Crystal McLeod is a Cree woman who grew up in Treaty 5 territory (Northern Manitoba). She is a member of the Kinosao Sipi First Nation, also known as Norway House Cree Nation. Crystal is a proud Indigenous woman with First Nations and Métis ancestry, and currently resides in Treaty 1 territory – Winnipeg.

Crystal is a Community Investment Manager with United Way Winnipeg (UWW), a philanthropic and social impact organization. She works with a portfolio of UWW-funded agency partners and manages the relationships and stewardship process with Indigenous-led agencies. In this role, she is grateful to be able to amplify Indigenous voices in community investment decisions and work collaboratively with Indigenous organizations and communities.

Prior to working with UWW, Crystal co-founded and was the Executive Director of an Indigenous-led non-profit organization called Owiisookageg Inc. (Ojibwe word meaning those who work closely together to help others). The organization provided after-school programming and life skills training for Indigenous youth in the City of Winnipeg’s Daniel McIntyre Ward. Crystal is passionate about providing youth with opportunities to flourish.

She is currently a board member with Career Trek. Career Trek is a non-profit organization that empowers Manitoba youth through inclusive, hands-on career education. Partnering with schools, post-secondary institutions & the community, Career Trek prepares diverse young people for future success.