As the Alliance’s Volunteer Coordinator, Cristal serves as a source of support and communication for volunteers, both returning and new, working with volunteers both one-on-one and in group settings to ensure they are empowered to host successful events. Moreover, Cristal broadens the Alliance’s presence in the Great Lakes area by participating in Adopt-a-Beach cleanups and other community activities.
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Cristal earned a B.A. in Anthropology and Latin American and Latino Studies, supplemented with a minor in Spanish. Prior to joining the Alliance, Cristal worked as an Administrative Assistant for the UIC Native American Support Program. She further improved her research and communication abilities as a Reporting Fellow for City Bureau in Chicago, as well as interning with the Latin American Curatorial Team at the Field Museum to fulfill her passion for culture and education.