LIAC's Student Activity Fund Welcomes New Program Director

SAF is thrilled to welcome Crystal Berger as Program Director, a role she began in March 2023, bringing over a decade of experience coordinating student internship programs. 

The Elmont native was previously Deputy District Director for New York State Senator Anna Kaplan. While working as a Field Organizer for the Nassau County Democratic Committee, she coordinated with teachers and administrators across the county to implement an internship program for more than 70 high school and college students, many of whom she is still in touch with today. She considers it a privilege to witness not only their academic and professional journeys but also their personal growth.

As Chief of Staff for Nassau County Legislator Arnie Drucker, Crystal introduced the county’s first fully remote internship program for high school students of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom were impacted by ever-burgeoning disparities in equity and resources, lacking access to even the most basic opportunities for professional development. Student projects included the establishment of a Shopping for Seniors program in partnership with the Mid Island Y JCC and scheduling vaccine appointments for seniors and immunocompromised residents. 

“I look forward to making a greater contribution to future generations in every place I can, with all the zeal I can, for as long as I can." —Crystal Berger

Growing up, Crystal’s multiracial, multiethnic identity enabled her to employ empathy, compassion, and understanding to develop meaningful interpersonal connections with people of all backgrounds. The experiences that colored her upbringing also highlighted numerous, glaring socioeconomic and racial disparities here on Long Island. An impassioned community organizer, she was once the director of the Get Out the Vote campaign in NY-01, volunteers with Planned Parenthood and The Safe Center LI, and is a member of Jahajee Sisters and Elmont Strong.

Now Crystal is excited to empower Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults to impact their communities by putting their faith into action and achieving the most comprehensive learning experience possible as they undertake internships in the fields of social action, advocacy, and service.