Cris Solis Wilson
Cristina Solis Wilson is a distinguished U.S. Army Combat Veteran with over 26 years of exemplary service, including six deployments. A highly decorated leader, she is recognized for her unwavering commitment to discipline, resilience, and mission-focused leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from The University of Texas-Pan American.
As Chief Strategy Officer of Entrepreneur Power Network, Cristina empowers professionals and organizations through strategic leadership, business development, and transformational speaking. Her leadership philosophy—rooted in Purpose, Direction, and Motivation—guides individuals to lead with clarity and intention in both life and service.
In 2012, she co-founded Crossroads Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to developing leadership, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurial skills among underserved youth. Her commitment to service extends globally as an International Trainer and Coach with the John Maxwell Team, where she contributed to the Transformación Paraguay initiative, helping train over 20,000 leaders.
Cristina has played a pivotal role in advancing leadership within her community, including serving with the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-RGV Chapter, where she led the organization to be named 2023 Chapter of the Year. She is also the co-founder of AMVETS Post 107, supporting veterans and their families through advocacy and community engagement.
Her impact has earned her numerous prestigious recognitions, including the 2025 Author of the Year by the International Impact Book Awards, the 2025 Inspirational Influencer Trailblazer Award by the International Association of Women, the 2025 Business Woman of the Year, the 2024 Latina of Influence, and the 2023 Woman of Influence by SUCCESS Magazine. Additional honors include the Estrella de Tejas Award, Hispanic Women Making History Award, and Women of Distinction Award.
A graduate of the Yale School of Management Women’s Leadership Program, Cristina is also the award-winning author of Finding Your Why and co-author of The Impact Leaders anthology alongside Kevin Harrington of the original Shark Tank. Through her work, she inspires others to rise above adversity, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cristina is deeply committed to her family and community. She is a devoted wife to Michael Wilson and a proud mother to Michelle and Christian, balancing her leadership journey with a strong foundation of faith, service, and family.
Through her work and leadership, she continues to empower others to command their lives, lead with purpose, and leave a legacy of impact.
• Women's Leadership Program
• Professional Trainer and Coach - John Maxwell Team
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Leadership McAllen Graduate - Class 35
• Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Certificate
• Yale School of Management - Women's Leadership Program
• The University of Texas-Pan American - Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy - Senior Enlisted Leadership Development Program
• 2025 Author of the Year - International Impact Book Awards
• 2025 Inspirational Influencer Trailblazer Award - International Association of Women
• 2025 Business Women of the Year
• 2024 Latina of Influence
• 2023 Women of Influence - SUCCESS Magazine
• 2023 Chapter of the Year - Hispanic Women's Network of Texas-RGV
• 2022 Estrella de Tejas Award
• 2022 Hispanic Women Making History Award
• 2017 Women of Distinction Award
• Recipient of multiple U.S. Army commendations and service medals, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT) – Former Chapter Chair (RGV)
• Veteran Females United (VFU) - Board Member
• Organization of Women Executives (OWE)
• Hispanic Women's Network of Texas-RGV Chapter (Former Chair)
• Crossroads Academy (Co-Founder & Executive Director)
• Veteran Females United (VFU) (Board Member)
• RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Angels of Love RGV
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to discipline, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. My military background taught me to stay focused on the mission, while my personal journey reinforced that growth comes through adversity. I’ve learned to lead with intention, surround myself with the right people, and commit to continuous improvement.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was: “Bloom where you’re planted.”
It taught me to give my best in every role, even when it wasn’t my ideal position. Over time, I realized that how you show up consistently matters more than the title you hold. That mindset has opened doors I never could have planned for. That mindset has shaped how I lead and how I serve others today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to believe in your voice and your ability to lead, even before others recognize it. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need the courage to step forward. Stay grounded in your purpose, seek direction from those who have gone before you, and remain motivated to keep growing. Be disciplined, stay coachable, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges that stretch you. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now is developing strong, adaptable leaders in an environment that is constantly changing. Many organizations are navigating uncertainty, high demands, and workforce burnout, which creates both a challenge and an opportunity. The opportunity lies in investing in people—building resilient leaders who can lead with clarity, direction, and motivation while communicating effectively and developing others. Organizations that prioritize leadership development will be the ones that sustain long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are integrity, purpose, and service. I strive to lead with honesty, stay grounded in my purpose, and make a meaningful impact in everything I do. Whether in my career or personal life, I believe in leading with intention, staying accountable, and continuing to grow through every experience. These values guide my direction and fuel my motivation to continue growing and serving others.