We are excited to welcome Kristen Strauss to the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) as our new Manager of Youth Initiatives and Programs!
Kristen’s lifelong passion for education and her commitment to community-building make her a perfect fit for this pivotal role, as we continue to step up for our youth in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Here’s a closer look at her background and goals as she steps into this position.
Kristen was born and raised in Claremont, California, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. It was a beautiful place to grow up, she said, but she longed to be in a community with four seasons – and Flagstaff was at the top of her list.
She attended Northern Arizona University, inspired to become a teacher, a profession embraced by her parents, cousins, and one of her brothers. “We refer to it as the family business,” she jokes.
Kristen’s career in education spans a variety of roles and age groups. She began teaching 5th and 6th graders at a local charter school before transitioning to first grade in Flagstaff Unified School District.
Over the years, she’s led summer enrichment programs focusing on literacy and student success, particularly for Title I schools. Her dedication to fostering growth and learning led her to pursue a degree in principal and administration studies in 2019, all while teaching and coordinating district-wide summer school initiatives for K-5 students.
Her most recent work in a special education inclusion preschool involved developing kindergarten readiness programs tailored to children with diverse needs, further highlighting her commitment to inclusive education.
Kristen’s decision to join UWNA was fueled by her admiration for programs like KinderCamp™ and its mission to improve education and support families across northern Arizona.
As Youth Programs Manager, she will lead our Stepping Up for Youth initiative, which includes KinderCamp, the upcoming Youth Leadership Summit, literacy nights, and other initiatives focused on early childhood development and positive youth development.
“For the past 8 years, I’ve been a teacher and part of several committees and initiatives in our local school district,” Kristen said. “I am excited to join United Way of Northern Arizona and be part of its strong commitment to youth, education, and community. I look forward to facilitating innovative and collaborative solutions as we meet the needs of our youth and ensure that our communities are thriving for generations to come.”
