Meet Dr. Crystal Ward | Educator and Founder, Greater Than Expectations, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Crystal Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ward, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Although I have lived in Dallas for almost six years, I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri. I grew up the middle child of a single parent. My mom worked hard to support us and ensure we had everything we needed. She was determined to provide us with opportunities that weren’t necessarily available to her and maybe shouldn’t have been available to us, statistically speaking. I think that has been incredibly influential to who I am today. I work hard, sometimes I think my people would say too hard, and I am pretty independent because that was the example that was set for me. It definitely makes me who I am. I am grateful to mom for giving so much of herself to us.

To that end, we grew up in a suburban neighborhood south of Kansas City called Grandview. We had a large extended family, and we always got together for holidays, weekends, birthdays, middle-of-the-week meals, really anything. There was almost always family around. We had this fierce sense of community and family, and support. My grandparents were always pushing for that. Today, that influences how I see life and who I am. Life, to me, is community. It’s people. It’s networking and support. I go out of my way to create that in every situation. It’s become the core of who I am.

That sense to drive support and community ultimately inspired my desire to teach, and teaching led me to my then mentee and now friend, Arielle. She was a foster student aging out of the system at the time, and our relationship created an extended community for her. As a result of that connection and relationship, she’s now a part of my family. She also is the inspiration for my non-profit, Greater Than Expectations, Inc or GTE. GTE is an organization whose mission is to educate youth from foster care, equipping them with the essential tools necessary to transform their lives and discover their potential as leaders and change-makers in a challenging world.

My experience mentoring students and teaching gave me insight into the impact that being a part of the foster care system has on children of all ages, but specifically young adults who are aging out of the system, and often have no idea what to do next. I wanted to be the bridge for support, resources, next steps, and honestly for a community to these young adults, and that’s really what Greater Than Expectations is all about. Ultimately it’s about creating that same sense of village that I always felt growing up.


Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently at a local charter school. I have worked in education since 2004, in various roles including as a teacher, Vice-principal, Principal and most recently a Director at our central office level. I have a great passion for our youth and helping them to push past their fears and be greater than their own expectations.

Professionally, I always knew I wanted to work in education. So when I went to college I had my plan set. It allowed me to graduate early and with honors. I then moved into earning my master’s and in December 2020, I completed my Doctorate degree. I have been able to get to where I am by hard work. I always say I am definitely not the smartest person, and I don’t feel like you have to be, or I have to be, but I always put forth the effort, my best effort. That can make all the difference. Being willing to do the work, networking, and surrounding myself with people that push me to be great. My work in education led me to start a nonprofit that focuses on foster teens and those that age out of the system. Giving back, motivating and mentoring others is truly my passion. It’s a driving for me, both professionally in my “day job” and with Greater Than Expectations, Inc.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whew! There are so many things! I absolutely love Kylde Warren Park. It’s a place that is different than most cities. It’s like a cute quiet oasis in the middle of the city. It’s interesting to see green grass and kids playing and people working out or maybe a live band and get a true park feel, but also feel the rumble of the highway and the city beneath you. It’s very unique. It’s also surrounded by so much art and history and beauty. It’s just a really cool place to be.

On the way to KWP we could ride the trolly just for the experience. Maybe visit the Dallas Museum of art, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks and really just chill.

For the evening, there are so many cool black-owned spots in Dallas. Dinner at Pangea in Garland and then maybe downtown to Distinctive Vines for a wine flight. Late nights may take us to hear live music with cocktails on any patio or grab tacos at Fuel City. And because a visit from a friend is not at all complete without a brunch, we would have tons of brunch faves to choose from, like Soiree Coffee House. The options are truly endless.

Website: www.greaterthanexpectations.org

Instagram: instagram.com/greaterthanexpectations

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-than-expectations-inc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterThanExpectations/