Cristal levels up, combining book smarts and heart for our community

Congratulations to our Family Resource Manager Cristal López Pardo, who has just earned her Master of Science in Community Development from UC Davis! For the past two years, Cristal (second from the right in the photo above with her family) managed our FRC while commuting to Davis, balancing her studies with her leadership at Corazón. Along the way, she deepened her expertise in community-led transformation, learning new strategies to support and empower families, and strengthen our community.

Cristal shares that her inspiration to pursue a master’s degree came directly from her work at Corazón. “Every day, I saw the power of community and the importance of making sure everyone feels they belong,” she says. “I wanted to learn more, to do more and to bring those skills back to where I grew up.”

Her final project at UC Davis focuses on participatory art and place making, and explores how collaborative creative projects can help people feel seen, valued and connected. “Trusting the community to lead in shaping our spaces is how we build real belonging and real community,” Cristal explains.

Looking ahead, Cristal is excited to put her new knowledge into action. She believes that uniting what she’s learned through lived experience with what she’s learned in the classroom is what makes her work truly impactful. Combining both, she hopes to create more opportunities for community members to share their voices and shape the future. “Real transformation happens when those most impacted have the power to lead the way,” she says.

Congratulations, Cristal! Thank you for showing us what’s possible when we lead with both courage and compassion. We are so grateful for all you bring to Corazón and our community.