Christina Maria Pushaw, born on September 3, 1990, in Washington state to a father who worked as a lawyer at Davis Wright Tremaine, is a California native who developed an interest in international relations during her undergraduate studies. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2012 and attended The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Pushaw has worked as a political consultant, writer, and researcher, with experience in communications and campaigns in Georgia (the country), Ukraine, and the United States. She has served in public relations and digital media roles for the State of Florida, as well as press secretary and political adviser, including as Rapid Response Director for Ron DeSantis's 2024 presidential campaign. A member of the Republican Party, she is based in Washington, D.C., while currently located in Miami, Florida, and previously worked as a former foreign media advisor.