Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Chianese

Hi Cristina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I was born and raised in Commack, a special town on Long Island, where my earliest friendships—from kindergarten onwards—continue to shape my life. My journey began in these vibrant community settings, where I participated in activities like the student council and the girls’ leadership corps. My sport was track and field, and I loved the 400 the best! As I began to think about college, I applied to several ROTC programs and academies, ultimately securing a full scholarship with the ARMY ROTC to attend Loyola University.

However, just as I was about to begin this new chapter, I had a terrible accident that not only threatened to take my leg but irreversibly altered my trajectory. Although my scholarship was maintained for a few years, the incident profoundly changed my plans and my outlook on life. The challenging recovery process not only taught me resilience but also instilled a robust “can do” attitude in me, fueling my drive to surmount any obstacle.

I graduated from Loyola with a degree in philosophy and a minor in art. Despite originally envisioning a career in law, I took a role in marketing at Bravo TV straight out of college. This unexpected turn not only suited my evolving interests but also marked the beginning of a fulfilling career in media and marketing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The journey hasn’t been smooth, but as my favorite Peloton instructor often says, “I’ve never met an interesting person with an easy life.” Indeed, I’ve faced substantial challenges that have profoundly shaped who I am today.

One of the most significant was an accident I had at the age of 18, which nearly cost me my leg and has left lasting effects, such as severe arthritis in both legs. This has restricted some of my physical activities, but it has also taught me the importance of resilience and movement—I start each day with at least an hour of exercise because movement begets movement.

Another profound struggle was the late-term loss of my son, Declan. This loss has left an indelible mark on my heart and has deeply influenced my views and advocacy concerning women’s rights and health. These experiences, though incredibly tough, have reinforced my belief in overcoming adversity and have driven my commitment to supporting and empowering others facing their own challenges.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I often say I have two full-time jobs, and while one is purely volunteer, it’s where I channel much of my creativity and passion for marketing. I’ve been running the Pelham Chamber of Commerce for the past four years. Under my leadership, we’ve built a vibrant community of 140 members. We execute social media campaigns, organize town-wide events, and provide continuous support to our business community. During this time, we’ve secured three significant grants that have been instrumental in enhancing our town, Pelham.

My professional career has been rooted in the media industry, with significant roles at AMC Networks, Discovery, and NBCUniversal, where I specialized in a hybrid of marketing and sales. My superpowers lie in my work ethic and creative ideation. After the birth of my son, Nicholas, I made the difficult decision to leave NBCUniversal—a decision I sometimes regret, as I deeply loved working in media and still miss it.

However, I embraced a new challenge and transitioned to consulting, where I’ve had the opportunity to work with major brands and agencies on marketing, strategy, and creative ideation. Currently, I am proud to be a part of fassforward, specializing in leadership and storytelling. We deliver world-class leadership engagements, executive coaching, and trainings to renowned companies such as Mastercard, Allstate, and Chick-fil-A. I believe my value proposition lies in my ability to drive both community-focused initiatives and innovative strategies in the corporate sector, which supports my adaptability and versatility.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?

The COVID-19 crisis was a pivotal moment for me, both professionally and personally. During that period, I was consulting, and work became scarce as companies tightened budgets and awaited clearer forecasts. This shift led me to volunteer my marketing services to local businesses, a move that deeply connected me to my community and eventually led to my role at the Pelham Chamber of Commerce.

Those early days of the pandemic taught us the power of adaptability and community solidarity. The Chamber became a vehicle to ‘right wrongs.’ We found innovative ways to bring joy and normalcy to our town, like organizing a green-screen Santa event during isolation and setting up outdoor markets so businesses could operate safely. We forged friendships and bonds that are stronger than ever.

The lessons we learned are profound. We realized our resilience and strength and discovered new ways to connect, even from a distance. As we return to normalcy, we cherish simple moments—like sharing a meal with a neighbor or participating in school activities—recognizing them as the true gifts they are. These experiences have fundamentally reshaped our appreciation for community and the importance of being there for one another, no matter the circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fassforward.com, www.pelhamNYchamber.com
• Instagram: @crissychianese
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianesecristina/

Image Credits

None.