These days, everyone is seeking to “live their best life”, but what exactly does that mean?
As a pastor and certified life coach my goal is to share the love of Jesus and help individuals and organizations unlock and unpack their potential through motivational speaking, coaching and workshops on various topics.
God has played an instrumental role in shaping me to become the woman that I am today and my passion is to utilize all my professional and personal experiences to help others discover their purpose and not only live their best life, but live an abundant life.
I currently serve as the Executive Pastor for the Spencerville Church in Silver Spring, Maryland. In addition to the traditional pastoral responsibilities of preaching and shepherding the congregation, I oversee the church's operations, strategic planning, administration, finances, and human resources to achieve its mission and vision.
Prior to God’s calling on my life to full time ministry, I spent almost 20 years in financial services. As a former Senior Vice President at Citibank and Vice President at JPMorgan, I managed an extensive portfolio of large NGO’s, Religious Organizations, Foundations and Academic Institutions in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC. I’ve always felt that God wanted me to do more to impact humanity and I now realize that He was equipping me with various leadership experiences to prepare me for the work He wanted me to do.
Service is the rent we pay for our lives on this earth and it’s a blessing to serve on the board for Unique People Services, an organization dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities and New Majority Capital, an organization dedicated to helping underrepresented business owners by forging partnerships with investors.
As I experience the impact of living a purpose driven life, my desire is to empower others to live to their full potential and become all that God has designed them to be. Through preaching, coaching, speaking at conferences, facilitating workshops and mentorship, I embrace my personal motto: "To Inspire, To Motivate, To Connect.”
I hold a Masters of Divinity from Andrews Theological Seminary, a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on Management and Policy from Baruch, Zicklin School of Busines, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Baruch, Zicklin School of Business and a certificate in Executive Management from Columbia University Business School. I am a National Urban Fellow and certified Life Coach through the CAPP Institute.
“Your life should be a visible testimony of your beliefs and values.”
Testimonials
“Our church congregation was immensely blessed to have Ms. Ward speak to our congregation about the importance of stewardship and financial money management. She expertly approached the subject from the spiritual and practical aspects, so that we all understood what God teaches us about money and how these lessons translate to our daily lives. Ms. Ward is highly skilled, educated and knowledgeable in her field, yet she delivers her teachings with simplicity so all understand and appreciate her gift.”
REVEREND PAUL K. JONES (sr. PASTOR) FIRST CHURCH, NYACK NY
“It was a great honor to have you speak at the RMG 2nd Annual iLeadership Summit. Our team bestowed on you the Best Moderator of the Summit”
Maximillian L. Hamilton, Founder & CEO Rogue Media Group
“Crystal coordinated a Career Mock Interview and provided our international students with a valuable opportunity to practice their interview skills. 14 students from 12 different countries were truly excited about receiving advice and feedback from experienced professionals and gained relevant, real-life interview experience that will increase their chances of success when meeting with potential employers. Crystal not only presented advice about personal value positioning and networking skills, but also provided personalized critiques for students with multicultural backgrounds.
Here are some students' feedback, which prove Crystal's great career coaching ability:
“This experience helped me realize that being confident and comfortable while talking about my skills and experiences during interviews require a lot of practice! I also learned that interviews are a two way process. It is not only interviewers asking questions to assess how suitable I am for the role, but it is the best opportunity for me to see if the role is appropriate and exciting for me.” – Student from Japan
“Through this program, I gained valuable skills related to interviewing and networking. This was a very informative opportunity and provided a professional mock interview experience that we can't get from the school career centers.” – Student from China
Xiaotang Huang, Director of Membership and Programs, One To World
“Crystal is a dynamic professional with years of experience in the financial industry as well as experience as a life coach and motivational speaker. I invited Crystal to speak for an event at Queens College and our students left feeling empowered and inspired by her profound words of wisdom. She has a special gift for allowing people to see themselves in a greater light. She is a mentor and friend. She is always willing to pour into this generation of world changers. I am honored to know her.”
Shonelle George, Counselor, Queens College
“I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The program was so well done! People have been texting me and emailing me to say how much they enjoyed it and how much they learned from you. They keep telling me how much this program was needed and ask me when part two be will be happening. Thank you so much for being so willing and yes we do want you to come back for a part two!!”
SANDRA POTTINGer-Mitchelle, Director of KBT ROYal PRiesthood (Financial Literacy Workshop - Securing the Bag)
“I have known Crystal all my life. She has been a friend, sister and mentor. Her guidance has helped propel my personal and professional career in ways I would have never imagined. Crystal has always used the skill set that she has to teach others, in an effort for the next generation to achieve success. Her support and commitment to her work and support of others is unwavering and the level of integrity in which she leads is second to none.”
Ingrid H. Pierre, MS, CCC-SLP
“Crystal is highly respected by her peers and administration for her willingness to lead and support anyone anytime she can.
She has a take charge personality, a flair for organization and handles responsibility well. She is always professional, easily reachable, and a tireless worker. As a Christian and a woman of God, she embodies "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might."
Crystal has an uncanny ability to combine inspiration, humor and great messaging in her speeches. She is also extremely dedicated to her craft and takes the time and effort needed to present quality material that people remember. She communicates her ideas clearly and her comments are well thought out and clearly articulate.”
Yvette Brissett-Andre, Executive Director Unique People Services
“Crystal's passion for mentorship and professional development is manifested in the many lives that she has touched. I am privileged to be a beneficiary of her wise counsel and guidance in my own career.”
Allegra Stennett, Associate, JPMorgan Chase
“Crystal interviewed me for my book launch. We had met a few months prior and we instantly connected. When I told her about my book launch, she suggested an idea for an interview so that people would get to hear the progression of how I had gotten to the point of writing and sharing the book.
She was extremely professional and prepped me for the flow of the interview. One of the things that truly made the interview come alive was her conversational style. She listened to me and her follow up questions were based on what I had shared, showing that she had really listened to my responses. Both me and the audience enjoyed the information that she was able to pull out and share with those in attendance.
You will not be disappointed if you use her to host your event!”
KAYSIAN GORDON – AUTHOR Of Walking By Faith
“Crystal truly has a passion to see people succeed and has a way of bringing out the best in others. I have personally benefitted from her one on one coaching and mentorship.”
Alexus Davis, Bronx High School of Law, iMentor
“Crystal is committed to the development of leadership and professionals as ambassadors for the Eternal Kingdom within the marketplace. She capably leverages her extensive corporate and NGO professional network, and vibrant personality towards this purpose.”
Braam Oberholster, Professor, Southern Adventist University
“Crystal is an advocate and a leader, bringing integrity and commitment to everything she does. I am awed by Crystal’s generosity, leadership, passion and capacity to get the job done. She excels in all areas—analysis, communication, personal drive and commitment.”