International Association of Women Recognizes Dr. Kristina Zaragoza as a 2019-2020 Influencer

CHICAGO, January 8, 2019 (Newswire.com) - The International Association of Women (IAW) recognizes Dr. Kristina Zaragoza as a 2019-2020 Influencer. She is acknowledged as a leader in business. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with nearly one million members, 1000+ in person and virtual events, over 100 Local US based Chapters and International Chapters in several cities in China.

“I’m pleased to welcome Kristina into this exceptional group of professional women,” said IPDN President and IAW Spokesperson Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

A retired Peace Officer, Dr. Kristina Zaragoza spent most of her career in the public sector, training, coaching and mentoring other public service employees. “I also served as the Tactical Communications instructor for sworn staff. At that time, my department was suffering from very low customer service ratings, which led the director to request employees with direct customer contact attend one of my tactical communication courses,” she said.

During her tenure, Dr. Zaragoza received much positive feedback from those she trained. Once her official training assignment ended, she made the decision to continue on that path on her own and founded Professional Employee and Administration Resource (PEAR). “I started my training and development business in 2011, when I was still working full time for a large county in Southern California,” she said. “When I retired from public service in 2016, I was able to devote more time to my education and my business.”

Dr. Zaragoza manages the day-to-day operations of her company and is responsible for marketing, developing course curricula, facilitating training programs and individual professional development. An exceptional listener and communicator, she uses those skills to understand the needs of the individuals and organizations she works with.

“I listen for the root problem as well as problems that branch out to other people and/or other areas of the organization,” Dr. Zaragoza said. “Oftentimes, miscommunication and personality conflicts can create problems in an organization. These issues can be resolved with the proper time, attention and commitment.”

As a retired Peace Officer, Dr. Zaragoza also excels at conflict management. Along with her expertise in using de-escalation, mediation and negotiation techniques, she is able to help clients work through different types of conflicts to achieve their desired results.

As she continues to offer training classes that help and inform others, Dr. Zaragoza’s future goals include writing two books that will tackle the issues of public-sector leadership and workplace bullying. “Working in the public-sector for 28 years, I have seen a lot and experienced a lot,” she said. “I would like to use those experiences to improve the public sector, one individual at a time. Part of that vision is to improve the experiences of those needing public services. I can also see myself working for an organization that values leadership at all levels and allows employees to be creative in thought and actions. I love to feel the energy and synergy when employees are given the freedom to reach their full potential.”

Awards & Accomplishments: Doctor of Education, Brandman University, Organizational Leadership; Master of Science, University of La Verne, Leadership and Management; Bachelor of Science, Southern Illinois University, Workforce Education and Development; Advanced POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certificate; Certified Color Code Facilitator

About IAW
The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides nearly one million women the forum, professional development and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, International Chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.

Source: International Association of Professional Women