Catalytic strategist, facilitator and transition guide.

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About Cristina Pacheco

Cristina Pacheco is a catalytic strategist and facilitator dedicated to expanding vision and unlocking potential for individuals and organizations—especially during pivotal moments of growth and transition. She brings a cross-sector approach rooted in deep experience across tech, the arts, nonprofits, fashion, and wellness.

Cristina is the founder and CEO of FRCE (pronounced “fierce”), a boutique firm specializing in transformational organizational consulting and innovative experience design. Her leadership is grounded in both creativity and systems thinking, shaped by past executive roles at The Underground Museum, global tech platform NationBuilder, and as co-founder of the ethical fashion brand Cale & Cael.

She has coached and facilitated a wide range of organizations—from early-stage startups finding their footing to established nonprofits navigating complex transitions. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and human-centered design, allowing her to meet teams exactly where they are and guide them toward greater clarity, cohesion, and impact.

Whether she’s supporting founders in refining their vision or helping legacy institutions evolve with purpose, Cristina brings a rare blend of strategic insight, creative thinking, and grounded facilitation to every engagement.

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This commitment to transformational work is deeply informed by her decades of experience at the intersection of justice and the arts. Cristina has led large-scale civic activations including INTO ACT!ON, embRACE LA: 100 Dinners on Race, and Women’s March LA. She also founded the ACTIVATE Arts Advocacy Leadership Program at Arts for LA, training hundreds of emerging cultural leaders in policy, communication, and coalition building.

Outside of her strategic practice, Cristina is a trained vocalist, performer, and certified breathwork coach with a thriving personal wellness practice. She’s taught movement and mindfulness through The Class and served on nonprofit boards including HARNESS, The Underground Museum and Get Lit – Words Ignite.

She holds a Master’s in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and a B.A. in Media Communications with a minor in Music from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Cristina lives in the greater Los Angeles area with her husband and daughter.

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Group Facilitation

Strategy design and facilitation for multiple types of group gatherings (retreats, board meetings, design sprints, etc.) to align teams, clarify vision, and build leadership capacity. Intentional spaces that foster collaboration, renew organizational purpose, and generate actionable outcomes.

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Expertise

Core Purpose & Strategy Alignment

Tailored, outcome-driven processes for organizations navigating periods of transition, growth, or strategic redirection. Sessions can happen over time or in short sprints. Bespoke and custom experiences designed for alignment and long-term impact.

Executive Coaching

Focused on driving growth and cultivating transformative leadership. One-on-one or small group sessions support development of leaders in navigating complex environments with confidence - strengthening decision-making, and cultivating the skills needed to inspire and lead high-performing teams.

Methodologies
& Training

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  • M.A. Leadership Studies,
    University of San Diego

  • B.A. Media Communications,
    Point Loma Nazarene Univ.

  • Leadership Coaching Certification,
    University of San Diego (2015)

  • Certified Breathwork Instructor

  • Trained fitness Instructor

  • Performer

  • Languages: English, Spanish

Previous Work

Work Highlights

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  • Governing Board Member,
    HARNESS (2024-2025)

  • Exec. Board Member, The Underground Museum (2021)

  • Exec. Board Member, Get Lit - Words Ignite

  • Campaign Manager, Harness (2020)

  • Programming Producer, WE RISE LA (2018)

  • Executive Producer, Programs, INTO ACTION (2018)

  • Lead Producer, EmbRACE LA (2018)

  • Producer & Curator, ReImagine Justice (2017)

  • Organizer, Womens March LA (2017)

  • Consultant, Producer, Public Speaker, Facilitator for other local and national organizations and companies

Previous Clients

Dilemma

A growing organization with an influential board was stunted and frustrated by a lack of internal alignment about their mission and key programming. After years of internal leadership transitions, funding shortages, and rapidly changing program mandates, they committed to a process to have critical conversations about their values, most effective positioning in the market, and how to measure success.

Process

We conducted 1:1 interviews with all founders, board, and key staff members. Other assessment tools and market research were also integrated. The board and director participated in a facilitated, multi-day retreat that unearthed assumptions and established shared language about the core why, what, and how. Stakeholders also participated in a series of follow up strategic planning workshops to establish benchmarks and key metrics.

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Case Study

Outcomes

Through the process, the board realigned Through the process, the board and key leadership made agreements and standards for guiding programming decisions. Stakeholders left with a shared definition of their vision, measures of success, and a renewed enthusiasm and commitment to the work.

Curious about facilitation or collaboration?

Get in Touch
Get in Touch