As part of our Engage IRL initiative with Launch NW, five SPS staff members will support connecting students with activities. These Engagement Navigators are assigned to schools based on the five high school feeder patterns of our district, which allows families to build a sense of belonging and community as students advance from kindergarten through senior year.
We’re introducing a Navigator every day this week. Watch this space!
Crystal Medina, Lewis and Clark Feeder Pattern Engagement Navigator
SCHOOLS: Lewis and Clark, Peperzak, Sacajawea, Grant, Hutton, Jefferson, Mullan Road, Roosevelt, Wilson, TDLA, Transitions
Where were you before you came into your current role?
I’m originally from central Washington. I lived in Brewster, Wenatchee, and Oroville. I moved to Cheney in 2006 to attend Eastern Washington University and was the first in my family to graduate from college. Shortly after earning my degree, I met my husband Ryan. I have now lived in Spokane longer than I have anywhere else, and consider Spokane my home. Prior to working for Spokane Public Schools, I worked at my alma mater as the Assistant Director of Events and Visits, managing the EWU Visitor Center. I loved working for EWU, but I am excited to be working back in Spokane.
Why were you interested in being an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools?
I wanted to be back in Spokane and get more involved in the community. When I first saw the job description, I thought it encompassed everything I’ve done in my career. I worked with clubs and organizations while I was in college, encouraging students to build a community and get involved. I also worked for the Spokane Shock Football team after college and learned the ins and outs of working in sports. My most recent position managing the Visitor Center at EWU made me realize that my true passion in life is helping people. I never really considered a career in education, but working in higher education taught me so much about myself and how meaningful it is to work in education.
What were your extracurricular passions when you were a student, and how did those experiences shape who you are today?
Growing up I ran track and played volleyball, basketball, and softball. I also played the viola in orchestra and violin in Mariachi. My involvement later shifted from sports and music more to leadership positions. I grew up primarily in Wenatchee with my mom and my parents were divorced, so I would spend weekends with my dad in Oroville. When I was nine years old, I began working at my dad's restaurant. I was working to pay for my school clothes and extra money for fun things. I slowly stopped participating in activities. Once I was able to drive, I gave up all my extracurriculars so I had more time to work and earn money. Looking back, I wish I would have continued to participate in extracurricular activities because you have the rest of your life to work.
My senior year of high school, I took a leadership class, and I was encouraged to get more involved in event planning committees and helped plan our prom. I also became president of my high school’s MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán) chapter, a national student organization that promotes higher education, community engagement, political participation, culture, and history. And I didn't know that when you go to college you could also get involved in leadership positions, so I ran for student government and served two terms as the Student Activities Council Representative. I also continued to be involved in MEChA and went to their national conference.
These leadership positions introduced me to skills such as event planning, public speaking, networking and so much more. Though I wish I would have stayed more active in sports and music, I am thankful that I was encouraged by a teacher to get involved my senior year of high school. It’s never too late.
What are you most excited about for the 2024-25 school year?
I keep hearing that Rubber Chicken is the event of the year, but I'm also looking forward to participating in all the feeder pattern events and creating fun experiences with our community. I’m excited to connect with families and help students engage in real life.
This year, we’re asking every SPS student to complete their IRL Plan to share what activities excite them. Our goal is for every kid to participate in an activity outside of school every day. Learn more at Engage IRL.