From The Desk Of Kristina R. Manuel
Founder
It is during times like these that I am both humbled and honored to be a part of such a talented and motivated team of trailblazers who are dedicated to making such an impact throughout the nation. It is often said that your calling is what you are made for. The unstoppable mindset which each participant upholds toward their vision of enriching the communities around them is truly an inspiration. It is a blessing working hand in hand with everyone involved –the founding members, board of directors, advisory board, sponsors, donors, and volunteers - for together we can and will accomplish many amazing things.
The Lucky Foundation was initially founded to empower the youth of fallen United States Military and First Responders. We wanted to develop a program that would wrap our wings around all service branches: law enforcement; firefighters, fire service; military, federal agents, park rangers, wildlife officers, border patrol; search and rescue, EMT and medical personnel; dispatchers, tow truck drivers; correctional officers, as well as contractors that provide direct material support to deployed forces and First Responders (Police, FIre, Paramedics) in the performance of their duties. I personally can trace family roots back to every branch listed above, so this is a cause that I am quite passionate about. Today we are working to extend our campaigns toward the support of holidays, birthdays, ongoing remembrance, grievance support, and more. It is important that we honor our fallen heroes at a national level, a local level, and a personal level. Community involvement is essential in recognizing the sacrifice. However, it also allows families to pass down the message of commitment to the country, as well as lessons in honor, integrity, and sacrifice to younger generations.
There are so many ways that we can honor our fallen heroes, their families, and their sacrifice. From volunteering to donating, we can individually pay our respects for those that fight for our rights and our freedom, help protect our families from harm, and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For that we owe them our lives.
“We grieve because we love. How lucky we are to have experienced that love.”
Each new day brings significant challenges on the operations of nonprofit organizations – as well as leadership teams. Without question, our unstoppable leaders rise to these challenges with ingenuity, compassion, resilience, fortitude, and integrity. However, in times like these, our leaders need the masses to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and we encourage you to stand with us - to take action.
Achievement-oriented professional with extensive experience in the financial, manufacturing, and skilled trade industries as it pertains to office management and supervision duties, full cycle accounting, proposals, project management, as well as diverse operational aspects of business. Track record of achievement developing revenue and meeting aggressive growth targets. Strength in creating an inclusive culture with strong communication and teamwork that benefits the entire organization. Consistently exceeds expectations by focusing on the development of people, processes, and tools, with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
Kristina is the Founder of The Lucky Foundation aims to empower and embrace the families of fallen United States Military and First Responders. Working with her Trailblazing Leadership Advisory Committee, their goal is to develop a program that to truly wrap their wings around all service branches: law enforcement; firefighters, fire service; military, federal agents, park rangers, wildlife officers, border patrol; search and rescue, EMT and medical personnel; dispatchers, tow truck drivers; correctional officers, as well as contractors that provide direct material support to deployed forces and First Responders (Police, FIre, Paramedics) in the performance of their duties.
Previously, Kristina founded Rally to Remember, to honor people living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and those lost to the disease, while raising funds and awareness to advance the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. She also actively pushes forward with volunteer efforts towards causes such as Cajun Navy Ground Force, Autism Awareness, Donate Life America, #WeHealUS mental health awareness initiatives, as well as ministry work through the American Marriage Ministries (The AMM).
