Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Blanco.
Hi Cristina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in the arts as a young student of ballet, later expanding into other dance forms and musical theatre and production. Those early years shaped my foundation as an artist and instilled the curiosity and discipline that would guide my path. As a dancer at New World School of the Arts, I advocated for and helped inaugurate a student-run senior showcase—an annual tradition that continues more than thirty years later, reflecting the creativity and leadership of emerging artists.
My commitment to dance led me to pursue a BFA in performance and study abroad at the Cecchetti School of Ballet and Centro Studio e Movimento in Italy. While refining my technique, I immersed myself in Italian language, architecture, and cultural studies, deepening my lifelong interests in anthropology, travel, and culinary exploration.
Over time, I became drawn to the inner workings of arts organizations and how cultural leadership shapes communities, prompting me to pursue a Master of Arts in Nonprofit and Arts Administration—a program designed to place practicing artists in leadership roles. After graduating in 1998, I began my professional career at a contemporary art organization in Detroit, leading a capital campaign and directing marketing and communications to support the purchase and renovation of the organization’s new home. I was then recruited to a private liberal arts college, where I wrote grants, trained faculty in grant-writing, led special projects, and taught ballet and tap.
In 2004, I returned to Miami to join the History Museum as Vice President for External Affairs, overseeing membership, campaigns, and branding. I led a complete rebrand to establish HistoryMiami, refreshed programming, and collaborated with local legal leaders to create a historical society honoring the bar and bench—all in preparation for a capital campaign. I later transitioned into the private banking sector, leading marketing and client development across private banking, lending, real estate, and wealth management, while managing sponsorships and community partnerships that strengthened trust with nonprofit and corporate leaders.
Returning to the nonprofit sector, I served as Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer at United Way Miami. There, I oversaw Communications, Marketing, Volunteer Engagement, and high-profile fundraising events, including VeritageMiami and the annual Mayor’s Ball. I also led countywide Census and COVID-19 awareness efforts, coordinated with grassroots organizations, and directed Operations Helping Hands, mobilizing volunteers and raising rapid-response funds for residents facing immediate crises.
Today, I am Executive Director of a 14-acre botanical garden, curating arts and community-building experiences that engage over 140,000 visitors annually. My vision is to leverage the garden as a connector of people, ideas, and communities—incorporating the site’s history, collaborating with partners such as the Museum of Graffiti, introducing new music genres, dance performances, classical concerts, and poetry events—to engage audiences and enhance quality of life. I also oversee the nonprofit supporting the gardens, ensuring its mission, programs, and community impact continue to thrive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout my career, I have faced a variety of challenges that required adaptability, resilience, and creativity. Transitioning from the world of performance into organizational leadership meant learning new skills—fundraising, strategic planning, and managing complex teams—while demonstrating the value of an artist’s perspective in corporate and nonprofit environments. Leading initiatives such as capital campaigns, museum rebrands, and countywide outreach efforts often involved aligning diverse stakeholders, limited resources, and competing priorities. These experiences reinforced the importance of persistence, collaboration, and trust-building. Through it all—and still today—I rely on a communication- and community-centered, service-oriented approach to lead and develop teams, creating environments where people, ideas, and communities can thrive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I often think back to something a federal judge once told me—that you could tell when my “fingerprint” had touched a project or initiative. She called it a “white glove” approach, and I’ve never forgotten it. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of creative and strategic projects—developing program content, producing events, crafting marketing messaging, and supporting organizational strategy—always with an eye toward lasting impact.
A big part of what I do today is curate programming across visual and performing arts, festivals, and educational initiatives that connect people with nature. At the same time, I manage the business side of the organization, including budgets, strategic planning, and program growth. This dual focus allows me to ensure that every initiative is not only inspiring but also sustainable and aligned with long-term goals.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project or accolade—it’s the quiet recognition that I leave a mark (with a reputation of quality) in the organizations and teams I work with. In nearly every role, there’s a thread of my influence that continues to propel programs and initiatives forward, even as the organization evolves. Seeing possibilities, collaborating with teams, and building something meaningful for the community or institution is deeply rewarding, especially when it continues to thrive over time.
What sets me apart is this combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and a service-oriented leadership approach. I focus on connecting people, ideas, and resources in ways that allow others to thrive while advancing the mission. Being able to guide, support, and inspire teams while leaving an enduring positive impact—the “white glove” touch—defines the work I am most passionate about.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is how I got my name. I was almost named after my two grandmothers, but on the morning of what would be my birth, a hurricane was named—and that became my name.
Beyond that, I have a love for exploring history and artistry in everyday life. I enjoy walking through old cities, discovering historic churches, and studying their architecture, tile work, and artwork. I’m also drawn to the drama and emotion of music, particularly the piano and the intensity of tango—both of which inspire and ground me in ways that often carry into my creative and leadership work.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cblanco1
- Other: https://www.pinecrestgardens.org
Image Credits
The exterior shot credit should be given to Tony Tur.
Other credit shots Pinecrest Gardens.
