Nashville native, Christina Ruth Slay is the Front Desk Coordinator (and first point of contact) at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Inspired by personal loss, she is passionate about fostering community connections, empowering change, and supporting local nonprofits through inclusive spaces that address Nashville’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
Christina Ruth Slay
Company, Business or Organization: Community Foundation of Middle TN
Title: Front Desk Coordinator
How many years have you been in Nashville? I am a Nashville Native
Tell us what you are creating in Nashville: In 2022, I faced the heartbreaking loss of my youngest brother, Miles, in a tragic act of gun violence that took place in our beloved hometown of Nashville. Miles was a gifted singer and a cherished presence in my life, and his absence has left an enduring void. By Christmas of 2023, still grappling with the weight of my grief, I realized it was time to seek a path that could bring healing to both myself and the city I love. This journey led me to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), where I found renewed purpose.
That said, as of February 2024, I serve as the Front Desk Coordinator at CFMT, located in the Green Hills neighborhood of the city. In this unique role, I primarily manage the hospitality and calendar of the meeting spaces available to local nonprofits, school, and government organizations. Due to our fees being waived to these organizations during our business hours, this resource has become a vital asset to the city—hosting more than 13,000 visitors in 2024 alone. It has highlighted the community’s need for a space where connections can be made, change can be empowered, and hope can be nurtured.
As a Nashville native and through my current role, I’ve witnessed the city’s extraordinary growth firsthand. However, with that progress comes challenges, as many long-standing residents face rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and an increasing overall cost of living. I’m deeply passionate about CFMT’s mission to create a safe, inclusive space where the community can come together and work towards real, actionable solutions to these pressing issues.
What inspires you? I find inspiration in seeking out “the light” amidst a complex world. I’m fortunate to connect with passionate nonprofit professionals and philanthropists who are dedicated to transforming the city I love into something even better. Staying grounded in my “why” and firmly rooted in my core values keeps my inspiration alive and unwavering.
Coffee, Lunch, brunch or happy hour? Coffee/Tea
Favorite Nashville musician, singer or artist? Miles Benjamin Slay
What is your favorite Nashville spot you are digging right now? Right now, I’m a big fan of Greenhouse Bar in Green Hills—it’s basically one of our unofficial CFMT after-hours spot! Conveniently close to the office, it’s the perfect place for my colleagues and me to unwind and swap work talk for laughter over a fun happy hour.
To get more guides and stories of the people behind the culture and soul of Nashville, subscribe to our weekly newsletter HERE.
