Crystal Wright: Paving the way for women's empowerment at Riipen

“I want to see intentional action, hopes and wishes won’t help us succeed.” In the dynamic realm of corporate culture, women like Crystal Wright stand as beacons, not just breaking barriers but reshaping the very foundations of progress in cross-functional teams. Crystal, a Project Specialist at Riipen, reflects on her journey with candor, offering insights that transcend her personal narrative to echo the broader themes of investing in women and accelerating progress.

Investing in women: A catalyst for innovation and inclusivity

For Crystal, the decision to join Riipen was influenced significantly by the emphasis on investing in women. She recognized that diversity not only fosters innovation but also provides a crucial element of psychological safety. She believes that having leaders who understand the daily struggles against systemic barriers brings authenticity and a shared commitment to breaking them down. Crystal's perspective highlights the transformative impact of women in leadership, shaping a culture that goes beyond corporate norms.

Born and raised in Treaty 6 territory, Crystal's professional journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. She found herself thrust into the workforce at a young age, setting the stage for a unique career trajectory. From caregiving to building and developing teams in challenging retail environments, Crystal pivoted seamlessly into various roles—from recruitment/HR and project management to customer success; her perpetual state of learning and growth is a testament to her North Star: making a difference in people's lives and solving problems with like-minded individuals.

Candidly, she adds that she's currently learning sign language and talks about her recent acquisition of a cute pink sewing machine, revealing that she is excited to continue connecting to her culture through crafting.

Overcoming challenges: Finding confidence and a voice

Reflecting on her journey, Crystal identifies overcoming self-doubt as a pivotal challenge. From being given a chance to manage a store at 18 to navigating the steep learning curve of leadership, she grappled with a lack of confidence exacerbated by a lack of support. The switch flipped when she began advocating for others, discovering her voice in championing the rights of those around her. It was a journey from self-doubt to empowerment, marked by the realization that advocating for oneself is a skill that often comes easier when done for others.

“Keep learning, take up space, and don’t compromise on your values and you will naturally gravitate towards the things you love.” Crystal's advice to her younger self encapsulates the essence of her journey. She encourages continuous learning, taking up space unapologetically, and not compromising on values. Her words resonate with the idea that the path becomes clearer as you explore, learn, and gravitate toward what you love.

Breaking Gender Stereotypes: A Call for Emotional Authenticity

When prompted to change one gender bias, Crystal boldly addresses the double standard on emotions. She dismantles the notion that emotions are a weakness, emphasizing that men are emotional too. Liberating herself from the pressure to suppress emotions, she found empowerment in embracing emotional authenticity, challenging stereotypes, and highlighting the hypocrisy of gender-based expectations.

Crystal sees a unique quality in women leaders—empathy and nurture. In her perspective, the caregiving role women historically played positions them as natural leaders who deeply care for their teams. “I feel things deeply. I spent decades trying to suppress emotions because people stop taking you seriously if you show emotions. Suddenly your words don’t matter when you have tears in your eyes because now “it's emotional”—I stopped apologizing for my emotions, and began pointing out the hypocrisy if someone tried to make me feel otherwise.” This style of leadership, rooted in authenticity, builds teams willing to go above and beyond, creating an invaluable asset that cannot be bought or taught.

Work-life balance: Navigating with intentionality and guilt-free PTO

Crystal navigates work-life balance with introspection, acknowledging what fills and drains her energy. Her intentional calendar planning, guilt-free PTO utilization, and acknowledging the role of her ADHD in her work dynamics contribute to her equilibrium. For her, gender stereotypes have been a pervasive challenge throughout her career. Anecdotes from her retail days underscore the prevalence of double standards that have existed in silent hostility. Crystal's approach to overcoming such stereotypes is straightforward—she seeks welcoming work environments and believes organizations need to actively listen, avoid assumptions, and own their failings to foster progress.

As a sponsor, mentor, and advocate, Crystal actively works to uplift other women in the workplace. She recognizes her responsibility as a white-passing Indigenous woman to use her privilege and speak up for those who may not have a voice. By encouraging others to find their voices, Crystal hopes to create a ripple effect of empowerment.

The road ahead: Tangible actions, allyship, and breaking glass ceilings

Looking forward, Crystal desires to see more tangible actions and less performative allyship in the professional landscape for women. Acknowledging the persistent glass ceiling, especially for women of color, she emphasizes the need for intentional action. More men acting as sponsors and allies, ensuring diverse voices are heard, is crucial for dismantling barriers and achieving collective success.

In conclusion, Crystal Wright's journey epitomizes the power of investing in women to accelerate progress. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Let this International Women's Day echo Crystal's narrative and serve as a reminder that the investment in women pays dividends not only for individuals but for the entire fabric of organizational success.

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