Crawford, who was selected from a pool of more than 400 applicants, says the honor was unexpected. “I am really shocked to be honest.” Crawford said. “I know a lot of people are out there working non-stop to support the community and I’m humbled to be in the midst of such amazing, incredible leaders. I stay in my lane and focus on what I know because I am committed to helping our young people.”
In selecting honorees, the GHCC analyzed the character, impact, and connectivity these self-motivated leaders provide in their communities. The GHCC says Crawford, and her peers on the list, are trailblazers who have positively impacted the state of Georgia and exemplify the art of leading people, places, and moments in history. Crawford adds, “Besides being Latino, what we all have in common is our desire to pay it forward. I know personally that my parents sacrificed everything they had whether big or small, to give me the opportunity to fulfill my own potential. I want to pay that forward and help guide, lead, and inspire the youth that comes after me,” Crawford said.
Crawford launched the Hispanic focus of Gwinnett County Public Schools’ Community-Based Mentoring Program in January of 2019. Through her work, she recruits, trains, supports, and retains mentors who work with identified Hispanic students in the school district. She also works with the students and their parents, providing support and resources to help students develop personally, socially, and academically.
