Regional Development Officer, Children’s Defense Fund

Crystal Rucker is a native Washingtonian with a career-long commitment to improving the lives of children and youth in our community through mentoring, education and building the capacity of nonprofit organizations. After an initial career at an investment banking firm, she began leading the fundraising efforts of Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, DC as their director of advancement. She then continued her career as director of development at a DC public charter school and has held other fundraising positions in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Rucker currently is the Regional Development Officer with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a national nonprofit that serves as the leading independent voice for all children in America, especially those most at risk due to poverty and inequality. In this role, she focuses on relational fundraising strategies and partnerships to help generate funding from individuals, foundations, and businesses in the Washington DC metro region in support of CDF’s programs and operational priorities. She is committed to lifelong community service and continues to be involved as a mentor to female students at Archbishop Carroll High School through their Women of Carroll mentoring program. She is proud to serve as an active member of Access Youth’s board.