A Conversation with Crystal Lander, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Pathfinder International

Happy Holidays, Minority Leaders!

This time of the year many of us are taking stock of all the blessings in our lives. One thing I am blessed with is a village of smart, supportive, and inspiring women leaders. Today I am excited to speak with one of my closest friends,  Crystal Lander, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer at Pathfinder International. 

Crystal  is a high profile and internationally recognized senior leader with 20 years of experience in global health and development, project and program management, and professional training and development.  She  manages Pathfinder's global advocacy, communications and engagement teams and sits on the management team.  Crystal has experience working in more than 15 countries with extensive travel to more than 53 countries. She has proven expertise in civil society development, influence policy and advocacy, communications campaigns, and coalition building. She is multilingual advocate with a passion for promoting awareness and conducting international speeches on women’s health issues and leadership including HIV, reproductive and maternal health, and cancer.  She has given hundreds of speeches, trainings and workshops worldwide on advocacy, policy, global health and policy development. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Economics and a Master of Public Health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with a degree in International Health Policy.

When I think about someone who gives back to her community, I think of Crystal. To me, she is super woman. She is truly the busiest woman I know. She is an active member of the Jack and Jill  of America, Inc., president of the Alexandria (VA) West Rotary Club and president of her local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., to name a few. Indeed, Crystal is a super volunteer-- someone you can count on to activate and inspire others to drive impact in their communities both here at home and globally. I honestly don't know how she does it all!

We discuss her esteemed career; the influence of her parents on her drive to give back to her community; her decision to become a 'single mom by choice' at 40 years old; how her son Caleb keeps her grounded; and the huge role her parents and family- through blood as well as friendship- play in helping her thrive as a working single mom and community leader. She also offers sage advice to the net generation of Minority Leaders. 

Crystal is truly a gift to everyone in her circle and I am happy to share her with you in this holiday episode.  Enjoy!

Have a blessed holiday!
Algene & The Minority Leaders Podcast

*PS- Check out our Holiday Travel Playlist featuring some of my favorite episodes celebrating friendship and community!