Employee Ownership and Philanthropic Planning

Lauren is the founder and CEO of ARCHITECT Philanthropic Collective, where she reimagines how nonprofits build community, tell their story, and raise funds with integrity and intention.

A Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) and Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA), Lauren architects sustainable funding ecosystems that help BIPOC-led and grassroots organizations turn their missions into measurable, lasting impact.

Her leadership path spans executive roles at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Public Allies Cincinnati, YWCA, United Way, and All On The Line (formerly Organizing for America) during President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign—experiences that continue to inform ARCHITECT’s bold, human-centered approach to capacity building.

Crystal is the director of strategic impact at Daylight Advisors, leading the development of Daylight’s community of practice for professional advisors.

Crystal brings a depth of experience with over 20 years of experience in planned giving program management and organizational support and family legacy planning across the wealth spectrum. She is committed to building relationships and collaborating across the philanthropic sector to create an advisor community prepared for the future of philanthropy.

Crystal is a frequent speaker at national conferences and has published articles in several publications including Worth Magazine and ThinkAdvisor. Her community service includes the advisory council of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WŌC); the editorial board of Planned Giving Today; the investment committee of the Winston-Salem Foundation; and the boards of the Black Philanthropy Initiative (BPI) and the Community Investment Network (CIN).

Crystal is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Certified Specialist in Planned Giving, and a Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor.