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 AIDS1 3

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.3 4