For over a decade, Cristina has worked with companies and business owners determine the value of their business to help them develop and identify strategies to propel growth, maximize value or pivot their business/life in a new direction. She has worked with companies in different stages (from startups to multi-million dollar companies) in industries such as cannabis, life sciences, retail, services and many others.
For over two decades, Cristina has been an entrepreneur, starting her first online business while getting her dual JD/MBA degree. Since then, she has founded several companies and organizations ranging from tech, health and wellness to cannabis.
For over three decades, she has been passionate about doing work in the community, starting at her first volunteer job at a local hospital in middle school. Her desire for service continues, and since then has served and held leadership (board of director) positions in non profit organizations.
And for as long as she can remember, she has been an explorer at heart. Her thirst for adventure has brought her to the jungles of Peru, remote villages in Kenya and fjords in Iceland.
Her formal legal training, practical hands-on experience in building a business from the ground up, and desire to help others give her a unique perspective in communicating and providing valuable work to her clients and colleagues.
WHAT CURRENTLY KEEPs ME BUSY
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Sparkvation Consulting
Managing Director
No matter what stage of business you’re in, one of us have been there. Our network of professionals are entrepreneurs with real-life experience to partner with you throughout the life cycle of your business. Whether you’re just starting out and need to flush out an idea or develop a product, or you’re ready to sell your company, we have the right advisor to guide you in your journey.
MY JEEPNEY STOP / CSQUARED MEDIA
Co-Founder
My Jeepney Stop initially started as a passion project between two friends who share a common vision of connecting and helping promote the Filipino community. As entrepreneurs and community leaders, they often received questions such as “Where can find a Filipino-speaking attorney?” or “Where is the best Filipino food in Orange County?” And while they can eventually find the answer, it took a lot of time to research and information was all over the place. This inspired them to create a platform that connects Filipino-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives, so that one can easily find Filipino-related resources in one place. Starting with only a handful of listings, My Jeepney Stop is now the fastest-growing Filipino online directory with close to 3,000 active listings and has since expanded its services to include event management and targeted marketing services to both Filipino and non-Filipino businesses alike.
Private Mediator
I currently mediate small claims cases at the Orange County Superior Court. Cases include disputes involving landlord-tenant, consumer merchant, business to business, HOA, and creditor/debtor.
I am available for private mediation consultation for disputes involving business valuation and other business issues. Please book for a free consult below.
some things i am passionate about
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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
I am an advocate for helping women entrepreneurs grow and prosper. I've been in leadership positions of esteemed women's organizations such as the Junior League and the National Association of Women Business Owners.
In 2018, I founded HerCannabiz, a community of women cannabis entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and advisors. Its mission is to encourage, empower and educate the community through educational programs, trainings, and networking opportunities to promote leadership development, teamwork, wellness and entrepreneurship.
STARTUP COMMUNITY
As someone who's been a startup founder a few times over and have learned many lessons along the way, I am passionate about giving back and mentoring founders and their team.
Currently, I serve as a National Mentor for Seed Spot (a community that supports impact-driver entrepreneurs) and an Incubator Advisor for Cal State Fullerton's Startup Incubator Program.
PLACES I'VE BEEN FEATURED
book
Co-Author, In Her Purpose: 40 Principles of Asian Women Redefining Success on Their Own Terms
Now available on Amazon.
PODCAST
The Filipino American Woman Project (Aug 2020), Episode 19: "It's Boring to Be One-Dimensional
The Business Booth (Aug 2020), Find Your Why
Hydroponic Chef Show (Dec 2018), Farm to Table Cannabis
PUBLICATIONS
Balitang America, "More Seniors Opting to Use Cannabis for Medical Remedy" Dec 2019.
Her CannaLife, "Q&A with Cristina Espiritu" Dec 2018.
CNN, "Come Aboard the Cannabus" April 2018.
Asian Journal, "What to Know About CA's Marijuana Legalization" Jan 2018.
KQED, "Underground Cannabis Dinners are Creating Quite a Buzz" Dec 2017.
Voyage LA, "Meet Cristina Espiritu" Dec 2017.
The Boston Globe, "California Gets Ready to Ignite Cannabis Culinary Arts Scene" Dec 2017.
NBC Los Angeles, "An Array of Cannabis Culinary Art is Expected in California" Dec 2017.
Univision, "Desde vino hasta tacos y burritos con marihuana, la nueva moda culinaria en California" Dec 2017.
CannabisClubTV, "Entrepreneur of the Week" July 2017.