Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Daniel.
Hi Crystal, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts with me being a young naive girl once—
Growing up in the old oak cliff was ALOT. I saw pain way too early
Sometimes i saw the worst in people,
Eleven years old, heart wide.
I’d sit in my bed day-dreaming to make things better when I grew up.
I presumed this “better world” was waiting for us just outside the hood
One that was safe & kind for innocent kids.
But now I’m here—grown, eyes clearer, soul heavier wounds are deeper
Now I see an entire country as a desolate place, barren of the healing it never reached for
Yet the “little crystal” is still dreamin, just doing more now
i dream then strategize on the front lines
Thats the code I’ve decided.
This is my divine purpose.
My story starts at survival & though it’s still being written- I’m currently in a chapter of servant leadership by way of Director, mentor & advocate for the local youth. Working with kids has always been a passion of my heart, finally I have the privilege.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth one. being born & dropped into hopelessness & poverty during the prime crack-era is the jungle you see portrayed on tv. It’s not an exaggeration. When you’re tryna find your own way out, you can easily be sucked into that life & part of the problem. I became a mom at 16, & I’ve experienced many pit falls of being an at risk youth— like dangerous dating & rebellion, friendship betrayal & failures, survival stagnation & the never-ending blind spots no one warned me about. Though I still have challenges- even at this stage of my life, I know helping young girls is something I was molded for.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Yeah so right now— I specialize in taking care of me. 🙂 recently i had an awakening and retired after I realized I’ve spent my entire adult life in corporate since 19, a teenager with no real social life, working long days because I had to, plus I happened to excel at it. Today my daughter, Asia, is thriving in college, and I’m settling into this season of being a comfortable empty-nester and newlywed. It feels like the perfect moment to choose purpose over position. Though im still getting used to it, Im extremely grateful for the reset. What sets me apart is I’m on my 13th life, and this one is built on ease, enjoyment, & intentional impact. and im still here. I made it to that other side of pain. Joy.
Mentorship is sacred to me & I’m not walking this path alone. I’m surrounded by fellow heart-driven leaders, each boldly pursuing their own journey while showing up for our community. Serving our girls alongside such invaluable women is a privilege that continues to shape me in the best ways.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I now serve in Non Profit as the new Program Director for Create Her
Foundation after three years
of pouring into girls as a mentor
with the org. Mentorship is sacred
to me & I’m not walking this
path alone. I’m surrounded by
fellow heart-driven leaders,
each boldly pursuing their own
journey.
Serving our girls is a privilege that
continues to shape me in the best ways.
All potential mentors
/partners/sponsors & volunteers in
nonprofit who are ready to make an
impact, I’m your first point of contact
on behalf of our Founder/CEO: Cydney Harris.
Thank you Voyage Dallas.
https://lnk.bio/thisgemcrystal?fbclid=PAZnRzaANpUE9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp_2RWKyKeI1wbh9bm2i7DGX5DlhFlWT_082hYjUEZQv1qrM-sUT4Zkyzn4g0_aem_FzjwF6vuJRRWbOIIou_j-g
https://blinq.me/cmd2547731v7xs60kigredpld
https://www.instagram.com/createherfoundation?igsh=cWIzd3locmtkOWQ3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.createherfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://lnk.bio/thisgemcrystal?fbclid=PAZnRzaANpUg9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp_2RWKyKeI1wbh9bm2i7DGX5DlhFlWT_082hYjUEZQv1qrM-sUT4Zkyzn4g0_aem_FzjwF6vuJRRWbOIIou_j-g
- Linkedin: https://blinq.me/cmd2547731v7xs60kigredpld
Image Credits
Gernelle Nelson JCP Portraits By Lifetouch Rae Arelle Create Her Foundation
