Meet Christina
When did you move to the Rockford area?
I was born in Chicago and moved to Rockford when I was 4 years old. Most of my family is still in Chicago.
What are your hobbies or interests?
I love such a wide variety of things! I love anything having to do with being in the water, especially with my kids. I love traveling, watching movies or binging shows, tarot cards, puzzles, and I pretend to crochet—but it's really just one straight line of stitching.
What is your favorite restaurant in Rockford?
MAN, tough ones right out of the gate... it's a toss-up between 27 Aluna, Norwegian, and Abreo.
What’s the best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Lino's.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Find a cause close to your heart and get involved! The nonprofit world is alive and running full speed in Rockford—it's a great way to give back and to meet new people
What’s your favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
All of the apple orchards. Every single one. Anderson Gardens is also a personal favorite.
What’s your favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
I love going to the igloo on top of Embassy Suites and seeing the beautiful lights at the Festival of Lights and the Conservatory.
What’s your favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
Klehm Arboretum, Anderson Gardens, and City Market.
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
My initials are purposefully all Roman numerals (as are my sisters’). My Roman numeral number is 905, one sister is 54, and the other is 405, bringing our total to 1364. My dad loves referring to us by our numbers.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
Rockford is a big city with a small-town feel. To quote a former ad campaign for the city, "It's blue skies and apple pies, and the technology to make the space shuttle fly."
What is your occupation?
Finance Officer at the Rockford Area Arts Council.
What is your ethnicity?
Hispanic/Latino.
What stage of life are you in?
Professional/school-age children (I have a 16, 15, and 8-year-old all in RPS 205).
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
Hybrid (a mix of both)
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Get a good pair of boots and keep salt ready at all times! You never know what you're going to get.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
The South Main Mercado.
What’s the best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Downtown—walk around to stores, galleries, and restaurants
What’s one hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Culture Shock is my favorite store to shop at—always worth checking out!
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
Rockford is full of people who want to make it a great place to work, live, and play. The dedication of our community members is overwhelming.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
I would get breakfast at The Norwegian and go next door to Rooted and shop around. I’d take a walk with my dogs (anyone who knows me knows my dogs are maniacs and this is a very lofty goal), then hang out with my kids on our patio. I’d head to Carlyle for some pizza, see what’s going on downtown, and probably end the night at Social for some camaraderie and great cocktails, mocktails, and end-of-night snacks!
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Anderson Gardens or Klehm Arboretum.
What’s your favorite local small business or shop?
SRM Prints, Culture Shock, Maze Books, Cleta’s Stay and Sew... I could go on and on.
What’s the best way to get involved in the community?
Next Rockford and Leadership Rockford are great first steps! Check out the Chamber of Commerce and GoRockford for opportunities!
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you first moved to Rockford?
I was 5, so I clearly already knew everything.
