Full Circle: Cristal Torres DeHerrera on Service, Leadership, and Coming Home

Christy Belz welcomes longtime friend and civic leader Cristal Torres DeHerrera, Chief Operating Officer of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, for a conversation that spans decades of friendship and a career that defies a straight line. From M&A law to city government to one of the country's busiest airports — and finally, to the zoo that always felt like home — Cristal's story is about returning, again and again, to the values her parents instilled in her. This is a warm, honest conversation about mentorship, courage, and what it looks like to choose your family when it matters most.Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, YouTube or wherever you get podcasts!Key Takeaways Community as a Foundation: Cristal shares how her parents' deep involvement in social justice movements shaped her belief that true success means lifting others, not just yourself. The Power of Honest Feedback: She reflects on a pivotal moment at Brownstein where seeking brutal, unfiltered feedback from a mentor completely transformed her career trajectory. Mentor, Sponsor, and Board of Directors: Cristal breaks down the three types of advocates every woman needs and explains why each one plays a distinct and irreplaceable role. Courage to Leave the Law: She opens up about how stepping away from her legal identity — first for city government, then the airport, then the zoo — required more courage than any career achievement. Conservation as Community: Cristal talks about why leading the Denver Zoo feels like a full-circle return to her core values of belonging, equity, and uplifting communities.Connect with Cristal Torres DeHerrera: Website: https://denverzoo.org/ Glowing Wild: https://denverzoo.org/events/glowing-wild/ Email: Connect with Christy Belz: Website: https://christybelz.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christybelz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christybelzcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristyBelzCoach/