Crystal Britt began her academic journey at Stuyvesant High School, one of the top schools in NYC, known for its rigorous academics and competitive sports teams. But then, the events of 9/11 unfolded. Given the school's proximity to the Twin Towers and her long commute, she and her family decided it would be best to transfer to a school closer to home. That led her to Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn. Unlike Stuyvesant, Murrow had no sports teams, so she joined the mock trial club. Crystal said, while it didn’t lead to a career in law, that activity was instrumental in building my confidence in public speaking and defending ideas effectively. It also helped me realize my passion for advocacy, shaping the direction of my future career. Tell us about your college experience. At SUNY Albany I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies with a concentration on marginalized communities. Attending school in the state’s capital gave me the opportunity to serve as a legislative intern for New York State Assembly Member Helene Weinstein, who represents my Brooklyn neighborhood. This experience was truly eye-opening. It not only gave me insight into the challenges facing my community but also reinforced the impact we can have in our daily lives by voting—especially in local elections, where officials play a direct role in shaping our neighborhoods. What other memorable positions did your career path take you on? Well, my very first job was as a Summer Camp counselor at age 14. Since then I’ve held multiple roles in the art and design space, but one that was completely unrelated and my most interesting, was my time at Charitybuzz, an online auction platform that raises funds for nonprofit organizations in a unique way—by auctioning off exclusive experiences with celebrities. In my role, I coordinated these experiences, serving as the bridge between auction winners and the celebrities’ teams to ensure seamless execution. Wearing so many hats there, forced me to learn a lot, as well as utilize my time as effectively as possible. Was there any one person that influenced or inspired you the most that may have helped you with your career choices? That would probably be my mom. She taught high school English before retiring from the New York City Department of Education, then went on to become an English professor at her alma mater, Columbia University. Her journey has profoundly influenced my own career path, instilling in me a passion for roles that challenge me and foster continuous growth and above all, to seek opportunities that support my professional development, which remains a top priority. | 
