As a Director of Development at an independent school, Cristina plays a significant role in the organization’s fundraising efforts.
Here are three questions to get to know her better:
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work, and how do you spend your free time?
With three kids, free time is not something I have a lot of! But there is nothing I love doing more than watching my kids play the sports they love: soccer (lots and lots of it), baseball and basketball. I co-lead my daughter’s Girl Scout troop of 5th and 6th graders while also serving as the Cookie Mom, which is fun and keeps me very busy. And anyone who knows me knows that I love to listen to podcasts, all the time!
What motivates you to come to work every day, and how do you stay engaged and productive?
It’s hard not to be inspired by the role Miss Porter’s School plays in educating students who will be changemakers in ways big and small. I am motivated to come to work every day knowing that I get to be part of that story by helping to inspire philanthropic giving for all the great things happening on campus day in and day out. Education changes lives and for me, there is no greater joy than knowing that a gift to Miss Porter’s School is an investment in girls and women and an investment in our future. I also have the privilege of working with what I think is the best team in the business!
Can you tell us about your background and how you became the Director of Development?
I’ve spent almost my entire career working in fundraising for educational institutions. While I never imagined when I went to college that this is what I would be doing, it has been an amazing career and I can’t imagine doing anything else. My first job in development was working at my alma mater, Fairfield University, where I worked for over a decade in roles ranging from young alumni giving and reunion fundraising to major gifts. Then I spent several years working in major gifts at the University of New Haven before joining the amazing team at Miss Porter’s School over 6 years ago.