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Celebrating Heritage & Success: Alumni Spotlight for Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are thrilled to spotlight Kristen Roberts, an inspiring Class of 2008 alumna whose journey exemplifies the richness and resilience of the Hispanic community. Through her impactful work in nursing, Kristen embodies the values of passion, perseverance, and pride in her heritage. Join us as we celebrate her story and the meaningful contributions she continues to make, reminding us all of the vibrant Hispanic culture that enriches our community.

As a member of Saint Martin’s first graduating class, Kristen recalls her high school journey, noting the impact of Corporate Work Study. Through her work study job at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Kristen learned the importance of networking which shaped her professional career moving forward.

As a young alumna, she began her studies at Cleveland State University before taking a break due to financial reasons. She took a position at a holistic store within the Cleveland Clinic, determined to build her network using the skills she fostered in Corporate Work Study. She shares, “I did everything I could to get my name out there and build relationships.” Through her efforts, Kristen connected with a diverse array of people, ultimately leading her to a job in clinical administration. However, in the back of her mind, Kristen knew nursing was always something she wanted to pursue. Years later, after the birth of her daughter, Kristen recognized that the time was finally right to return to school. She enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College and earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2021 and began pursuing her dream.

The theme of visibility is deeply rooted in Kristen’s Puerto Rican heritage. “Growing up, I rarely saw Latino doctors or professionals,” she reflects, which motivated her to become that role model for others. Now as an Emergency Room Nurse at UF Jacksonville, a Level 1 Trauma Center in Jacksonville, Florida, Kristen is excited to break barriers and inspire future generations.

In addition to her nursing career, Kristen developed a keen interest in becoming an esthetician, particularly in permanent makeup. Recognizing the competitive landscape in her area, she realized she needed a way to stand out. “No business around me was offering permanent makeup; I saw a gap in the market and knew this could work,” she explains. This insight allowed Kristen to emerge as a leader in her community, with fellow business owners seeking her advice on various services to provide. As Kristen transitions into a Surgical ICU RN role, she is excited about the new challenges ahead. Although she has temporarily stepped back from her esthetician role to pursue a Master's Degree in nursing—aiming to become either a Nurse Practitioner or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)—she looks forward to returning to her passion for esthetics in the near future. This journey is not just about advancing her career; it’s also about merging her love for patient care with her background in esthetics.

Kristen’s journey reflects not only her personal achievements but also the strength and resilience of the Hispanic community as a whole. Kristen emphasizes the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month to her children, sharing how it celebrates those who have paved the way, including herself. As the only member of her family to earn a college degree in nursing, she feels a strong responsibility to set an example and is dedicated to using her journey to uplift others in her community, highlighting the importance of representation. “Saint Martin changed my life,” she shares with pride, acknowledging the transformative impact of her education and the opportunities it has created.