Krysta Beam

1026 E. Kerr Ave

Apt. 207
Urbana, IL 61802
(618) 727-3590
krysta.beam@gmail.com
KRY S T A BE A M
PROFILE
Krysta Beam is an MA student at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Krysta holds a BA from Greenville
College in History/Political Science and International and Cross-Cultural Studies. She
counts among honors her participation in the MacAllaster Scholar program and Phi
Alpha Theta. Krysta has extensive experience in Latin American studies. She has lived in
Costa Rica for five years, three years consecutively, and started a small business in
Costa Rica. She has worked with non-profits in community organizing and development
throughout Central America. Among her skills that make her uniquely capable of
research in Latin America, Krysta has mastered near-native fluency in both written and
spoken Spanish.
EXPERIENCE
Camp Counselor, Next Generation School; Urbana, IL Summer 2014
At Next Generation School, I planned and led day camp activities for rising first and
second grade students with a co-teacher. We worked with children from diverse
backgrounds and religions and capabilities. We practiced allergy awareness and
sensitivity and employed nurtured heart techniques. At most, we had 30 students to
two teachers.
Literacy Volunteer, Federal Corrections Institute at Greenville; Grenville, IL
December 2013 May 2014
At FCI, I taught classes to Latino inmates preparing to take the Spanish GED. I prepared
weekly lesson plans for varying abilities for up to 15 adult individuals. This experience
transcended its obvious educational value and was, without a doubt, the most
transformative thus far in my life. Working at FCI reinforced in me all of the reasons I am
passionate about Latin America, justice, and education.
Adjunct Professor, Greenville College; Grenville, IL May 2013 May 2014
At Greenville College, I taught in the Intensive English Language Program and teach
primarily Chinese students. I have taught pronunciation, grammar, speech
communication, and reader's theatre. This experience has enabled me to connect with
a whole new culture and has exposed me to substantial amounts of Mandarin and
Cantonese Chinese language and culture. I have been able to reinforce my teaching
skills and work alongside esteemed colleagues from around the world.
Director, La Semilla Costa Rica; Cartago, Costa Rica 2012Present
I started La Semilla Costa Rica as a way to connect my friends and family in the United
States to the beauty of Costa Rica. Initially I dealt with artisan handicrafts that I
purchased fairly from local artisans from the Orosi valley in Cartago, Costa Rica, but
since I have expanded to exporting and importing coffee from a small and local coffee
farm. My aim is to provide a cultural bridge between two distinct populations while
practicing mutually beneficial and fair business practices.
Intern, InterFaith Committee on Latin America; St. Louis, MO Summer 2012
While interning at IFCLA, I was responsible for organizing a protest for the Fair Food
Program against Chipotle restaurants for their use of indentured slavery in tomato
harvests. Additionally, I organized a group to participate in the St. Louis PRIDE parade
in honor of the Latin American countries who have recently passed legislation
protecting the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ community. Finally, I organized an
educational presentation and typical Costa Rican dinner where we discussed important
current events and culture in Costa Rica. Issues of ecotourism and CAFTA were central
themes of the event. I successfully completed my internship in August, 2012.
Customer Service, CVS/pharmacy; Greenville, IL 2011-2012
I worked at CVS/pharmacy as a customer service agent. While working, I was often
charged with translating for our Latino customers with limited English skills. This proved
especially essential in the pharmacy department. Additionally, I practiced team building
and organizational skills.
Group Coordinator, La Jardn Sagrada; La Paloma de Cartago, Costa Rica 2009-
2011
La Jardn Sagrada is a combination campground and community church in La Paloma
de Cartago, Costa Rica that hosts up to seven groups of short-term missionaries every
year. I served as the gringa ambassador of the camp. I helped groups acculturate to the
community, translated church services and individual evangelization, as well as help to
coordinate activities for outreach. I worked closely with this church and its pastor, Jeffry
Prieto, to build cultural ties between our local community and visitors from the United
States, Canada, and Europe.
Adjunct Professor, Colegio Universitario de Cartago; Cartago, Costa Rica September
2009 December 2009
I taught a conversation class at this community college for one semester. I was
responsible for meeting set objectives and planning lessons for a class of 20-25 young
adult students.

Literacy Volunteer, La Iglesia Espritu de Vida; Cach de Cartago, Costa Rica 2008-
2011
I worked closely with Pastor Alfonso Chinchilla to start a program to tutor children in
basic literacy skills, and eventually adults, throughout the Orosi valley. Since the
program's inception in 2008, we have seen a substantial rise in primary school
completion among low-income families. Today, the program tutors an average of 15
children and 4 adults per week.
Youth Volunteer, La Iglesia Espritu de Vida; Cach de Cartago, Costa Rica 2008-2011
I worked closely with La Iglesia Espritu de Vida and its staff in youth programs for the
church. I volunteered primarily with children aged 7-9 and 10-13. My responsibilities
included Biblical lesson planning and English lesson planning. Additionally, I
accompanied the groups throughout the province of Cartago on evangelical missions.
EDUCATION
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Master of Arts, 2014-2016
Greenville College Bachelor of Arts, 2011-2013 Honors: MacAllaster Scholar, Cum
Laude, Phi Alpha Theta (Named Historian of chapter.) GPA: 3.80
Kaskaskia College non-degree seeking, 2011-2013 GPA: 4.00
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Transferred, 2009-2010 GPA: 3.56
SKILLS
My five strengths according to the Gallup Organization StegnthsFinder include:
strategic, input, communication, futuristic, and learner. I have extensive cross-cultural
experience, especially within Latin America, but also throughout Europe and Asia. I
have attained a near-native fluency in Spanish.