August 1st, 2007
This week we get to learn a little bit about Cristina Castro-Matukewicz of Wells Fargo.
Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Cristina has always had a passion for serving others and volunteerism. She came to the United States to complete her post-graduate education and have lived in Omaha for the past 11 years.
In Omaha, Cristina worked at the Girl Scouts-Great Plains Council, where she build a successful eight years career. Her last position as Chief Operating Officer allowed her to create and develop programs for youth that were nationally recognized. She is now the Community Development Representative for Wells Fargo in Nebraska. At Wells Fargo, she represents the bank in community affairs, coordinate financial literacy programs, outreach to the un-banked and under-banked and chairs the charitable contributions committee.
Her involvement with different causes has taken her to volunteer at the Omaha Children’s Museum, Junior League, African American Achievement Team, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino Midlands Community Development Corporation, Heartland Latino Leadership Conference, Project Harmony, Girl Scouts-Great Plains Council, Women of Color Awards Committee, among others.
Cristina was recognized in 2001 as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans, and she also received the Distinguished Community Service Award by the Omaha Jaycees. In December 2006, Cristina was selected as one of the “Forty Under Forty” professionals in Omaha by the Midlands Business Journal.
Cristina has a B.S. in Psychology and Masters Degrees in Management and in Business Administration.
Now…9 Questions:
1.) Who are you, where do you work, what do you do there?
I am Wells Fargo’s community development representative in Nebraska. The scope of my work is to provide support to senior leaders in the organization in community and economic development issues, coordinate the charitable contributions budget, serve as a liaison between management and team member resource groups, represent Wells Fargo in community affairs, lead the organization financial education and team member volunteer efforts and provide leadership to Wells Fargo’s outreach plans to unbanked and under banked groups across the state.
2.) Why do you do what you do?
There is great alignment between my personal interests and the goals of my current position. My company puts a high emphasis in community development and that motivates me to work hard to find win-win solutions for our community partners.
3.) What is the unique value that your organization and / or your work brings to the community?
There are many. But my favorite is Wells Fargo’s belief that we have a responsibility to serve and contribute to the communities where we live and work with our time, talent and treasure. I think this is a deep value of ours. We really practice it in a genuine way because we are convinced it is the right thing to do!
4.) What is the most challenging aspect of your work and what is the most rewarding?
Most challenging- having to make difficult funding decisions on what program we support based on our charitable giving guidelines.
Most rewarding- To see organizations, individuals and communities thrive and to know we are a part of their success
5.) Where do you get new ideas about your work?
Everywhere! I listen, listen and then listen more to what people is saying and what has worked somewhere else. Hot water also seems to wake up my brain sometimes…:=)
6.) What do you do to take care of yourself?
I like to read and spend time with my family. My children keep me grounded to what really matters in life.
7.) What is your favorite thing about Omaha ?
The variety of restaurants we have…we still need a few options in Latin American and Caribbean food though.
8.) What is the last good book that you read?
I am finishing reading Sandra Guzman’s Latina Bible…it is okay.
9.) How can people contact you?
Cristina.V.Castro-Matukewicz@wellsfargo.com