Rubi Crystal Calderon Jacinto

Focus Areas

Calderon is preparing to launch a health promotion and prevention initiative in her hometown of Cajamarca, Peru. The program will equip teenagers with accessible health education and practical tools to make informed decisions, with the goal of reducing inequities and strengthening community well-being.

Previously, Calderon worked in tuberculosis research at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, gaining experience in laboratory science, public health, and international collaboration. She co-founded Proyecto HeLa, a student-led initiative that promotes undergraduate research, and serves as Regional Partnerships Associate at STEM for Development (USA), where she supports efforts to expand STEM education and mentorship across Latin America. She has also mentored girls in STEM through MaCTec Peru, a UNESCO Prize–winning program, and has been recognized with scholarships from the Peruvian Government and Santander Bank.

“As a visionary leader, I aim to connect science and community action to empower young people and improve health outcomes in underserved regions.”