Oklahoma City University
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2024 – 2024
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

I read books multiple times a month.

I read books multiple times a month.
My name is Tina Pinedo. I was born in Peru and immigrated to Oklahoma with my parents at the age of four. My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and its transformative power, emphasizing how higher education can help minorities overcome barriers and create opportunities. During my undergraduate studies, I double-majored in psychology and forensic science, which opened my eyes to the lack of minority representation in these fields. After earning my bachelor's degrees, I joined the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System as an investigator for the Capital Trial Division. This role highlighted critical gaps in diversity and mental health awareness within the justice system. These experiences inspired me to pursue a master's in counseling psychology to expand my knowledge of mental illness and contribute to social reform. I have witnessed how individuals with mental illnesses are neglected and unjustly criminalized, strengthening my resolve to address these systemic inequities. Now, as a doctoral student in clinical psychology at Oklahoma City University, my goal is to become a forensic psychologist. I aim to work within the justice system to provide equitable care for minorities and individuals with mental health challenges, bridging the gap between psychological understanding and legal practice. Since my father's death in 2020, I have balanced full-time work and studies to support myself and my mother. Despite financial challenges, I remain deeply committed to creating meaningful change for marginalized communities through my education and career.
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2024 – 2024
Master's degree program
2022 – 2025
Bachelor's degree program
2016 – 2022
Bachelor's degree program
2016 – 2022
Insurance · State Farm
Jan 2017 – Jan 2018
Oklahoma Indigent Defense System · State Public Defender
Jan 2022 – Present
Restaurants · Redrock Canyon Grill
Jan 2018 – Jan 2022
University of Central Oklahoma · Forensic Psychology
2021 – 2022
Advocacy · Oklahoma Indigent Defense System
2022 – Present