Crystal W.

About Crystal W.

I am a strategic leader in human resources, workforce development, and career advancement with more than a decade of experience designing programs that strengthen talent pipelines, promote workplace equity, and expand access to opportunity. My work sits at the intersection of organizational leadership, employee engagement, and career mobility, helping individuals and organizations thrive through innovative workforce solutions.Currently, I serve as a Human Relations Program Manager, where I lead initiatives that advance equity, accessibility, employee engagement, and community partnerships. In this role, I collaborate with senior leadership, community organizations, and interdisciplinary teams to develop programs that foster inclusive workplaces, support employee success, and strengthen organizational culture.Throughout my career, I have worked across higher education, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations, leading employer engagement initiatives, workforce programs, and career development strategies. I have helped design large-scale recruitment initiatives, including one of the largest nursing career fairs at a leading university health system, developed innovative virtual career engagement models, and organized regional workforce expos that connected employers with diverse and emerging talent.I am a Certified Career Counselor and currently pursuing a PhD, where my research focuses on career mobility for veterans. My scholarship and professional practice center on identifying evidence-based strategies that help individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations gain access to meaningful employment and sustainable career pathways. In addition to my professional roles, I serve in leadership and advisory capacities supporting organizations focused on disability rights, workforce equity, and community engagement. My work has been recognized with 40 Under 40 honors from both Elizabeth City State University and East Carolina University, and I was selected for the National Career Development Association Leadership Academy.My professional mission is to build systems that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and create inclusive environments where talent from every background can thrive.

Experience

1. Board of Directors

   Disability Rights North Carolina

   Dec 2023 — Present · NC, US

Education

• East Carolina University

  Master of Science - MS, Counselor Education

• Cambridge College

  Master of Education - MEd, Counseling Psychology