Dr. Crystal Yingling

Dr. M. Crystal Yingling has a vast history of challenging social justice issues across the world. In Korea they worked on multilateral cooperation events. In North and West Africa they facilitated sports and cultural festivals to counter violent extremism. As a military commander in Afghanistan, they developed radio dramas to protect children from war effects, and worked with Afghan women to ensure equitable representation. A retired Special Operations Officer, Dr. Yingling has been awarded numerous accolades including the Bronze Star. As a consultant for equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and interculturalism, Dr. Yingling works with organizations and governments, speaks at conferences, and leads workshops across the globe. Dr. Yingling holds an MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University, where they later became an adjunct professor. They also earned their doctorate through USC’s Global Executive Doctor of Education Program with the dissertation, “Rock and Roll with It: Empowering Girls to Become Leading Womxn Through Music,” which evaluated the efficacy of music education in the development of self-esteem and leadership skills among girls and young womxn. Most recently they were published in the international ENCATC journal with the article, “The Possibility Spectrum: Increasing Diversity & Inclusion in Arts Organizations.” They are currently serving as Executive Director of Theatre Puget Sound.