After a few years, my mom was able to finally purchase her first home at below market rate at the time after a duo of nuns decided to sell her their old home. With family support, my mom was able to get a loan and open her laundromat business in a predominantly Hispanic part of town.

At 18 years old, I returned to San Francisco to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Housing was a challenge, but I was fortunate to live with my aunt in Daly City while finishing my degree. Seeing classmates struggle with housing insecurity fueled my determination to help others.

Today, I’m grateful to still live in Daly City, a place my family has deep roots in, despite the rising housing costs. I feel a strong responsibility to work towards our mission of affordable housing advocacy and preservation.

Bio: 

Crystal graduated from The Art Institute of San Francisco with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Design in 2016. She has nearly a decade of professional experience in Operations, Administration, and Marketing within the Real Estate Industry and has recently transitioned to the Non-profit sector.

Before joining HLC, Crystal worked with a non-profit dedicated to promoting inclusion through diverse conversations, deepening her commitment to fostering equitable communities and supporting marginalized populations.

As Operations Coordinator at HLC, Crystal manages memberships, actively collaborates with the communications team, implements language justice initiatives, and handles various operational responsibilities. Her unique blend of skills and experiences fuels her passion for ensuring the smooth operation of HLC and the success of its initiatives.