My goal is to continue to be an active force in working toward breaking the cycle of poverty via education. As a high school equivalency diploma instructor with WorkForce Essentials, Inc., I teach in the six educational functioning levels of Adult Education to students with varying academic levels.

Bridges to Belmont scholarship program at Belmont University has implemented the College 101 program to assist first-generation, low socio-economic and diverse students as well as their families in successfully navigating the college access and matriculation process.

As an AmeriCorps Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) member, I’m a liaison between Bridges to Belmont and the feeder high schools and middle schools. I’m further developing a structure that will encourage college and career readiness skill for students. This plan will allow parents et al to be actively engaged in the college access and post-secondary process.

Previously, I provided administrative support to the Lane College HBCU Wellness Project Director and the Campus/ Community Outreach Coordinator. My experience includes editing award winning scientific posters of undergrad students.

My marketing ability, community partner expertise, and event planning skill were a contributing factor to the Wellness Project at Lane College being recognized as Campus of the Year.

I voluntarily presented the College with an idea to be a part of a documentary currently in production. As a result, I negotiated and secured award-winning filmmaker Cindy Hurst and production team on campus to film "Unveiling Black Mask-ulinity."

Currently, I serve as an Advisory Board member HeartBeats & HipHop, 501c3 (HbHH) - a community health group. I have written promotional information for HbHH and advised on marketing campaigns. This effort has resulted in increased support levels.

"One minute with Cristalynne"

I'm driven by:

Education ● Program Development ● Nonprofit ● Communications

What's your favorite thing about the work you do?

People. Meeting. Connecting. Writing. Introducing. Promoting. Inspiring.

What's something that people might be surprised to know about you?

I've never had braces. As a kid, my grandmother had me to push my crooked tooth forward with my thumb. That's what I did while visiting her, one summer. The result is what we see today. This is a great benefit because I can often be caught smiling.