Dr. Crystal Ward, Founder/CEO

Dr. Crystal Ward has spent her life inspiring youth from all over the United States. She has served in various positions advocating for youth through roles as an educator, administrator, mentor, and volunteer with various youth-serving organizations. In her spare time, she has served as a big for Big Brother Big Sisters for the past 12 years. No matter the place, her dedication stays the same. Crystal has a passion for learning and a desire to teach by actively seeking out opportunities to help youth overcome adversity. Dr. Ward studied Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis through the University of Missouri’s doctoral program. In addition to her professional work, Crystal is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Stacey McClaskey, Treasurer

Stacey McClaskey StaceyMac is the Founder and CEO of StaceyMac Beauty Cosmetic line. Growing up as an empowering enthusiast, her passion for helping people met her innovativeness and entrepreneurism. These traits inspired her to establish her own Beauty, Health, and Wellness brand.

An accountant by profession, she holds a BBA in Accounting from Prairie View A&M University. Whether she’s being a health and fitness coach, beauty enthusiast or accountant you will feel the joy.

LaFonda Cousin, SHRM-CP, Secretary

LaFonda Cousin is an experienced talent, operations and staff experience professional who currently works as the Chief Operating Officer of a national political non-profit.  LaFonda earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and her master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University. She is also a mother, registered yoga teacher (RYT-200), and owner of a virtual yoga studio based in Allen, TX. LaFonda believes the key to impactful community progress happens through a genuine people-centered approach, social and political accountability, and educational equity. She believes that Greater Than Expectations is poised to deliver these components to youth in the Dallas area and is grateful to serve on the board of GTE to ensure Crystal's vision is a reality. 

Alfred Blue, Director of Legal

Alfred Blue is honored to serve as a board member for Greater Than Expectations. Born and raised in San Antonio, TX, serving others has always been a major part of his life from a young age. Whether it was through the local church or by volunteering with non-profit organizations like San Antonio Fighting Back or Drug Education for Youth. Alfred has been able to give back in ways to make the community better. His passion for service continued into college and law school where his hunger for fighting for those without a voice grew. This is why he  is committed to the mission and vision of Greater Than Expectations. Outside of his current role as Staff Counsel for Allstate Insurance Company, Alfred enjoys spending time with his wife Shay and being with friends. Alfred also enjoys helping entrepreneurs and small businesses structure their businesses for success. He is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, J.L. Turner Legal Association and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. 

Dr. Will McDowell, Member

When the opportunity to give voice to the voiceless or a fight for equity in opportunity presents itself, Will McDowell aspires to be there. Throughout his professional career as an educator he has worked to create opportunities and options for young people. He believes that it takes the collective community to move beyond the limiting mindset of rugged individualism to a place where people can work from their strengths. As a servant leader in this work with Greater Than Expectations he hopes to be part of a collective group of professionals who recognize those who have helped us and to pay that forward to our most vulnerable of populations in our foster children. He is honored serve in such a role and looking forward to engaging with you in this work to make a difference.  

Nkem Okafor, Member

Nkem Okafor is a dynamic leader who helps companies develop and execute effective business strategies. She is the Principal and Chief Strategist at Vieve Enterprises LLC, a boutique strategy consulting firm. In her role, she consults businesses on how to create effective strategic business plans, evaluate their performance, and craft their roadmap to success. She has over 11 years of expertise in strategy, business development, and consulting—notably serving as the Vice President of Strategy & Planning for a $1.5 billion healthcare system and starting her career at Deloitte Consulting where she solved problems for Fortune 500 companies. She is passionate about helping communities thrive, and actively serves on the Board of four non-profit organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Dominique Williams, Member

Dominique Williams is a lover of Jesus Christ, devoted mother, College Advisor and entrepreneur. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Development & Family Studies and a master’s degree in Public Administration. She has worked in Higher Education for 11 years and has 8 years of working experience in Test Prep and College Advising. As a College Advisor, Dominique has worked with hundreds of students whose main goal is to get into the college of their choice. Her desire to help students excel academically, find the right college fit and obtain a financial plan for paying for college, is what birthed Education Docs. After more than 10 years of working for tutoring companies and college advising, both privately and publicly, Dominique decided to start a company of her own. Dominique is passionate and well educated on "All Things College Prep”!

Nevaeh , Student Intern

Nevaeh is the Greater Than Expectations high school intern. Nevaeh Adams graduated from Lancaster High School with her high school diploma and Associate's Degree in 2023. Before departing, she created a student organization called the Early College Board of Peers that still stands to this present day. She now attends Texas Tech University. Her majors are Management with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing. She plans to utilize her degree in the beauty industry and hopes to become a part of the C-suite of a business.