The Weingart Foundation, a private, non-profit grantmaking organization focused on racial justice, has named Crystal Crawford its inaugural Director of Strategic Partnerships.
In the role, Crawford will oversee strategic partnerships and manage relationships with various stakeholders.
“Crystal Crawford is an experienced and strategic leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing justice and equity for vulnerable communities across California,” said Joanna S. Jackson, interim president and C.E.O. of the Weingart Foundation.
“As a nationally recognized leader in fighting poverty and advancing health and well-being, particularly in communities of color, she will be a tremendous addition to the Weingart team. We look forward to working with Crystal to cultivate meaningful partnerships that will help us strengthen our work serving communities most impacted by systemic inequities,” Jackson added.
Currently, Crawford serves as executive director of the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a legal and advocacy organization focused on bringing systemic and structural change to government.
Previously, Crawford was a program director at The California Wellness Foundation. At the Wellness Foundation, she developed several initiatives, including a groundbreaking multi-million-dollar investment that advanced the health and economic security of women of color.
Before joining Cal Wellness, she served as C.E.O. of the California Black Women’s Health Project.
“I have been a long-time admirer of the Weingart Foundation’s outstanding commitment to racial justice and racial equity. Its impactful work has helped to transform communities and systems,” Crawford said.
“At this time when work advancing racial justice and diversity, equity and inclusion is under heightened attack, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we deepen the foundation’s work in communities and forge new partnerships with courage and boldness,” she added.
Crawford is active in the leadership of numerous civic, advocacy and community organizations including serving as chairperson of the five-member Los Angeles County Public Health Commission. Originally from Harlem, New York and Teaneck, New Jersey, Crawford earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and law degree from the New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York, and New Jersey.