Employee Spotlight: Crystal Reid
Crystal Reid is the Assistant Director of Women’s Empowerment at the YWCA of Asheville.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been at the YWCA
I came to the YW Nov 23, 2023, working at the front desk. I loved getting to say hi to everyone who came in the door. I'm an Asheville native and have always been very community-engaged. One of the things that I do love about the Y is all the community support and engagement we have. The Y’s Southside community is very close to downtown, and there is a lot of poverty in this part of Asheville; the YWCA is an important part of Southside.
Tell me about what you do.
As Assistant Director of Women’s Empowerment, I oversee Getting Ahead (GA) and work with women experiencing poverty to help them strategize and set goals to create pathways to success.
What are you most proud of in your work with the YW?
I am proud that we can host programs like GA for anyone who walks through the door with no judgment. We can actually be the support they need.
People don’t realize how much we actually do at the YW. I am really proud of what we provide and what we do for the community. We have a network of support right within these walls.
Who was an important or inspirational woman/person in your life growing up (and why?)
I have to say, my mother! She has been an inspiration and a lifeline of support. She showed me independence and strength. She is the Director of the Helpmate shelter and she is amazing. I have seen her dedicate her time to others and that is why I am so willing to support anyone I can. I couldn't have had a better role model.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I'm an open book, I don’t think there’s anything people don’t know.
What motivates you?
Strengthening others. We as women often take on too much, and listening to each other is so important. Knowing that my job is to support and strengthen other women motivates me daily.
The next Getting Ahead cohort begins on March 26. For more information about Getting Ahead for yourself or someone else, or to make a referral, contact Crystal or email gettingahead@ywcaofasheville.org
