Crystal Jackson, an EDC senior research scientist, is an expert in youth and emerging adult development. Jackson is committed to advancing knowledge of strategies to address systemic inequities and improve outcomes for people in disenfranchised communities. She brings extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research, culturally responsive evaluation, community engagement, program development and evaluation, grant management, and training and technical assistance.
Jackson leads and contributes to studies and initiatives focused on advancing racial equity and improving education, health, and economic opportunity. Recently, she co-authored the report Racial Equity in Philanthropy, which examines philanthropic organizations’ current actions or plans to address historic and present-day effects of racism and continuing racial inequalities.
Previously, Jackson was director of the executive office at The Chicago Community Trust, a program officer for Get In Chicago, and an adjunct professor at Loyola University. She is a board director of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and the Center for Impact Research.
Jackson holds a PhD in Sociology from Loyola University and an MA in Clinical Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development from the University of Detroit-Mercy.