Ana Cristina Villegas (she/her) is a heritage professional based in Ottawa whose work is grounded in the power of storytelling and the ways communities create meaning. She holds a B.A. (Honours) in History (2021) and a Master of Museum Studies with a collaborative specialization in Jewish Studies (2023). Drawn early to heritage work and critical interpretation, she has developed a strong foundation in historical research, communications, and writing. Ana currently serves as Executive Assistant at the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship, where she coordinates and promotes Holocaust education initiatives in Ottawa. With long-term aspirations of completing a PhD and becoming a curator, she is deeply committed to advancing thoughtful, ethical, and community-engaged heritage practice. An active member of the heritage sector, she also volunteers on the executive level with the Group of Ontario Emerging Museum Professionals, Capital Heritage Connexion, and the Emerging Museum Professionals Canada Collective.
Because of the GHRUP I made lifelong friendships, reinvigorated my confidence as an academic, and expanded my professional network. The staff, faculty and students were all supportive, engaging and absolutely stellar! 10/10, would recommend.
