About Crystal Hadnott

---

Championing Equity, Innovation, and Global Impact

For over 25 years, Crystal Hadnott has been a relentless force, channeling her passion for equity into tangible action. Her journey transcends a traditional career; it is a deep-seated commitment to healing the wounds of inequality and building bridges of solidarity within marginalized communities. Aiming to narrow the wealth gap in the nonprofit sector by bridging access to financial resources and sustainable development strategies, Crystal empowers organizations to not only meet immediate needs but also establish long-term equity in underserved communities. To date, she has raised nearly a billion dollars for organizations around the globe, empowering over 100 organizations across five continents to secure critical resources that have transformed sectors such as education, healthcare, racial equity, and tech innovation. Her influence extends across diverse regions, from the Americas to Africa and beyond, addressing systemic inequalities globally.

Crystal spearheads initiatives that not only raise funds but also nurture a culture of inclusion. Guided by her core values of integrity and perseverance, she approaches every project with a deep commitment to lifting underrepresented voices and creating pathways to sustainable success. Her mission goes beyond transactional fundraising; it’s about fostering genuine connections and restoring the humanity often overlooked in the pursuit of socioeconomic change.

Crystal’s accolades speak volumes about her dedication. She holds esteemed credentials as a Certified Development Executive and Certified Fund-Raising Executive, and her affiliations with prestigious organizations like the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations further amplify her influence in the field, allowing her to drive equity-focused initiatives on a larger scale.

She is also a member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives, African American Development Officers, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, and the Women’s Funding Network. In addition, she is an active KEY Political Action Committee member and a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Urban Capital Network.

Crystal’s academic journey is as impressive as her professional endeavors. Armed with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston, an MPA in Public Administration, and a Ph.D. in Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University, she embodies the intersection of scholarship and activism. Crystal is the author of two published books, several e-books, and numerous scholarly articles.

Looking ahead, Crystal is committed to innovating new pathways for resource generation, ensuring that every organization she partners with is equipped to drive lasting social change and foster sustainable equity in underserved communities.