We were lucky to catch up with Crystal Burton-cook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I want to start by saying that my mom is one of the hardest-working women I have ever known. I would say that’s where I inherited my strong work ethic. As a single mother of three children, she made sure we had as many opportunities as possible. While my friends played outside, I spent hours in the neighborhood library. I say this often when I talk about my mom and when I talk about my childhood. My mom would always say, “Outside will always be there, I’m raising you, not the neighborhood!”Those hours in the library sparked something within me. She taught me that books could take me beyond my circumstances and introduced me to the idea of striving for more.
I don’t have a perfect family, and my mom wasn’t perfect, but she always gave me her genuine support and encouragement. To this day, she reminds me that there’s no obstacle I will face that I cannot overcome. I often call her and ask, “How did you raise three kids on your own, start your day at 4 a.m., and rarely miss a day of work?” Honestly, I think she has superpowers. More than anything, she gave me a front-row seat to discipline and hard work. Those are lessons that continue to shape who I am today.
I remember going through what people call “growing pains.” As a teenager, I wasn’t always the nicest to my mom. Like most teens, I reached a point where I was trying to find my own way in life and felt like there was no way she could possibly understand what I was going through. As if she wasn’t a teenager before she ever became a mother. But no matter what, she always showed up for me in whatever way she could, even when she didn’t fully understand me.
I used to have a card she gave me, filled with affirmations about how amazing I was. I remember reading it and feeling so undeserving of such a kind gesture because I knew I hadn’t been as kind to her. But that’s who she is; she loves unconditionally, and through her actions, she taught me to do the same. My mom did a lot of things right, and I hope I remind her of that every day.
Crystal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Crystal Burton-Cook, I am a Philadelphia native, where I spent my formative years in the heart of West Philadelphia. I’m all about empowering others to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. I’m a proud mother of two beautiful children named Kalynn and Kaiden Cook. They are the highlights of my life and my greatest source of motivation. I tell them as often as I can how much I love being their mom. They also help me stay in touch with my youth, because they are so full of energy.
I have over 12 years of experience in human services, youth advocacy, and leadership development. Growing up in a community plagued with gun violence, poverty, and crime, I saw firsthand the struggles of hardworking families trying to find resources and safe outlets for their children. That’s what inspired me to get into this field, and I’m deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth. I have always wanted to help those that are under served and marginalized. It is what I watched my grandmother and those I looked up to do, serve others.
I hold an M.S. in Human Service Counseling, and my career has been centered around mentoring, community engagement, and helping organizations build their leadership capacity. A great portion of my career experience has involved working with those who have experienced trauma, behavioral and mental health challenges. My longest role was spent as a supervisor in the foster care system. Whether through my work as a Youth and Young Adult Pastor, where I’ve led outreach initiatives, prayer vigils, and after-school programs, or my book Adulthood: The Toughest Hood to Grow In, I’ve always focused on giving back to my community and guiding others to build resilience.
In October 2024, I released my book Adulthood: The Toughest Hood to Grow In. It reflects my personal journey through the challenges of transitioning into adulthood, navigating the complexities of growing up in an urban environment, and developing as a professional. I’ve already had the privilege of speaking to several audiences about my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The book is not just my story, but a source of inspiration for others facing their own obstacles on the road to adulthood. It’s been an incredible experience to connect with people and share insights on how to overcome adversity and thrive.
The services I offer to non-profits, schools, and churches revolve around leadership training, trauma support, and developing programs that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. From executive coaching to youth leadership development, I help organizations foster stronger partnerships and create lasting impact. I’ve had the privilege of working with countless at-risk youth, providing mentorship and support that enhances self-worth, builds critical thinking, and connects individuals with the resources they need to succeed.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend my hands-on experience with a profound understanding of human behavior and leadership. I believe in the power of mentorship and education to transform lives, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others to grow. If there’s one thing I’m most proud of, it’s the positive change I’ve been able to facilitate in my community and beyond. My work is about more than just training; it’s about creating lasting change and inspiring others to believe in themselves.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In addition to training and knowledge, I believe that building strong relationships and developing emotional intelligence are crucial for success in my field. The ability to connect with others, understand their unique challenges, and approach situations with empathy is invaluable. In social services and leadership development, the work is often deeply personal, and establishing trust with individuals or organizations can make all the difference. A supportive network of peers, mentors, and collaborators is also essential for sharing insights, receiving feedback, and staying motivated. These are things that have been pillars in my career, in my business, and in my life in general.
An example of resilience I’ve shown is during a particularly challenging time in my career when I was working with a group of at-risk youth who had faced multiple setbacks. From educational setbacks, financial setbacks, and system failures. It was disheartening to see them struggle, but I knew I couldn’t give up. I doubled down on my efforts to provide mentorship, designed tailored programs to meet their specific needs, and remained steadfast in my belief that they had the potential to succeed. Over time, I saw significant improvements in their self-confidence and decision-making skills, which reinforced my commitment to resilience and perseverance.
My work keeps me in touch with my humanity as well. The work I do can sometimes become repetitive, and it’s easy to unintentionally lose sight of the empathy and compassion required to truly serve the individuals and communities I work with. Many in my field call this occupational burnout or occupational fatigue. For those who serve others I would dare to say it’s an occupational hazard. It’s essential to remain mindful and intentional in maintaining a genuine connection with those we serve, ensuring that we continue to approach each situation with care and understanding.
On a personal level, I’ve had to show resilience through my own journey of overcoming hardships, particularly as I navigated the challenges of balancing motherhood, my career, and personal growth. I remember a time when I was dealing with financial struggles while building my business and the emotional toll of juggling multiple responsibilities. I try to lead with those experiences in mind, so that I won’t treat those I serve as “just another case.” Despite feeling overwhelmed, I stayed focused on my goals, leaned on my faith, and kept pushing forward. That experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, the importance of self-care, and trusting that setbacks are often just setups for greater growth. It’s what I share with others when building rapport. This resilience has directly tied back into my work, particularly when mentoring others. It has given me the ability to empathize with the struggles of those I serve and to help them understand that resilience is not just about bouncing back—it’s about learning and evolving through adversity. Leaning into those challenging moments, is understanding that it’s necessary for our development.
At the end of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to spend almost two weeks in Kumasi, Ghana. During my time there, I visited a local school, learned about the culture, and immersed myself in the daily lives of the people through mission work. One of the most impactful moments was speaking to members of a local church, hearing their stories, and witnessing their strength and faith despite the challenges they faced. This experience reinforced how important cultural understanding is in my field, training and knowledge are essential, but true connection comes from actively listening, engaging, and being open to learning from others. My time in Ghana deepened my perspective on resilience, community, and the power of faith, all of which continue to shape the way I serve and support those in need.
Being driven by passion is also key. For me it’s not just about the work; it’s about the impact you want to have. Based on my experience, the motivation comes from a deep-seated desire to help others overcome adversity, and that passion fuels my persistence. Building rapport with the people I work with is essential because when they feel understood and supported, they’re more likely to engage and make lasting changes in their lives. They become open to your guidance and they find you to be a trusted support and voice. It’s also important to put aside biases and remain focused on the bigger picture—the “why.” In this field, we are often faced with diverse perspectives and experiences, and it’s crucial to be open-minded, to listen, and to prioritize the needs of those we serve. When you can focus on the “why” and keep your purpose clear, it helps you remain committed to your mission, even when challenges arise. The drive to be impactful, not for personal gain but for positive change, and to contribute to someone else’s purpose, keeps me grounded and motivated in everything I do.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same career path again. My sister often jokes that I was destined to be a social worker in some capacity because I was always drawn to movies, shows, and documentaries about people overcoming challenges and hardships. Even as a child, I had a natural curiosity about people’s lives. I asked a lot of questions because I genuinely wanted to understand who people were and what shaped them. I spent a lot of time around older women and I would listen to their stories and ask them questions like when you were my age what were you doing?
This career has not only allowed me to help others but has also pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. It has taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of meeting people where they are. I’ve built lasting relationships, gained invaluable insights, and found a deep sense of purpose in my work. Every success story, no matter how big or small, reaffirms why I chose this path in the first place. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
Beyond direct service, I’ve had the opportunity to advocate for youth on a larger scale. I’ve spoken to young people about overcoming adversity and stepping into their potential, sat on panels discussing the effects of trauma, and trained professionals who work with at-risk youth. Additionally, I consult for nonprofits dedicated to serving their communities, especially youth, helping them develop impactful programs and initiatives. These experiences have strengthened my ability to bridge gaps, elevate important conversations, and ensure that the voices of those often unheard are amplified. My work isn’t just about helping others—it’s about creating lasting change that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
In my book, Adulthood: The Toughest Hood to Grow In. I share how my career has helped me discover who I am, what I’m passionate about, and how it has given me a true sense of purpose. The work I do is immensely fulfilling, and I’m passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. The challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into the person I am today, and each experience has strengthened my commitment to this field. While there have been tough moments, times of exhaustion, heartbreak, and even self-doubt—the ability to witness growth, resilience, and transformation in those I serve makes it all worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Crystal B. Cook @mscrys__
- Facebook: Crystal B. Cook
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-burton-240993263
- Other: Consultation, training, and public speaking booking [email protected]
Order a copy of Adulthood: The Toughest Hood To Grow In on Amazon.com
Image Credits
Franklin Tyler for 2 photo’s other photo’s were personally shot on my device.