Christina’s journey of service began in the military. Coupled with her profound love of nature and a deep commitment to making a difference, she wanted to find ways to continue serving as a veteran. Her path led her to an AmeriCorps program hosted at the American Red Cross, where she was able to draw on her strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and leadership—qualities that would prove crucial in her subsequent service.
Christina found herself in Cle Elum, Washington, facing a community in urgent need. The Taylor Bridge and Table Mountain Complex Fires had devastated the landscape, leaving behind charred trees and significant environmental damage. The local residents were struggling with physical and emotional scars.
Through her role in AmeriCorps, she aimed to tackle these critical needs with a clear vision and a profound understanding of the community’s challenges. The fires had caused many people to feel isolated and disconnected. Impacted community members had different opinions on how to address the damage. Christina tackled this challenge by working to foster unity.
"I realized that, to be effective, I needed to bring together people...It was essential to listen and find common ground rather than simply trying to convince or change someone's mind.”
AmeriCorps empowered Christina to dedicate her skills to impactful community service. She established Operation Lorax, a reforestation initiative aimed at restoring damaged lands and promoting environmental awareness. “
Operation Lorax was more than just about planting trees. It was about involving the community and creating a shared sense of purpose.”
Christina began by building a diverse network of partnerships. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provided expertise on reforestation, Mountain to Sound Greenway assisted with outreach and volunteer coordination, and Starbucks supplied refreshments for volunteers.
On planting day, Christina's leadership was instrumental in organizing a diverse group of participants—students, teachers, corporate employees, and government officials—all united by the common goal of restoring their community.
Including children in the project was particularly important to Christina. She designed educational activities to engage young participants and help them understand their role in the restoration effort.
“The kids learned about the importance of trees, the ecosystem, and the impact of their actions. Empowered and informed, they joined the adults in planting tens of thousands of seedlings.”
Expanding upon the success of the reforestation initiatives, Christina took on another major endeavor during her AmeriCorps tenure: the establishment of a military memorial. Just as Operation Lorax aimed to restore the environment and bring the community together, the memorial was designed to pay homage to the service members who had devoted their lives to safeguarding others.
Supported by a grant from National Make a Difference Day, this memorial was not just a tribute, it stood as a testament to the community’s resilience and collaborative spirit in the face of challenges. Christina worked with local organizations to bring this vision to fruition.
“The military memorial represented our community’s resilience and fortitude. It brought together diverse groups and illustrated what we could accomplish through cooperation.”
After her AmeriCorps service, Christina continued to build on these experiences through her work with the Yakima Area Arboretum and as an author of children’s books on environmental topics.
“My experiences with AmeriCorps and the military shaped how I approach education and community engagement.”
Christina’s service year transformed a community and shaped her approach to education and community engagement, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and shared goals.
