Who is Cristina González Alcalá?
Dr. Cristina González Alcalá (she/her) is a Mexican-born changemaker, equity architect, and narrative shifter who is redefining what leadership looks like—from boardrooms to the heart of the community. With roots in community and a mindset wired for systems change, Cristina blends data, heart, and lived experience to build a more just and connected world.
She currently serves as Director of Community Investment at Akron Community Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s quarterly grantmaking and contributes to the strategic direction of a nearly $6 million portfolio focused on equity and regional impact. She’s also President of the Board of Trustees at the Akron Civic Theatre and a Senior Lecturer at The University of Akron.
Cristina holds a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Arts in Communication—all from The University of Akron. A proud Triple Zip and graduate of Leadership Akron Class 40 "Forty Flair" and Torchbearers 2016, she’s known for bringing unlikely people together and sparking conversations that shift how power, possibility, and purpose are understood. She’s equally at home designing funding strategies, mentoring future leaders, or co-creating solutions with nonprofits and neighbors.
And just to keep things spicy—Cristina is also the founder of Not Yo’ Daddy’s Mexican Hot Sauce, a family-inspired small business that honors her roots, her culture, and her unapologetic flavor.
Her work is guided by cultural humility, joy, and the belief that transformation begins when we ask better questions and create space for others to rise with us. Whether in philanthropy, academics, the arts, or entrepreneurship, Cristina leads with strategy, soul, and a little bit of heat.
Where to find Cristina:
*Cristina’s TEDxAkron Talk will be shared here and online once ready for the public…
TEDxAkron Q&A with Cristina:
Q: What do you love most about working/living in Akron?
I love the unexpected gifts Akron offers: access to stunning metro parks and a national park just minutes away, a thriving arts and culture scene, clean water, no major natural disasters, and no traffic. It’s a place where creativity, collaboration, and contribution come naturally. You have the space to breathe, the time to build meaningful connections, and the freedom to focus on what matters. I also love that I can enjoy world-wide foods—Nepali, Korean, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and of course Mexican—within a few minutes' drive and sometimes just a short walk.
Q: What do you think you’re most known for, and what might surprise people the most about you?
People often recognize me for my smile and my steady optimism. What they may not always see is the depth behind that smile. I carry anxiety, grief, and the constant inner dialogue of wanting to be/do more. I hold joy and pain at the same time. My light comes not from the absence of struggle but from learning how to move through it.
Q: Where are places in your life (especially in Akron) where you feel like you're always "shaking the rules" a little bit?
You’ll find me shaking the rules in boardrooms, committee spaces, and on stage during speaking engagements. I expand traditional ideas of who holds power, whose voices matter, and what leadership can look like. Whether I’m shifting how funding decisions are made or reimagining who gets to shape the narrative, I work to open doors wider and rewrite the rules in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and grounded in community.
Q: What's your favorite quote or mantra and why?
“It’s all in the state of mind.” That line, from a poem my mom first shared with me, reminds me that our mindset shapes everything. Whether we believe we can succeed or fear we’ll fall short, we’re usually right. She also introduced me to the words of Kalimán, a Mexican comic book hero who said, “El que domina la mente, lo domina todo” ("He who masters the mind, masters everything"). Both of these ideas continue to guide me. They remind me that clarity, courage, and self-awareness are powerful. My mom gave me those tools, and I carry them with me every day.
Q: What is the one thing you’re looking forward to the most as a future TEDx speaker?
I’m most excited to be in community with people who love Akron as much as I do. I look forward to sharing my own story of passion and purpose and to learning from others who are shaping this city with care, creativity, and conviction. I am especially eager to uplift the varied experiences and backgrounds that make Akron vibrant and strong. There is power in coming together to honor what becomes possible when we lead with both heart and soul.