What is your name and what do you do?
I am Crystal “Crys” Newman and I am Customer Experience Associate that helps recipients of State programs by day, but I am also an entrepreneur and community activist. I am a tarot reader and psychic medium and an advocate for plus size issues as well as Black, LGBT, marginalized genders, and a mental health advocate.
How long have you been doing what you do?
I have been in the psychology and social services field for over 5 years, customer service field for over 5 years, and an activist for over 14 years.
How do you balance your personal life and professional aspirations, particularly in a demanding career?
I rely on time management tools like Google calendar and my ability to check in with myself to determine what I can handle and what I can not. I believe that if I want to do something strong enough, I will make the time. Personal relationships and professional aspirations are important to me.
What have been some of your biggest accomplishments?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and as a person who struggled with mental health issues and homelessness, I was able to rebuild my life to stability. I live on my own, work part time, run a side hustle with outstanding reviews, and serve the community at the same time. Rebuilding my life took 7 years from my Bipolar onset and that took determination and collaboration from myself, my treatment team, and faith in God.
What have been some of your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was overcoming childhood hurt and using that to empower others in return. I was an outstanding student in school, however I dealt with being bullied for not being Black enough for the Black kids and not White enough for the White kids, being a queer child growing up in church, and being plus sized. I also went through a suicide attempt in 2015 as an adult, but survived. March 14, 2025 will be 10 years since I survived it and I celebrate by using my experiences to uplift others.
Can you share an experience where you witnessed the power of sisterhood or community among women?
I witnessed sisterhood and community when I joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in the Spring of 2011. We always had community service activities and developed great bonds. I went from having one blood sister to having thousands of sisters across the globe. Whenever I had dark times, my Sorors were always the first to call.
How has mentorship played a role in your personal and professional development?
Mentorship taught me a lot. It wasn’t just about learning how to be professional, but it was about sustaining growth that would last a lifetime. Getting mentorship meant that I was able to better myself as a person. Sometimes, I struggled with handling conflict and social situations, but getting mentorship helped me blossom from a reserved person to being able to shine my light in different personal and professional environments.
What role do you think social media plays in promoting or hindering women’s empowerment?
In this generation, social media has aides women’s empowerment because there is a larger reach. You can be in Kentucky, but get an uplifting word from a woman in California. Social media allows for people to have the vulnerability to make content that impacts women from all over the world. You can learn so much from social media.
How important is self-care, and what practices do you adopt to prioritize your well-being?
Self-care is really important. I keep up with my doctor’s appointments, schedule my eating and cooking routine, make time for 8+ hours a sleep a night, meditate to still my mind, and journal.
What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations of women?
I hope that I can make an impact by showing women how beautiful and strong they are. I am a strong believer in size diversity and have been doing that activism for the last 14 years. Being myself has empowered women to advocate for themselves, stand up to bullies, and love the skin that they are in.
Are there any words of encouragement you would like to give?
I encourage women to trust themselves and their intuition. They know deep inside what is best for themselves. Please don’t go against your own judgement to please others. You are good enough exactly as you are and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Continue to work on yourself and the work that you have done will be fruitful.
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