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Cristian Medina, a Mexican American born and raised in Oklahoma City, grew up in a bilingual household deeply rooted in the traditions of his family’s northern Mexican heritage. He now serves as executive director of Course for Change, a nonprofit that uses running as a mentorship tool to help youth build confidence, perseverance, and hope. In his role, Medina leads program development, fundraising, and community partnerships while fostering meaningful relationships with students and families to create lasting impact.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
Helping build Course for Change into a growing and impactful mentorship program across Oklahoma City. Since launching in 2021, CFC has served students from fifteen different schools—including many from the same neighborhood in south OKC I grew up in. We’re proud to serve in predominantly Hispanic communities and provide consistent mentorship and community.
Our program has seen strong student retention, with many participants returning year after year to complete multiple half marathons. Even more inspiring has been the way families have gotten involved—with parents, siblings, and cousins lacing up and running alongside their students. That kind of buy-in speaks volumes about the trust we’ve built and the sense of community that’s forming. Watching students transform into confident, resilient young leaders—and seeing their families join the journey—has been the most fulfilling part of my career so far.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment is returning to serve the same community that raised me. Growing up in south Oklahoma City as the youngest of five in a single-parent household, I experienced first-hand the challenges of low-income, instability, and limited access to mentorship. But through my faith and the support of my community has helped me grow and develop into the leader I aspire to be.
What do you do today to impact your community?
Outside of Course for Change, I’m honored to support several incredible nonprofits throughout Oklahoma City. I serve on the Cleats for Kids Young Professionals Board, volunteer with Youth for Christ, and help lead a middle school youth group through FaithWorks of the Inner City. I’m also active in my home church, Skyline Church, where I lead a weekly Bible study for high school boys and regularly participate in youth-focused events and activities.
I’m a highly relational person who finds purpose in helping others build confidence in who they were uniquely created to be. Whether it’s through running, mentorship, or faith, I want the young people I serve to feel seen, valued, and capable of becoming leaders in their own lives and communities.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to be leading Course for Change at a new level of growth and sustainability—expanding our reach across Oklahoma City and potentially other communities. I want to build a team of dedicated leaders who continue the work of mentorship and community impact. Personally, I hope to become a stronger advocate for youth development, identity, and hope. Above all, I want to keep saying yes to opportunities that stretch me, serve others, and reflect the love that changed my own life.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I am passionate about building community and providing consistent mentorship and holistic support for youth in underserved communities. What is feeding the identity of young people in our nation? I want to help encourage students to recognize what they can accomplish and that they can do anything they set their mind to. Too many students are full of potential but lack access to safe, encouraging environments that help them grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I believe mentorship can be transformational, and I want every student to know they are seen, capable, and deeply valued.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
There was a moment during one of our half marathon weekends when a student finished the race and ran straight into the arms of her mom—both of them in tears. She told me she never imagined she could accomplish something like that, and she had never seen her daughter so confident. That same student has since returned for multiple seasons and even encouraged other friends to join. It reminded me that our work is about helping students and families rewrite what they believe is possible for their future.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
“Wake up at 5 a.m. and go run.” I used to dread running and truly believed I could never be a runner. Now it’s a huge part of my life. I’ve completed 9 half marathons and even a full marathon, and I lead our Course for Change runs. It is hard to believe something I once avoided and dreaded has become such a core part of my purpose, rhythm, and life.
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
Family meals with my mom’s enchiladas. They’re the best I’ve ever had, no competition. Her cooking is full of love and tradition, and enchiladas are always the highlight. Sharing her food with family is a source of joy and connection. We also have a great selection of Mexican food in south OKC that is always a joy to eat and share with friends.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Oklahoma City” by Zach Bryan. Every time I hear it, I feel a deep sense of pride for where I’m from and how far Oklahoma City has come. The song captures a kind of raw, honest emotion that reminds me of the people here—resilient, hopeful, and grounded. It motivates me to keep showing up, investing in my community, and helping shape the future of OKC through the work we’re doing with Course for Change. There’s so much beauty in this city, and I’m proud to be part of its growth.
—- Connect with Cristian Medina on LinkedIn
