Three Minutes With Kristina Olivas

Published 4:00 am Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Hermiston Chamber CEO

When and why did you move to Hermiston?

I was born and raised in Hermiston. My parents both immigrated here for work, my mom from north Washington and my dad from Mexico.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Hermiston?

It depends on the meal. I would say I like Delish Bistro, and for Mexican food I like Ixtapa.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a mom of three really busy children, one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school. I love the Pacific Northwest. We’ve just starting exploring the Columbia Gorge and hiking some of the waterfalls. I love the coast too.

What surprises you about Hermiston?

Its capacity for growth shows no borders. I don’t see how it’s ever going to stop.

What was the last book you read?

“The world needs who you were made to be,” by Joanna Gaines

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

Google. I Google everything.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I have never been to a warm beach, just the Oregon coast, so anywhere with a warm beach.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

My first day of work at my last job, I got lost at the Walmart DC and could not find my way to the front door. I kept hearing my name paged, because I was still being trained, but I couldn’t figure out how to get back, for the better part of 30 minutes.

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

One of my goals is to come out of the pandemic, and help Hermiston spring forward, out of our hibernation we’ve been in. I think Hermiston is ready to move forward and I am so excited to be a face of that.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

I have beautiful kids. They’re kind, caring people. I love thinking that I created these amazing human beings that are going to go out into the world and do great things.