On the latest episode of the Stories to Create Podcast, Cornell Bunting sits down with Kristen Russell, Director of Development at Ground Up Ministries, an organization dedicated to supporting teenage girls rescued from human trafficking.

Kristen shares her passion for amplifying the voices of survivors and building meaningful partnerships within the community to expand the organization’s life-changing work. She also reflects on her time serving as Interim Executive Director, where she helped guide the mission during a critical period of growth.

Before her work in the nonprofit sector, Kristen built a strong professional foundation in financial planning and operations. She served as a Manager of Budget for Collier County Public Schools, where she focused on strategic resource allocation, and previously worked as an Operations Analyst, using data-driven insights to improve organizational efficiency. Earlier in her career, she provided executive administrative support at Broadridge, demonstrating strong leadership in communication and coordination. Kristen holds an Associate degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science from Hodges University.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristen opens up about her deeply personal journey. Raised in Long Island, New York, she made the difficult decision to leave in 2017 after surviving an abusive marriage that nearly cost her life. Her transition to Naples marked a turning point—where she was met with compassion, support, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Today, she has built a life rooted in healing, service, and fulfillment, using her experiences to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

This episode is not just an interview—it is a story of survival, resilience, and transformation.

Listen in as the story unfolds in real time, revealing powerful insights alongside Cornell throughout the conversation.

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From Survival to Service: Kristen Russell’s Journey of Healing and Purpose