Influential Woman · Non-profit fundraising and development
Christina Peterson
Non-Profit Leader
Lakeland, FL 33809
Her Story
About Christina
Christina Peterson is a dedicated nonprofit leader, based in Lakeland, Florida. With nearly a decade of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and community engagement, she has built a career centered on advancing meaningful missions and creating lasting impact. Throughout her career, Peterson has supported organizations focused on serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, addressing homelessness, and providing resources for military service members and their families through strategic fundraising and development initiatives. Peterson’s journey into the nonprofit sector was inspired by her experience at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, where she discovered her passion for community-focused work and transitioned from corporate leadership into nonprofit service. A lifelong advocate for giving back, she has been actively involved in volunteering since high school and continues to dedicate her time and talents to strengthening the communities she serves. Her leadership philosophy has been shaped by influential mentors, including women who demonstrated the importance of serving first, building trust, and empowering others. She also credits Lori Long of Lori Long Consulting for providing guidance and insights that have influenced her professional and personal leadership approach. As a leader, Peterson believes that true success is measured by the ability to help others grow and thrive. She encourages emerging women leaders to share their knowledge, create opportunities for others, and embrace leadership as a responsibility to uplift those around them. Her work is guided by core values of integrity, compassion, service before self, collaboration, authenticity, and respect. Through her commitment to women empowering women and making a positive difference in her community, Peterson continues to inspire others and advance the mission-driven work of the nonprofit sector.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and wisdom rather than keeping it to themselves. Their willingness to guide and support others shaped my own leadership approach and reinforced the importance of paying it forward. I believe true leadership is about creating opportunities for others, sharing insights, and helping the next generation of leaders grow. Watching emerging leaders develop and succeed is incredibly rewarding, and I am committed to continuing that legacy by empowering others to follow their own paths to success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to lead through service, build trust, and empower others. Women mentors throughout my career have had a profound impact on my leadership journey by demonstrating the importance of putting people first and creating an environment where others can thrive. Lori Long of Lori Long Consulting has been especially influential, sharing valuable insights through workshops and speaking engagements that have shaped both my professional and personal approach to leadership. Their guidance has reinforced my belief that effective leadership is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace the mindset that leadership is not just about personal success, but about helping others succeed as well. Do not hoard your knowledge or opportunities; share what you learn and use your experience to empower those around you. The mentors and women who supported me throughout my career played a significant role in shaping who I am today, and I believe it is our responsibility to continue that cycle by lifting others up and creating pathways for future leaders to grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now involve inspiring people to believe in the mission while navigating an increasingly uncertain environment. In the nonprofit sector, leaders must balance the emotional demands of the work with the ability to remain optimistic, resilient, and focused on creating impact. Funding and sponsorship landscapes have also shifted, requiring organizations to be more innovative and adaptable in how they build support and sustain their missions. Despite these challenges, there is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen connections, engage communities, and find new ways to advance meaningful change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are empowerment, integrity, compassion, and service before self. I believe in the power of collaboration, authenticity, and treating others with respect while creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. My faith guides my commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact in the lives of others. I am especially passionate about women empowering women and believe we have a responsibility to lift each other up, share opportunities, and help one another succeed.
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