Cari Borja

Cari Borja is a Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at San Jose State University (SJSU), part of the College of Social Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and film from UC Berkeley (2001). Her work bridges academic research with applied practice, including consulting roles at Apple Inc. from 2017–2020 across Apple University, retail marketing, and environmental policy initiatives. Currently, she serves as Chief of Staff to Alice Waters, leading development of the Alice Waters Institute for Regenerative Agriculture and Edible Education at the University of California, Davis.

Her research focuses on the intersection of food culture, memory, and identity, particularly how childhood food experiences influence dietary choices and social interactions. Professional activities include teaching Design Ethnography at California College of the Arts and operating a clothing line and salon series that integrate anthropological insights.

Key affiliations include SJSU’s Department of Anthropology (office: Clark Hall 461) and the Alice Waters Institute. While no specific awards are listed, her work demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement with corporate, academic, and community-based projects.