At Vibe Coworks, we’re inspired every day by the leaders who walk through our doors. Kitsap Strong Executive Director Cristina Roark is no exception.
As part of a county-wide collective impact initiative focused on improving community health and preventing adverse childhood experiences, Cristina’s work centers on collaboration, empowerment, and building resilient communities. She brings people together in thoughtful, intentional ways, creating space for connection, alignment and lasting impact.
We’re proud that Vibe serves as a space where both Cristina and her organization can gather, innovate, and recharge, whether that’s hosting a training, convening partners, or dropping in with a Punch Pass to stay connected on a busy day. It’s also a powerful example of how flexible, recurring use of space—for meetings, training and drop-in work—can support the kind of consistent, relationship-driven work that moves communities forward.
Here’s a deeper look, straight from the source.
We want to hear all about Kitsap Strong. How did your organization get started, and what keeps you inspired to continue showing up day after day?
Kitsap Strong originated from a collective impact initiative formed by collaborative funding partners and leaders. The goal: to improve community health outcomes by raising awareness of—and ultimately eliminating—Adverse Childhood Experiences in the home and human services.
How do your core values–like empowerment, equity, and community resilience– shape the work you do every day?
We know this work cannot be done in silos. It requires integrated collaboration and cooperation across sectors. It requires leaders who share core values and a common agenda of helping all people flourish through trusted, empowering relationships.
What kinds of meetings, workshops, or planning sessions are most important for your organization to achieve its goals?
The most important meetings for Kitsap Strong to achieve it’s goals are trainings, communities of practice and support, and strategic convening all play a key role in moving our work forward.
Kitsap Strong is a county-wide collective impact initiative working to improve community health outcomes and prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
By bringing together cross-sector partners—from education and healthcare to nonprofits and local government—Kitsap Strong focuses on building resilient communities through collaboration, shared resources, and trusted relationships.
Was there anything about Vibe that immediately felt like it aligned with your organization’s values or way of working?
Like Vibe, we incubate innovative ideas to build community, too. We know the environment is key for people to access their most creative potential and contribute to bettering our communities.
What do you enjoy most about hosting your meetings at Vibe?
We enjoy that at Vibe the expectation is that we enter the door to bring in adult wonder, play, and mutual accountability.
Not only are you a frequent conference room and event space user here, but you also are a Punch Pass holder! How has that flexibility supported your work?
The bulk of my work and meetings are in Bremerton, however, I live in North Kitsap. Having a place where I can reliably access a phone booth and hop online for Zoom call takes the stress out of my day. It means I don’t have to rush all the way home. I can stay present, keep pace, and show up fully when I need to.
Is there a particular moment at Vibe that stands out as especially productive or inspiring?
I enjoyed holding the Train-the-Trainer sessions in the main area, paired with delicious local catering that the participants still talk about to this day. Those sessions built on a larger community training held at the House of Awakened Culture, extending the learning into a more intimate, collaborative setting.
Looking ahead, what’s one hope or goal your team is excited about for the Kitsap community this year?
To gain greater clarity around our resources, our lanes, and our strengths, so we can truly be more integrated when we collectively address the needs of our community.
Kitsap Strong’s work is a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people come together consistently, with shared purpose.
Whether it’s a one-time training, a standing monthly meeting, or a flexible drop-in between commitments, having a reliable space to gather makes that work easier… and more impactful. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out all of our meeting rooms!
We’re honored to support Cristina and the broader Kitsap Strong network as they continue to build healthier, more connected community.