# Cristina Vera Bridges

> Cristina Vera Bridges is a Chicago-based communications strategist and the founder and CEO of Vera Creative, established in 2008. She also founded La Collective and serves as its president, supporting women’s professional development through programs including the Elevate mentorship cohort. Her work connects creative strategy, community participation, Latino representation and women’s leadership.

- **Role:** Founder & CEO at Vera Creative
- **Organizations:** Vera Creative, La Collective, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, Chicago Advertising Federation, Salt and Light Coalition, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
- **Known for:** Founded Vera Creative in 2008., Founded La Collective, a nonprofit supporting women’s professional development., Included in Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Latino Leaders for 2024.

## Career timeline

- **—** — Worked at the Mary Crane Center’s Head Start program in Chicago’s Lathrop Homes before later leading citywide Head Start campaigns.
- **2008** — Founded Vera Creative while a single mother during the recession.
- **2023** — Discussed founding La Collective and preparing a mentorship initiative in a March interview.
- **2023** — Announced joining the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance board.
- **2024** — Launched the Elevate leadership cohort through La Collective.
- **2024** — Recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Latino Leaders.
- **2026** — Published lessons about team-building and business systems on October 14.

## Achievements

- Founded Vera Creative in 2008.
- Founded La Collective, a nonprofit supporting women’s professional development.
- Included in Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Latino Leaders for 2024.
- Led the agency whose Tiny Mic Drop series for Chicago Early Learning received a Silver ADDY in 2024; the award belongs to the agency team.
- Listed on Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance’s board in its 2024-2025 impact report.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Published “3 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner” on October 14, discussing investment in colleagues and more effective business systems.
- **2026-04** — Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance’s published 2024-2025 impact report lists her among its board members.

## Links

- Website: https://www.veracreative.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/criistinavera/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cristina_verainc/

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/cristina-vera-bridges
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22