Dr. Crystal Palmero Ward is the Founder and CEO of Disrupt Equity Leadership Consulting, collaborating with visionary leaders and organizations to co-create equity-centered opportunities. With expertise in transformational learning and leadership, she specializes in organizational design and people-first strategies that drive change.

Central to Dr. Ward’s mission is empowering Black and Brown children, especially young girls, to embrace their identities and talents. Through her equity-focused leadership and athletic program she uses basketball to set high expectations and foster an environment where they can shine and stand powerfully.

Dr. Ward’s leadership journey is personal, marked by significant roles in the education sector. She has dedicated her career to transforming systems to elevate voices and create opportunities. As a Design Partner and Doctoral Resident at Transcend, she played a pivotal role in the School Design Collaborative, accelerating school innovation and leading initiatives during growth periods.

Earlier, Dr. Ward excelled as Recruitment Director at Teach For America, attracting top talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to diversity. As Founding Dean at Achievement First Endeavor Elementary, she led the school to regional prominence by prioritizing student well-being and learning. Later, as Director of Culture at Achievement First, she enhanced organizational health and led development.

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Ward serves on multiple boards and mentors emerging leaders. Her thought leadership has been featured in the Journal of Black Psychology and in case studies for Harvard Business School. Dr. Ward holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) from Harvard University, where she was elected Class Marshal and authored her capstone, Innovating for Equity: Schools Designed and Co-Created to Disrupt Institutionalized and Systemic Racism. She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

As a bi-racial woman of Filipino and Black heritage with a military upbringing, Dr. Ward values identity. She draws on her lived experiences to shape her work, disrupting the status quo and creating new possibilities. Through her leadership, she reimagines what is possible, empowering others to achieve success in ways that leave them feeling valued, respected, and inspired.