Crystal is from Moreno Valley, California. She is the eldest daughter of a family of six. She graduated from the University of California, Merced in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in the Global Art Studies Program. During school, she joined the local music ensembles and loved to play the flute. Crystal has always felt a deep love and appreciation for art and music. She believes there is power not only in words but also in visuals/sounds. After university, Crystal felt compelled to stay and join the Merced community. Now, she is excited to build her career at yli and plans to develop her community organizing skills to better serve the Merced youth community.
Now at yli, Crystal supports the Moving Forward program, which oversees 4 youth cohorts in a year-long program that covers youth development, restorative justice, mentorship, and more. Crystal also coordinates You Are Sacred, the Merced branch of the statewide youth suicide prevention program. Partnering with the Sierra Health Foundationās āNever a Botherā Campaign, You Are Sacred aims to increase healthy attitudes and reduce stigma around mental health, while supporting youth to reach out for help.