Cristina Criado, PE
Vice President | Principal
Cristina Criado has three decades of engineering experience serving clients both in the public and private sectors. As firm Principal, Cristina will lead strategic initiatives along with business development efforts in North Texas identifying opportunities that align with our regional growth plans. Additionally, she will provide coaching and mentoring to enhance the team’s abilities and performance.
Prior to joining Dunaway, Cristina was the owner of CRIADO and Associates, a multi-discipline engineering firm, where she successfully managed the day-to-day operations for 22 years, grew the company to a staff of 60, and offered five services: civil engineering, land surveying, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), right of way acquisition, and construction inspection services. Cristina has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Q+A
Why did you choose this career?
I've always had a desire and curiosity to learn new things and to understand why things happen the way they do. I enjoy learning and explaining patterns, and I couldn't get enough of courses in math, physics, and science!
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking through mountains and state parks, kayaking in the ocean, and road cycling in new places like Majorca! I also love spending quality time with family and friends, shooting sporting clays, and playing golf.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Northwest of Spain is my favorite part of the world because I get to visit with family and friends, enjoy great food, and practice my favorite hobbies all in one day.
What is the most daring thing you've ever done?
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean to get a civil engineering degree in a different language. I also started my own company with only seven years of industry experience, no cash, and no plan.
What's the best piece of advice you have ever recieved?
Always do your best and never take anything for granted. Also, don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do today.