Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Puga
Hi Christina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Christina Puga. I am a graduate (undergrad and graduate; dual major BA- Sociology/Psychology and MS Public Leadership of UNT Dallas. I’m a mother of two handsome sons, who are both diagnosed on the Autism spectrum. My oldest son Justin , we call him The SNACK KING “little big brother” and my youngest son Joshua, who’s a golfer and college student we call him the “big little brother” , as height and other factors weigh into the narrative, pun intended.
I’ve had positions in life in accounting, auditing, payroll and even other positions of mentorship , community and development liaison, with different companies and organizations.
As a single mother, my sole responsibility and priority is to be intentional of ensuring my personal and professional life centered what was and is essential for protecting and providing for my children. In every life decision, there’s lessons, growing pains, purpose, perseverance, and peace. Three things matter: flexibility, stability, and security.
I have learned to have patience with myself, and to give myself grace in my journey and my children’s journey , and navigate through the different seasons of life, which led to current objectives, affiliations and associations in reference to disabilities.
I am currently in my second term as the only Black/African American female Commissioner, who represents the Commission on Disabilities in the City of Dallas. I’m the first and founding and immediate past Chairwoman which I was honored to be appointed in my first term.
In any position, accountability matters, responsibility matters, advocacy matters, and it is more than just about building relationships, you have to be consistent with maintaining rapport with different people about different needs.
My personal quote is,” I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot, and I learn something every day.” – Christina
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In any area or avenue of life there’s wins and losses, as most would say life lessons. It’s not a smooth road as there have been bumps and bruises ,trials and tribulations, and failures, and even from an optimistic standpoint; there have been achievements and successes and opportunities and accomplishments.
I don’t suppress any experience good or indifferent that may have happened because then that becomes false hope and a false narrative when it’s imperative to feel whatever emotions you feel, and not suppress them, and then figure out a solution or a resolution; if need be. Can and can’t are both real words in my life, and learning to do what is essential is self-care and self preservation . Saying no, is also about doing what’s essential and being strategic. Saying yes, has to be align with my passion, a purpose and values.
Some situations and matters that are beyond my control sometimes a struggle or challenge; as when my son is dealing with his epilepsy which that completely changes the trajectory of any day’s plan.
Even with plans of progression and purpose to fulfill the needs of the individuals who we serve to implement programs , more than not it’s a question of whether disability, disparity and inequality. Unfortunately, at times as most people know whether it is in politics, corporate America, and even in sports; the struggle for individuals with disabilities is lack of resources. In leadership as it pertains to wanting change, you may be given the green light only to be given a stop sign. Which is why you keep advocating, you keep showing up, you keep serving , you keep supporting the needs of those who don’t have a voice, and you keep challenging the narrative
It’s said that if you upset someone you’re doing your job, so that also means “stay in good trouble.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since 2015, I assisted as a mentor in one of our criminal courts at Frank Crowley in Dallas county. As of 2018, I had been in the position as a Director for an domestic violence (assault) expungement program for first time offenders age 17-25 , assisting with social emotional development and support, conflict resolution, mentor training and development. I have had an opportunity to be hands-on in reference to individuals who either needed anger management or behavior intervention, and each participant (mentee) are required to obtain their GED or high school diploma, employment and other assignments such as self reflection essays, budget and financial management and literacy; and each mentee is assisted with career development and even accountability for their life choices.
I am a NAF board member in DallasISD since 2015, as to which I assist juniors and seniors in high school with community engagement, college choices, and employment and assist with mentorship and mock interviews . One of my proudest moments of chairing the community engagement committee is given back, and have the students yearly donate blankets and other items to a domestic violence shelter.
As a Commissioner, for individuals with disabilities, three core strategic priorities is: transportation, employment and housing.
As a single mom, we live this narrative daily of managing resources and responsibilities.
What stands me apart from others is the tenacity of being accessible, available and approachable, and I create boundaries. I am also intentional and consistent. I do my best to recognize the need, just as I also know when to carry the torch and when to pass the torch.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me most is my children, family and my time to prioritize my self care.
As a single mom, I have to lead by example, and also give my children grace because what I expect, I have to reciprocate.
It’s also important to be sincere, and have integrity. It matters to me most because even if or when you get it wrong, own it and take accountability. Too often, people lead with some truth and not transparency. The example that I indicate is that the truth is, I’m a woman; transparency is I’m a Black woman, as my name written on paper may not suggest that.
We have to be intentional of details as awareness, information and education is imperative.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: transparency.talk
