Transforming Communities Through Support

Supporting families and strengthening communities has been a lifelong calling—one that led to a decade of nonprofit work and now, a graduate degree from NC State.

This Saturday, Cristal Avalos will graduate with a master of youth, family, and community sciences (YFCS). Her journey to this milestone has been shaped by years of dedication to nonprofit work, a deep desire to serve others, and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt called to care for people,” Avalos said. “Over the past ten years working with nonprofits that support youth and families, I saw just how powerful strong support systems can be. That experience is what led me to pursue this degree at NC State.”

Avalos was drawn to the YFCS program because of its unique combination of applied learning and research. She saw it as the ideal next step to deepen her knowledge and expand her impact. “The program was a perfect fit for my goals,” she said. “It gave me practical tools, research experience, and new ways to think about how to support families and communities more effectively.”

In addition to her graduate coursework, Avalos pursued the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) certificate—an opportunity offered alongside the master’s program. This certification helped her build valuable skills in family education, communication, and systems-based support.

Avalos describes her time at NC State as transformative. Through her courses, fieldwork, and community engagement, she has gained more than academic knowledge—she has gained confidence. “I’ve learned how to approach challenges with purpose,” she said. “I feel more self-assured in my ability to support others and more prepared to contribute meaningfully to my field.”

Support from faculty, mentors, and peers played a key role in her success. She credits her advisor, Jessica Williams, as a consistent source of guidance and motivation. She also highlights the support of her professors, who brought expertise and encouragement into every class, and the lasting connections she built with fellow graduate students Brittany Garner, Maris Jones, and Rachael Landau.

“These people made my experience at NC State even more meaningful,” she said. “They helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally.”

Avalos’s impact extends beyond the classroom. She is an active member of the Latine Graduate Student Association (LGSA), where she finds community and connection. She also serves as an EarlyWell Family Leader with NC Child, contributing to advocacy efforts for infant and child mental health in North Carolina.

Avalos draws her deepest inspiration from her family. She credits her parents with modeling resilience, hard work, and a strong commitment to family. Her husband and children, she says, are her daily motivation and a constant reminder of the importance of love, strength, and connection.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support,” she said. “They inspire me to keep pushing forward and to give back to others.”

Currently, Avalos works as the Community Support Programs Manager at the Partnership for Children & Families in Lee County. In this leadership role, she oversees the development and implementation of community-based programs that support families, youth, and individuals. Her work includes managing staff, coordinating services, and leading outreach efforts that connect families to essential resources.

“Our focus is on prevention and early support,” she explained. “We want to give people the tools and resources they need before challenges turn into crises. By building resilience early, we’re creating healthier outcomes for families and stronger communities overall.”

Avalos believes in the ripple effect of this work: when individuals and families are empowered, entire communities benefit. “We’re not just addressing immediate needs—we’re helping people build a foundation for long-term well-being,” she said.

Looking ahead, Avalos envisions herself in a senior leadership position within a nonprofit or state agency. She hopes to create and manage programs that empower families, promote resilience, and respond to the unique needs of underserved communities. She also plans to continue her professional development by pursuing additional certifications and educational opportunities.

“My long-term goal is to influence policies and programs that create lasting, positive change,” she said. “I want to make sure families have access to the support they need to thrive.”

Avalos’s path has been driven by purpose, grounded in compassion, and fueled by a commitment to service. As she prepares to graduate, she carries with her a vision for a stronger, more connected future—and the skills to help make it happen.