Her Story
About Christina
Christina Salem is a nonprofit and creative director, journalist, and community advocate with a multidisciplinary background spanning mental health advocacy, journalism, public relations, media consultation, entrepreneurship, and community outreach. She is the Founder and Director of Assyrian Chaldean Syriac Mental Health (ACSMH), where she leads initiatives designed to promote research, education, awareness, collaboration, and healing within the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac communities. Her work focuses on developing culturally informed mental health resources and creating supportive environments for marginalized, displaced, and underserved communities.
A graduate of Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Christina has built a diverse professional career that includes journalism, nonprofit leadership, social media strategy, public relations, event planning, creative direction, and financial services. She has worked as a Freelance Journalist with The Assyrian Journal, founded Salem’s Vision, and previously served as a Social Media Coordinator for the Chaldean Community Foundation and as a Loan Officer with Allied First Bank. Her journalism and communications background is complemented by training in trauma outreach, wellness coaching, and first aid/CPR, allowing her to bring together storytelling, community engagement, advocacy, and program development.
Through ACSMH and her broader professional work, Christina is committed to reducing mental health stigma and creating culturally relevant pathways toward healing and connection. Her initiatives have included mental health education, community conferences, women’s wellness programming, self-healing resources, and Resha d’Rishane, a culturally informed reconciliation and mediation initiative. She attributes her success to the support of her family and community and places strong importance on integrity, self-respect, and faith. She encourages the next generation—particularly young women—to ask for help, trust others, delegate, and remain open and vulnerable enough to learn from the people around them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my mother, father, grandparents, family, and broader community—my “village.” Their encouragement and willingness to stand behind me through every chapter of my life have given me the foundation and confidence to pursue my goals and continue moving forward.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women not to be afraid to ask for help. You never know who may offer advice, perspective, or wisdom that can propel you forward. I have also learned the importance of delegating and trusting others. It can be tempting to try to handle everything independently, but being willing to trust people, delegate responsibilities, and remain open and vulnerable can make the journey much more productive and meaningful.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, self-respect, and faith. I believe in being someone who follows through on what they say, remains true to their word, carries themselves with self-respect, and does not compromise their morals. These principles guide both how I approach my professional responsibilities and how I conduct myself personally.
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