Andrea is from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from DePaul University with high honors, earning her Bachelors in Communication with a minor in Spanish and Masters in Multicultural Communication. Andrea conducted community and partnership development work with programs that help disadvantaged populations access economic and educational opportunities, create nurturing communities for adults with developmental disabilities, and support children's rights in health and safety. As director of Safe Kids Illinois at Children's Memorial Hospital, she led a statewide network of child health and injury prevention partners through program development, educational outreach, capacity-building, and community action. Andrea advocated for long-term social change and effective public policies to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable children and families worldwide. She participated in a service trip to New Orleans working with issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, poverty, and homelessness. She also conducted volunteer work in Guatemala, Thailand, and the Philippines. Andrea loves dancing, concerts, sushi, and having fun with family and friends.