Crystal Kaldjob is co-chair of MoFo’s FinTech practice and a Financial Services partner in the Washington, D.C. office. Her practice focuses on advising financial services clients on a wide range of regulatory and transactional issues. This includes advising clients, ranging from merchants and fintech companies to banks and other financial institutions, on matters involving strategic partnerships, marketplace lending arrangements, asset purchases, loan portfolio sales, acquisitions compliance, and consumer and retail banking laws.
The Women’s History Month theme for 2021 is “Valiant Women and the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” Can you share what that means to you personally?
Women have always played a significant role in ensuring the right to vote. We have seen time and time again that when it comes to voting, women rise up to the occasion with courage and determination and refuse to be silenced: Stacey Abrams in 2018 after she lost the Georgia governor’s race, Keisha Lance Bottoms after she was challenged over enforcing her mask mandate, and, of course, Kamala Harris refusing to be silenced during the presidential debates. Refusing to be silenced does not always mean being the most vocal or the loudest in the room—sometimes, refusing to be silenced means taking meaningful and impactful actions in the background, in a grassroots organization, and even, just showing up to vote, to work, to virtual school, or for family and friends.
Is there a woman you admire who you know personally or professionally whose achievements you would like to celebrate?
There are so many women that I admire and am encouraged by (such as Michelle Obama, Stacey Abrams, and Keisha Lance Bottoms), and it would be hard to list all of the individual achievements and successes of the women I admire. However, I most admire and am inspired by all women, particularly all of the working moms and grandmas. The pandemic has taken a significant toll on women, but throughout this past year, I have watched women rise to the occasion. Whether it is working on the frontlines as grocery store clerks, supporting virtual learning environments for their children, leading significant transactions, or becoming the first female vice president.
What do you consider your role to be in the advancement of women?
My role in the advancement of women is simple—acknowledge the value that women bring to the workplace, client matters, and friendships, encourage confidence and resilience, provide meaningful championship and sponsorship, and, most importantly, honor the accomplishments of women.
Learn more about MoFo’s long history of advocating for and advancing women here.