Christina DeConcini is World Research Institute’s Director of Government Affairs. DeConcini is an attorney and advocate committed to achieving policy change through litigation, designing and directing legislative strategies, forging diverse and effective coalitions, and framing and advancing issues for public support. She has focused primarily on overseeing WRI’s legislative work and strategy on climate change and energy issues, engagement with the U.S. administration on these issues, and leading WRI’s climate-impacts work. Previously, DeConcini spent 20 years advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees, serving as director of policy and advocacy in national organizations seeking changes in federal immigration laws, providing representation to indigent immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and improving conditions of detention for immigrants. She has written and spoken frequently on issues related to immigration and refugee policies, taught immigration law, served on a number of boards, and been recognized for her work in this field. DeConcini has a law degree from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and an undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego.