Lumbee Tribe member Cristina Green strives to support children in need

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.

MassLive will publish profiles of these leaders through November. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Cristina Green

Age: 34

Community: Springfield

Her story: Cristina Green has dedicated herself to families and children in need, whether intact or in foster care placement.

As a social worker in the Western Massachusetts community and throughout the state for the past 10 years, Green has work for agencies that support her vision of serving marginalized communities.

“My focus over the last decade has been to ensure all children are afforded with opportunities and environments that are stable, loving and supportive in any needed areas. I have been able to work alongside individuals that share my goals in community support agencies,” Green said.

Being a registered member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, has taught Green to keep family first, she said.

“My ability to remain rooted in my culture allows me to instill in those around me the importance of togetherness,” Green said.

Green began her social work journey at Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, as a parent aid for families involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

“From there, I worked for several years as a home visitor for first-time teen parents. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009 and my master’s in social work from Westfield State University in 2020. I also hold a license in Social Work,” Green said.

The driving force behind Green’s pursuit of higher education and contributions to the community has been her children.

“I was a young single mom and the harsh realities of raising my children with limited resources set in quickly. However, I was able to overcome those challenges with the support of my family and community,” she said.

Green’s primary focus has been to provide those with similar experiences the same opportunities.

“As a child I would often spend my summers in Pembroke, North Carolina, with my family and was taught the value of resilience and a strong work ethic. The Lumbee Tribe has consistently fought for equity, recognition and consideration. The Tribe has an entrepreneurial spirit and values the importance of education. These principles helped shape my ideologies and have given me the tools to not only better myself, but those around me,” Green said.

Green serves as team mom for the Springfield Tigers for the last three years, where she helps to organize team events and provide overall support to the coaches as well as the players.

“I have worked to remain a positive role model for the youth as I am all too familiar with some of the challenges and decisions our youth face on a daily basis,” Green said. “I have also remained connected to my community through my local church and served as a youth leader for several years. I feel my work has positively impacted my community as I have allowed myself to become a resource for those in need.”

In her words: “Be the person you needed when you were growing up. It may sound cliché; however, this generation needs strong, unwavering leaders. It is vital to check your biases and take a stand for those who are marginalized and ostracized in your very own community. Be a voice for the unheard regardless of the majority’s position and err on the side of morality…. Lastly, do not be afraid to do something different. Going with the flow is easy; making waves takes effort.”

We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.