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Crystal Crawford
Crystal Crawford is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of senior management experience in the legal, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors. She became the Executive Director of Western Center on Law & Poverty in August 2020, making her the first Black woman or woman of color to serve in this role.1 Prior to this position, Crawford was a program director at The California Wellness Foundation from 2012 to 2020.1
Crawford has a strong background in advancing health and economic security for low-income Californians, women of color, and communities of color. At Cal Wellness, she developed the organization's Women's Initiatives, a multi-million dollar program focused on amplifying the voices of women of color.1 She also led Cal Wellness' Increasing Diversity in the Health Professions portfolio.1
Education and Professional Background
- Bachelor's degree in history from Dartmouth College
- Law degree from New York University School of Law, where she was an Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Fellow
- Admitted to the bar in California, New York, and New Jersey1
Career Highlights
- Executive Director, Western Center on Law & Poverty (2020-2024)
- Program Director, The California Wellness Foundation (2012-2020)
- CEO, California Black Women's Health Project
- Legal Director, Alliance of Children's Rights2
Community Involvement
Crawford is actively involved in various civic and community organizations:
- Chairperson, Los Angeles County Public Health Commission
- Member, Women's Health Policy Council for the Los Angeles County Office of Women's Health
- Board member, Black Alumni of Dartmouth Association
- Board member, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation
- Board member, Funders Concerned About AIDS13
Recent Developments
In May 2024, Crawford was appointed as the first Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Weingart Foundation, a role she will transition into from her current position at Western Center on Law & Poverty.34
Highlights
Wednesday (8/28) was the 61st anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Flashing back and thinking about what a blessing it was to participate in the 50th anniversary commemoration in-person in DC! Powerful experience! The retrenchment we are in the midst of angers me so much! The struggle continues! We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes! Photo: Demands of the March on Washington
5 Days to Go! This is definitely the "place to be" in LA on 6/1! Our heavy hitter (and very worthy) honorees are: Yvette Nicole Brown, Charisse Bremond Weaver, Al Jenkins and Wonya Lucas! Funds raised provide scholarships to outstanding law students in need of financial assistance. Please purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation ASAP! No amount is too small (or too large) -- every dollar helps! https://lnkd.in/guTS_v8v

