Crystal Bernard (she/her) is the State Initiatives Strategist at Just Solutions, where she leads and supports state-level strategies to advance equitable climate policies and programs through policy analysis, education, partner coordination, and strategy development.

Crystal has several years of experience in social policy, program development, environmental justice, grassroots organizing, and legislative affairs. Her work brings together complex policy analysis and implementation strategy to support community priorities, strengthen coordination, and move ideas into action. Prior to joining Just Solutions, she worked with Elevate, leading projects in Detroit and Highland Park focused on home electrification, clean energy workforce development, and decarbonizing affordable housing. She also worked to amplify community-led initiatives to protect land and housing rights and build resilience in these areas. Previously, she served in the Executive Office for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leading gubernatorial appointments for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Crystal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations Policy and International Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University. Her passion for environmental justice stems from being raised in Highland Park, MI, where she organized for water accessibility and affordability. Based in Detroit, she enjoys hosting dinner parties, reading Afrofuturism novels, and spending time with her Chihuahua, Stella, in her free time.

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