo," she says. She has worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor for television station KTLA in Los Angeles since 2011. One of Christina's most memorable reports was when she was invited to the Dalai Lama's palace in India for an exclusive interview with his Holiness. While the job "isn't a cake walk and the hours and lifestyle can be grueling," Christina says, she is grateful for all the opportunities it affords her. And combining her mission to affect positive change with journalistic integrity has reaped a multitude of benefits. Her investigative reporting has led to policy change within the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and raising awareness for sharks and ocean conservation. Christina says, "Just because we have systems in place for how someone before us thought things should work does not mean it's the best, or only, way." After traveling to Palau in 2016 for an interview with its president to discuss how other countries can emulate what they're doing on the front lines of climate change, President Remengesau appointed Christina as ambassador. She says, "They are at the forefront of fighting climate change, have one of the largest shark sanctuaries in the world, and deeply care for the environment. I wish the U.S. would follow suit." Christina's humanitarian efforts go beyond conservation. She is the director of communications for the Children of War Foundation, ambassador to 88 Bikes, and is a longtime volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. "I am a huge proponent of women elevating women and girls," she says. And as a licensed pilot, she was appointed to the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission, which advises the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on the operation and development of the county's five airports. The bonds Christina made at California Gamma are still strong. The women she met and lived with as a collegiate member are her best friends today. She says, "They are a massive presence in my life. I think I had 12 weddings in one year, and now they are having kids. Our clan is growing!" And the memories of her days in the chapter are filled with Monday-night dinners, recruitment, and always having someone to talk with. Christina says the only thing she'd change about her collegiate years would be to take more risks. She says, "And that's coming from someone who loves to take risks!" She encourages collegians to study abroad and travel after graduation: "The experience you get doing that will enrich your life like you never imagined." By "always asking why" and using her talents to benefit others, Christina is a true representative of a Pi Beta Phi living the mission and values of our fraternity. Left to right, Danielle Zainer Poli '03, Alex Mandekic '04, Christina, Katie Besse Hooks '03, Kelly McMullan '03, Courtney Olson '03, Allie Lutz '03, Jamie Altman '03, Brittany Deal '03, and Erin Everly '03. Christina's biggest fears were small planes and heights, so she faced them head on and is now a licensed pilot. Editor's note: Pi Beta Phi lists members and alumnae by their initiation year.

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