Confidence comes from knowing your identity: your core values, beliefs, and character. Apply that mindset daily in all circumstances. Own it and walk in it.
Christina Gerken · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Christina
Christina Gerken is a strategic development and program implementation leader with almost 30 years of experience working across business, nonprofit, education, government, and community sectors. Based in Bradenton, Florida, she is the Founder and CEO of Align Consulting, where she designs customized, results-driven solutions that help organizations strengthen operations, improve alignment, and achieve measurable impact. Her work focuses on evaluating organizational systems, streamlining processes, and building collaborative structures that support long-term sustainability and excellence. She is also the Founder and President of the Align Benefit Corp which empowers entities with strategic solutions to elevate their goals and drive tangible growth and success. The main areas of focus in this benefit corporation is Educational Programs, Foster Care Support and various Initiatives for Collective Impact. One of those Initiatives is now a Foundation - Hope Pathways Inc., a cross-sector evidence-based model that brings together public, private, and nonprofit partners to address complex community challenges such as disaster recovery and family resourcing. Through this model, she has helped develop coordinated systems that reduce service duplication and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Her leadership emphasizes “calculated compassion,” enabling organizations to align around shared goals while delivering practical, community-centered solutions. Throughout her career, Christina has been recognized as a transformational connector and global convener, known for her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to drive collective impact. With a background in education and extensive experience in leadership development, she has led cultural transformation efforts and built programs that support resiliency and long-term community growth. Outside of her professional work, she is also engaged in her faith community and values service, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership in both her personal and professional life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my commitment to continuous learning. I believe that staying open-minded and willing to grow is essential, as progress is limited when we become closed off to new ideas and perspectives.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to listen attentively, lead with kindness, and remain confident, while consistently honoring and valuing those around me. I have learned that treating others with respect and empathy is essential, as we rarely know the challenges someone else may be facing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to take the time to understand who you are, confidently embrace that identity, and pursue the path that is uniquely yours—what I call Courageous Leadership. Each individual brings distinct strengths and skills, all of which hold value. I also encourage seeking out mentors and role models you admire, learning from their experiences, and approaching your journey with curiosity and the confidence to ask questions along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include the ongoing barriers and stigma that women can face in leadership roles, which require persistence and resilience to overcome. At the same time, there are significant opportunities in how we integrate AI into our work, with the important responsibility of using it thoughtfully and effectively while maintaining the human connection that is essential in leading teams and supporting people.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Above all, I value my home and family as my highest priority. In both my personal and professional life, the values of integrity, missional alignment, and a willingness to set aside titles or ego to collaborate effectively with others are essential to the significant impact in the community. I strive to consistently exceed expectations while setting realistic commitments, to respect and honor others’ time, and to remain fully present and intentional in every interaction.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.