I’m from Benson, Arizona which is a small town in southern Arizona. During my younger years, I was an athlete and played a variety of sports prior to college. I then went on to pursue my degree and got the chance to play basketball while in college. I’m very passionate about learning and growing in all aspects of my life, and that’s why I find myself pushing boundaries. I have a huge drive for success which is where, I believe,my love for work comes in. My work ethic was instilled by my step-father, Leland. He worked us like crazy as kids and I hated it, at the time, but I realize now that it runs through my veins. If I’m not working, I think something is wrong with me for not being as productive as I should be. I also like to challenge myself, set goals and achieve things that seem impossible.
Love Music: We been hearing a lot about you, so we notice your starting to gain a lot of attention how does it feel?
You know, I feel blessed. So many great people have come into my life that have taught me how to deal with work, home life and projects that I am so passionate about. Because of them, I feel I wouldn’t be where I am today. I can see their influences play out at different times throughout my life. They have helped shape and mold me into the person I am today. I just feel very grateful and want to use what they’ve taught me to help others, and to help provide hope to those who are in need and who are suffering. And, I also like to help others accomplish their dreams.
Love Music: Can you please tell our readers more about "AfrikRising"?
AfrikRising was started a little over a year ago. A group of us wanted to make a difference,particularly, with young children in dire need of help. I’m very blessed to have such a great team of people that have the same mindset to help others in need. AfrikRising wouldn’t be here without them. It was a challenging year as it was our first year getting started while accomplishing projects in different parts of Africa. But we’ve learned to make adjustments and found ourselves making positive change in many people’s lives. We are very grateful for our donors who help make the projects possible. We have already impacted hundreds and hundreds of children’s lives, and are excited to continue to do good.
Love Music: What has been one of the most exciting achievements of your career so far ?
I honestly can’t pinpoint specific achievements as I have a great group of supporters that help me work on various projects and activities. However, seeing excited and happy faces on the children is what makes our mission all worthwhile.
Love Music: What’s your goal in life you want to achieve next?
A huge goal on my list would be to open a trades school in Nigeria, Africa. We have an excellent team located in Nigeria that has been working diligently with the surrounding communities. I believe the trades school will certainly help those in poverty by getting them started on an educational track that will enable them to become qualified to obtain an entry-level job. They then can help support their own families. The average African makes $1.25 a day. They need our help! This trades school will be sustainable where Africans will help Africans.
Love Music: What motivates you to do your best work as a CEO of AfrikRising?
Just the opportunity to serve others motivates me. I always love seeing the joy on peoples’ faces as you serve others. It’s the best feeling in the world. I just think if that was me as a young ten-year-old African child, in an orphanage, I would hope that someone would come and help me. Not only that, but to come and give me a shot at life and bring me a little bit of hope for a brighter future. Most of those children will be born into poverty and die in poverty in the second most poverty stricken country in the world.
Love Music: What's the reason behind writing this book “GET THAT JOB! ACE Your JOB Interview – Every Time!?
I want to help college students become successful. If they haven’t had a job interview to date, they’ll soon find out that it could be somewhat intimidating. This book was inspired to help them gain confidence.
Love Music: Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?
I can’t say that I have any time to settle down a bit because I’m always thinking about the next project, activity or meeting that’s coming up. I do turn on the TV to wind down a bit.
Love Music: How can people find you and follow you online?
They can find me on my website: www.christinereidhead.com
Our nonprofit AfrikRising at: www.afrikrising.org
Tips to starting college: www.tipstostartingcollege.com
