The Concord Young Professionals Network introduces you to another Young Professional of the Month, Christina Baker!
How old are you? 31.
Where do you currently work? The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. I’m the events coordinator and I love my job!
Where did you go to school? Southern New Hampshire University . . . though when I started it was still New Hampshire College! Not gonna lie, I like that name better.
What do you like to do for fun? I love being with my son. He’s amazingly smart and hysterically funny. I love baking, traveling, reading and yard sale-ing. I’m learning to love hiking; the mountains of New Hampshire are the greatest.
Favorite places to be? At home or on the beach. I spent a lot of years living close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country in North and South Carolina. Sometimes those memories are the only things that get me through the winter here in New Hampshire!
Last book you’ve read? Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief… scary, but fascinating! I love the Concord Public Library; every time I walk in I just think, “Wow they let you take books from here for free!”
How did you find out about CYPN and how has it benefitted your business or you personally? I found out about CYPN through the Chamber website. It’s benefitted me in so many ways, but the biggest is by making me feel like a part of the community. I’ve only been back in New Hampshire for about two years, but it’s always felt like home and CYPN has helped me start a network that I will have forever.
What organizations are you involved with? Most recently I was involved in military spouse groups during my husband’s time in the USMC and then the spouses club at UNH Law.
Most inspirational person in your life: My husband – he did two combat tours in Iraq bringing all his Marines home safely, is now studying for his JD/MBA, and manages to be a great dad and husband every day! Nothing stresses him out . . . plus he can flip a 1,000-pound tire!
Greatest role model? My mom. She immigrated from Hungary at a young age and began working at a pharmaceutical company at 18. She never finished her degree, but worked her way up to being a research scientist for that company, a job that requires a PhD. She retired after 43 years with the company. She worked hard, but was always positive and so giving. And she can make desserts that could make a grown man cry tears of joy! I couldn’t be more proud!
What’s your favorite restaurant in Concord? The Barley House. The Hangover burger appears in my dreams.
What’s your favorite place to go in Concord? All over! When I moved here I was training for a 10K. I learned the city by running the streets at 5 every morning. I love that sense of quiet in the city, the calm before the madness of the day starts. It’s my favorite part of the day.
Favorite movie of all time? The Breakfast Club . . . though Grease is a close second!
What is one of your life goals? To eat at The French Laundry in Napa. To own a vacation home in Charleston, S.C. To make a Buche de Noel for Christmas, from scratch. To see Daft Punk live. To drive cross-country. I’ve got a lot to do!
What has been your favorite CYPN event so far? Our most recent networking event at NHPR, so many great people to meet and I learned a lot about NHPR! But I have a soft spot for our Lunch & Learns too; they cover so many great topics and are free!
Favorite famous person? The Rock . . . his Twitter is oddly fascinating.
If you could visit any country, where would you go? Australia – but the flight is so long! I’d like to get to Italy and Iceland someday too. Someone needs to get to work on teleportation so I don’t have to fly!
Where is the best place you’ve visited? That’s a toss-up between Paris and Prague. Prague is stunning and I enjoyed Paris more than I thought I would.
Who would you really like to meet? Martha Stewart. She cooks, bakes, started an empire and has a criminal record that rivals most hip hop artists, yet she’s still as popular today as she was at the height of her career. Few people have a comeback story as great as hers.
Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself! I can speak French and Hungarian conversationally, I used to be able to Google myself with my maiden name and be the only result, and I firmly believe there are no calories in birthday cake if it is your birthday.
The Concord Young Professionals Network is a professional and personal development initiative created by the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce five years ago. Free events are held on the third Wednesday of every month. Hundreds of young professionals of all ages can interact socially, build a network of contacts, exchange ideas and have fun. or more info, please visit concordypn.org.
becky kinhan
For the Insider
