the power of connection: Kristi’s approach to giving back

Kristi (left) and other volunteers drop off donations at the Mary’s Place warehouse

For Kristi Hanna-Cruz, giving back has always been second nature. “I grew up in a home where my mom welcomed everyone in,” she says. “I was taught at a young age that all people are deserving of opportunity and to always give back."

That spirit led Kristi to become involved with Raise Your Vibe, a quarterly event where local women entrepreneurs gather to connect and give back. At her recent event at Posh Beauty Bar, Kristi donated a portion of proceeds to Mary’s Place and invited our own Bhavani Kotha to share about our work. “When Bhavani spoke, everyone was so captivated by the inspiring and important work Mary’s Place is doing. The history of Mary’s Place that began with a grassroots effort of women helping women really spoke to our group. Everyone put their phone down and truly engaged with the story of Mary’s Place and the stories of the women and families you serve,” shares Kristi.

Kristi also helped organize a shopping trip with the group, donating 17 bags of brand-new clothes and essentials for families. “Not only was a group shopping activity a great opportunity to connect about the work being done at Mary’s Place, but it felt really good knowing a bunch of moms and kids would have new clothes and essentials that make them feel confident. When you’re confident in yourself, you can open so many more doors,” she shares!

However, the moment that stays with her the most happened when she dropped off donations at our family shelter. She noticed a family of five that had just received support—children clutching new toys, their mom holding a baby. One little boy caught Kristi’s eye as they passed each other.

“He kept looking back at me, so I made a heart with my hands. Just a simple way to say, ‘I see you. You matter,' and he got a huge smile on his face. It reminded me that it doesn’t always take big things to make a difference. Even small gestures—eye contact, kindness, acknowledgment—can remind people that they're worthy, capable, and loved."

As the creator and designer of Posh Beauty Bar and an online coaching platform, Kristi is passionate about helping people’s inner beauty, love, and potential shine through. It’s no surprise that she also has a gift for uplifting families during their most challenging moments—with just a smile! We’re grateful that Kristi shares her warmth, compassion, and smile with families at Mary’s Place, using her entrepreneurial skills to raise both support and awareness for our work to end family homelessness. “I believe together we're stronger and we can all do our part in helping “Raise the Vibe” with kindness, passion, purpose, connection, and community.”