Our Heroes
Crystal Gardner
2026 Hazel M. Johnson Environmental Justice: Any organization or individual incorporating the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
Crystal E. Gardner, MS, is a community and political organizer dedicated to building progressive people power in Chicago. She currently serves as a Board Member at Bethel New Life and Housing Forward, and recently served as Deputy Political Director at SEIU Local 73, advocating for over 30,000 members. Her extensive organizing experience includes roles as Associate Political Director at United Working Families and 2nd Vice-President at The Justice Renewal Initiative, which supports young adults transitioning out of the court system.
Crystal is deeply committed to environmental justice, Black political empowerment, and Westside community development through her work with the Westside Environmental Justice Alliance and as a Black Bench Chicago Fellow. She holds an MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a BA from Columbia College Chicago, and her career reflects a sustained focus on uplifting communities through advocacy, coalition-building, and systemic change.
