About

At MCF Strategies we pride ourselves in developing and executing tailored, strategic approaches to ensure results for our clients. Our mission is to empower entities doing impactful work to expand their reach. Our experience, ingenuity, and hands-on approach in solving complex issues sets us apart from others in the field. We are passionate about strengthening the lives of individuals, families and communities. We invest our time, energy and expertise into our clients, which include community & faith-based organizations, corporations, and trade associations that are working to improve our local communities and our country.

Our Services

  • We ensure our clients are seen and heard by community leaders, including those in elected or appointed office, the media, and others that yield critical influence in the community.

    • Influence public policy & advocate for public funds.

    • Ensure our clients' work, outcomes and impact are known at the highest levels of government.

    • Develop Public-Private Partnerships.

  • We work with our clients to increase brand recognition and build political and public will to amplify impact.

    • Develop strong public relations campaigns.

    • Support our clients’ coalition building & community engagement efforts.

    • Educate broad or targeted groups on issues of importance to our clients.

    • Develop and deploy media and community engagement that drives change and increases investments.

  • The core of all successful campaigns, relationships, and strategies must include strong business operations, strategic planning, goal setting, and visual management. We work alongside our clients to develop or improve operations and outreach strategies to enhance service delivery, team building, and other critical business functions.

    • Leadership Coaching

    • Program Development & Deployment

    • Strategic Planning, Metrics & Visual Management

    • Business Development

    • Strategic Facilitation

    • Fundraising & Development

Need something else? Just ask. We’d love to strategize and create with you and your team.

Meet our Managing Partner

Maria Cristina Fuentes has over 25 years of experience serving federal & state governments, national foundations, and community-based organizations. Maria Cristina’s career has focused on strengthening systems through data-driven, solutions-based strategies that demonstrate positive change at the national, state, and local levels. Her passion lies in developing, implementing, and promoting programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. 

Prior to founding MCF Strategies, Maria Cristina was appointed by Governor Doug Ducey to serve as a member of the Arizona cabinet as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. In this role she oversaw statewide initiatives; training & grant programs; and public affairs strategies related to child well-being, juvenile justice, human trafficking, sexual & domestic violence, substance abuse prevention, service & volunteerism, and mitigating the impacts of trauma. Her work for the state of Arizona dramatically broadened and improved community impact and services statewide. 

Her background also includes serving as a Presidential appointee to the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Labor, and The White House. Maria also spent a decade at Casey Family Programs where she played a critical role in helping to reduce the number of children in foster care by strengthening families and improving well-being for individuals and communities. 

Maria Cristina currently serves as co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Child Safety and Family Empowerment and the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona.