hi there,
I’m Christina.my friends call me Tina.
(you can too)
Lovely to meet you.
(part of) my story.
why.
Ever since I left my island home of Guam for upstate NY 30+ years ago, I’ve been the “only” or “one of few” at work and in my community. I went through my career and life numb to the fact that I felt alone and disconnected. As a result, I lost my ability to speak up and stand up for myself which negatively impacted my self-esteem and self-confidence. Then, one day, I (finally) signed up for a kung fu class — something I’ve always wanted to do. It was that one step that started my journey back to me, the REAL ME. The rest of the story? That’s for another day :)
I founded Rise and Make Waves to empower and support my fellow AANHPI women to rise above the challenges of their career and lives and make waves as they become the purposeful passion-filled leaders they’re meant to be. Our innate human desire is to feel like we belong. That’s why I love speaking and telling stories about my experiences so we can all rise together, make waves by challenging the status quo, and change the world one conversation at a time. I love helping women reignite the courage within so they can lead their own lives and careers with influence, impact, and integrity.
MY LIFE EXPERIENCE.
I’m a self-proclaimed multipotentialite (many different interests and creative pursuits). I’m always exploring new things which, in my opinion, gives me a unique perspective — plenty of life lessons (and it’s fun!). Back in the day, I was a lifeguard, a retail associate, and a cake decorator. I went through a divorce after 21 years of marriage (fun times, lots of experience). And, as a full-time-mom of three remarkable kids, I was a realtor, mediator, business ethics professor, STEM advocate, kettlebell and pilates trainer, and I earned my black belts in kung fu and filipino arnis. And, here I am now, a lawyer turned entrepreneur. Life experience? I’ve got a little :)
CERTIFICATIONS.
Law. I’m an active member of the Minnesota Bar and certified for in-house counsel in Arizona. I’m a member of NAWL, NAPABA and the ABA.
Business. I’m an Evercoach (TM) certified business coach, with certifications in mediation and women’s negotiation from the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution. I’m also a Certified Professional for the Narrative Big Five Personality Assessment. I love to use this traits-based assessment for my clients and for team building.
Speaking. I’m a featured speaker with the NAAAP Speakers Bureau, a nonprofit organization for engaging Asian American and Pacific Islander Speakers to transform the public’s perception of AANHPIs.
Fun ones. I’m a Mindvalley (TM) certified Holobody coach, with certifications as a kettlebell coach and mat pilates instructor. And I have black belts in Kung Fu and Filipino Arnis. Self-defense? Let’s gooo!
ISLAND ROOTS.
I was born in Hawaii and moved to Guam when I was 3 months old. Seventeen years later, I moved to the US to attend university. Rise and Make Waves LLC is homage to my island roots. I love and miss the ocean!
giving back.
I do what I do so I can give back to my community.
I’m a member of the Board of Directors for Tynkertopia (TM) and Welcomed Here. Tynkertopia is a nonprofit in Flagstaff, AZ, dedicated to inspiring, encouraging and celebrating STEM/STEAM through curiosity, wonder, and playfulness. Welcomed Here is a nonprofit, also in Flagstaff, AZ, committed to providing a platform where users can review places from an inclusive perspective (think public and gender-neutral restrooms, wheelchair ramps, etc.).
I’m a small business advisor for Pacific Community Ventures where I advise and mentor small business owners to help them overcome challenges and grow their businesses.
I’m also active with several organizations supporting the Asian American Pacific Islander community, such as NAPAWF, Project Hawaii, and Make Us Visible.
“LEAN FORWARD INTO YOUR LIFE. BEGIN EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE ON PURPOSE”
– Mary Anne Radmacher
QUESTIONS?
ASK ME ANYTHING.
let's stay in touch!