Cristian Mendoza Ruvalcaba
Cristian is a dedicated healthcare professional, educator, and community advocate with a deep passion for fostering accessibility, sustainability, and community-driven initiatives. As a native of Medford, Cristian has a strong commitment to the well-being of our local community and its future.
As a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, his career has been shaped by a commitment to improving health equity, advancing public health initiatives, and empowering individuals through education.
Currently, Cristian serves as an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Oregon Health & Science University, where he educates future healthcare providers and leads initiatives in trauma-informed educational pedagogy and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)-focused educational practices. His work emphasizes creating inclusive learning environments that recognize the impact of social determinants of health—one of which is access to fresh, healthy food. Cristian believes that food is foundational to well-being, and a resilient local food system is critical to community health.
Beyond his professional work, Cristian has dedicated his time to community service initiatives that promote healthcare access for underserved populations, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. He also works with organizations that strengthen social and economic systems that support healthy lifestyles. Cristian’s background in healthcare, community service, and education equips him with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the Medford Food Co-op’s mission of cultivating a thriving local food economy and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
Cristian is honored to be considered for a position on the Medford Food Co-op Board of Directors. The Co-op is more than a grocery store—it is a community-driven and owned store and café that strengthens our local food system, supports local small farmers and producers, and ensures that fresh, sustainable, and ethically sourced food is accessible to all. Cristian strongly believes that food security and sustainability are vital to the health and well-being of our region, and he is passionate about working alongside the Co-op to expand its impact.
As a member of the Board of Directors, he will bring expertise in education, community advocacy, and public health to help advance the Co-op’s mission. Cristian’s goals include:
Expanding outreach efforts to increase diverse community engagement, ensuring that more people understand the benefits of supporting local, organic food systems and our cooperative.
Supporting initiatives that improve local access to fresh, organic, and nutritious food for all
Engage with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee to provide voice and support in actionable measures that aren’t performative and rather are transformative
Cristian believes that strong, locally focused businesses are the backbone of a thriving community. When we invest in local food systems, we not only support small farmers and producers, but we also contribute to economic stability, environmental sustainability, and the overall health of our community. The Medford Food Co-op has already made a significant impact, and Cristian is eager to contribute his skills and passion to help further the mission. He would be honored to have your support and looks forward to the opportunity to serve our Co-op.