WILMA’s Leadership Institute: Meet Crystal Burnett

Snapshot of this year's Leadership Institute members

WILMA’s 2022 Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each others’ personal board of directors.

The program is part of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, created to help develop more women leaders in our area.

Meet institute member CRYSTAL BURNETT.


Crystal Burnett

Crystal Burnett Dsc 1996 001Title: Financial Development & Sponsorship Coordinator

Company: YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina

How long have you been with your current employer? In 2020 I decided to coach my daughter’s soccer team so that they would have a coach, even though I have NEVER played soccer. I fell in love with the YMCA! Their welcoming environment, inclusivity and the passion for our community got me hooked. So, I decided to take a leap of faith, resigned from my career in GIS for local government and took a part time position at the front desk of NIR. Three months later I applied for my current position in corporate, and that puts me 11 months in, and I couldn’t be happier with the path I chose.

Alma Mater: New Hanover High School

Prior career experience:

  • Present Use Value Specialist (GIS) Brunswick County Government
  • Senior Mapper (GIS) New Hanover County Government

Current job responsibilities: Recruit and retain sponsors for all YMCA programs and events. these Such as soccer, flag football, Halo Hoops as well as all our races. Assist with philanthropic initiatives and campaigns within our organization to increase community engagement. Organize and manage all logistics to execute successful events for the YMCA.

Hobbies: Coaching soccer, spending time with my two girls (6years old and 15 years old) and counting down the days until summer begins! As one of the rare Wilmington natives, the summer season always brings me joy!


To learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Institute and Initiative, go to wilmamag.com/women-to-watch.

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Categories: Women to Watch