August 2025 Volunteer Spotlight – Kristina M. Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP

Kristina M. Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP, is a member of NALA’s Continuing Education Council (CEC). An advocate for lifelong learning, she is passionate about inspiring paralegals to pursue continuing education. She works as the first Manager of Legal Affairs at Merrimac Ventures, a real estate investment and development company in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has a strong academic foundation, including an MBA with a specialization in international business from Florida Atlantic University.

She has enhanced her professional development with three Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) credentials in Discovery, Contracts Administration/Contracts Management, and Real Estate Principles, and plans to pursue Business Organizations next. She has served as a peer resource for members of her local NALA affiliate, the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., as they pursued an ACP^® credential. She is in her second year of service in the Broward College Mentor Program for paralegal students. On top of that, she is a Florida Registered Paralegal, Notary Public, and graduate of NALA’s Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) Program.

Kristina joined NALA in 2007, and what she enjoys most about being a member is the sense of belonging, access to high-quality resources, and continuous opportunities for growth and leadership. She encourages other members to invest in themselves.

“Always be curious, stay current, and don’t be afraid to ask that question or volunteer – there is so much to gain!”

After more than 15 years of NALA membership, Kristina decided to channel her passion and gratitude into service. She recognizes that the NALA community has been instrumental in her professional journey.

“I believe in giving back to the profession that has provided so much,” she explained. “Volunteering is my way of contributing to the advancement of the paralegal field.”

Her enthusiasm for education fueled her desire to help craft programs that empower paralegals to thrive, and that is exactly what she does on the CEC. Her role gives her a behind-the-scenes look at how NALA curates quality education. She has reviewed session proposals, aided in developing webinar curriculum, and written several articles for Facts & Findings.

“It is incredibly rewarding to help shape content that supports paralegal excellence and lifelong learning,” Kristina revealed. “I hope to continue supporting educational opportunities that reflect the evolving needs of paralegals.”

Since joining the CEC in August 2024, Kristina has a newfound level of respect for the amazing volunteers who keep the NALA wheels spinning with their off-the-charts efforts. Her favorite part of serving is connecting with like-minded professionals and being part of something bigger than herself.

“NALA is an incredible national organization and community that advocates for our profession and raises the bar!” She declared.

Back in 2007, the same year she joined NALA, Kristina decided to pursue her Certified Paralegal (CP^®) credential. At that time, it was a two-day test done entirely on paper. She remembers the experience vividly and can even picture the classroom where she sat for the exam.

“It was challenging but so rewarding,” she reflected.

Kristina has been attending NALA conferences in person since 2017, with each one bringing a special new highlight. She enjoys meeting new paralegals from across the country, learning a new area of the law, catching up with her favorite vendors in the Expo Hall, and exploring the venue.

“Being together in real time with folks who share the same passion, professionalism, and commitment to our legal profession is priceless!” She gushed.

Outside of work, Kristina loves spending time outdoors, particularly by the water. She is also an avid runner and strength trainer, which she considers a great stress reliever after long workdays. Her family means everything to her. Her lifelong role model is her mother, who inspires her daily with her grace, work ethic, and quiet, tireless strength.

“I am grateful I have such a wonderful, loving family and spend as much time with them as I can,” she professed. “I love celebrating life’s special moments and milestones with my family.”

Her favorite quotes, which she describes as timelessly relevant, reflect her approach to her personal and professional endeavors.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

– Simon Sinek