Staff Spotlight: Have You Heard About Chrysti?

It is clear when speaking with Chrysti that she has a tenacious personality, and she uses that tenacity to constantly fight for the underdog. Her professional career has been in many fields, but it has always come back to the purpose of serving those who are underserved or underrepresented in our communities. She began in emergency medical services at a county jail and had taken the steps to join the military, but life events led her to a different path. Chrysti took a job at Metro State University and began moving up in positions, all while getting her Masters Degree in Criminal Justice focusing on Global Issues/Anti-terrorism and raising three children. 

When 10 years at Metro State University had passed, Chrysti felt the need for a change from her current fundraising position and found her way to Cultivate. Though this transition may seem like a bit of a leap, Chrysti felt that it was a natural progression of her passions. Not only did her move to Cultivate allow her to continue to serve her community, but it also allowed her to address a major issue she saw in the community. 

Chrysti, whose Mom is from Korea, was raised in strong Korean culture, and a large part of that culture is the duty to care for your elders. Her Mom spent years caring for her grandparents after they emigrated from Korea to follow Chrysti’s Mom. When Chrysti became aware that many older adults do not have a loved one to care for them or have loved ones who are too far away to do it themselves, she knew she had found a cause that she was passionate about, and the rest is history. 

Her work in the community is not limited to her professional life, and Chrysti is often serving on various boards and committees. One area she especially focuses on is Veteran services, since she is the proud daughter, sister and partner of Veterans, and so many other close people in her life are Veterans. Even with all of this, she still manages to find time for other things such as riding her motorcycle, listening to true crime podcasts, outdoor sports and spending time with her family. 

She has worked hard to create a balance in her life and continues to focus on ways to do what she does, but even better. Chrysti’s love of fighting for the underdog shows up in all that she does and even when things take turns she never expected, she finds a new passion to which she can give her all.