After joining us as Executive Director in 2009, our leader and dear friend Christine Gaspar will step down from her role in September 2022, to make space for the next exciting chapter in the organization’s story. With Christine’s unwavering support, the Board has begun a search for a new executive director.

“On behalf of the entire Board, we want to recognize the extraordinary work by Christine and her ability to guide and transform the organization. Her leadership, passion, and vision has placed CUP in such a strong position, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities,” said Board Co-Chair Ariel Fausto. “Christine’s commitment and ability to create a culture within the organization that emphasizes invention and collaboration in thoughtful ways is so meaningful. The solid grounding she has built will no doubt support the success of our next leader,” added Co-Chair Sabrina Hall.

It would be impossible to overstate Christine’s legacy at CUP. It’s been marked by the steady growth of the organization and deepening of its impact, as well as a commitment to racial justice and equity. “I grew up helping my family navigate city services through class and language barriers,” Christine says. “CUP’s work is so meaningful to me because we center community members’ lived experiences in the work, and leverage the power of design to remove those barriers and support lasting change.”

Today, CUP is a national leader in the community-engaged design space, whose work has been recognized with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Institutional Achievement and a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, among others. CUP’s deep collaborations with grassroots partners continue to create tools for building community power both locally, and now nationally.

“I’m so proud of the work I’ve done here with our incredible staff,” Christine said, “and I’m excited to see where CUP goes next.”

The CUP Board is conducting a search for a new Executive Director who can lead the organization into its next chapter. Christine will stay on through September to support the on-boarding of the next leader and provide a smooth transition for the organization.

Do you know a leader in community-engaged design practices with a commitment to racial justice and equity? Encourage them to apply!

The CUP community is a critical part of CUP’s success. We hope you’ll join us in getting the word out and helping us find and support CUP’s next leader!

On behalf of the board and staff, we thank Christine deeply for her vision, determination, and immensely thoughtful partnership over many years. Her impact has been felt far and wide by our team, our partners, and the communities for which we work.

With gratitude,
Sabrina Hall & Ariel Fausto,
CUP Board Co-Chairs

Help ensure CUP’s continued success during and beyond this transition. Make a donation today!

Learn more about the Executive Director position and apply here!