Biography of Dr. Crystal Kuykendall

 A critical thinker, analyst, motivator and mentor, Dr. Kuykendall has astounded audiences and individuals through the power of her observations and the warmth of her words. A highly sought after and savvy speaking sensation, she is an engaging educator, human relations expert, legal analyst/litigator, endearing author and loving mother.

Born in Chicago, IL, with very humble beginnings, Dr. Kuykendall graduated from Hyde Park High School with 4 scholarships at the age of 16. She received her B.A. from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) as a Government major. Through an Assistantship, she graduated from Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ) with a Master of Arts degree in Sociology. Through a Ford Fellowship, she received her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Atlanta University. Always seeking additional avenues for advocacy and service, Dr. Kuykendall received her Juris Doctorate (law degree) from Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and was admitted to the Bar Association of the District of Columbia after passing the Bar Exam in 1988 on her first attempt.

A former elementary and secondary public school teacher, Dr. Kuykendall has also taught at Seton Hall University and Montclair State University. She is former Executive Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. She also served as Director of Urban & Minority Relations for the National School Boards Association and the Director of the Citizens Training Institute for the National Committee for Citizens in Education. Appointed by U.S. President, Jimmy Carter to the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education, she served as Council Chairperson from 1979-1981. She was chosen by the editors of Ebony Magazine as one of the "50 Leaders of the Future" in 1978.

Dr. Kuykendall has been exemplary in leadership, public service and corporate success. She has served on the Board of Directors of Health Power, Inc., Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington's Family Life Center Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Congressional National Youth Leadership Conference and the Education Task Force of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Social Change. In over 25 years of experience and service delivery, she has received over 200 plaques, awards, citations, certificates and "Keys to the City" and numerous tributes and commendations for her efficacy in facilitating personal and professional empowerment, problem resolution and organizational growth.

A Former Executive Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Dr. Kuykendall has also served as a member of the National Youth Leadership Conference as well as the National Education Task Force.

Author of "Developing Leadership for Parent/Citizen Groups" in 1976, Dr. Kuykendall later authored "Improving Black Student Achievement through Enhancing Self-Image" in 1987, and a motivational calendar for low-income parents, "You and Yours: Making the Most of this School Year "(1987 & 1989). Her well lauded book, "From Rage to Hope: Strategies for Reclaiming Black and Hispanic Students", published in 1992, is considered by many a "timeless treasure" and is a national best seller. Her unique publication, "Dreaming of a P.H.A.T. Century" is being used and extolled by winners of all ages.

In 1989, Dr. Kuykendall incorporated her company, Kreative and Innovative Resources for Kids (K.I.R.K.). Through the company she provides long term technical assistance and consultant services to an increasing number of national and international clients through individual endeavors as well as use of a team of expert consultants, when needed.

Since 1990, she has given over 100 speeches annually. Her audiences connect almost instantly with her high energy, charm, charismatic delivery and moving messages. As she weaves her magic behind a microphone, her audiences experience an incredible array of emotions. She not only facilitates self analysis, she also inspires personal and organizational change, growth and powerful results in personal and professional pursuits. It doesn't matter who she addresses, CEO's or custodians, educators or administrators, youth or seniors, public or private employees, the results are the same and audiences give thundering standing ovations wherever she goes.