Today we’d like to introduce you to Crisaly De Los Santos.
Hi Crisaly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began when I came to the U.S. at 11 years old. My father brought me here to give me opportunities and a better life for my family, while my mom and siblings stayed in the Dominican Republic. Arriving in a new country was overwhelming, but I found home and belonging at CASA’s youth program, Mi Espacio. There, I discovered more than English lessonsI found a community that believed in me, saw my potential, and treated me like family.
Through Mi Espacio, I learned what it means to lead, advocate, and build community. I started as a participant, then became a volunteer, canvasser, and eventually a board member. With the guidance and support of mentors and peers, I went to college, became a community organizer, and worked my way up to youth programs coordinator, youth programs manager, and now Baltimore and Central Maryland Director.
I am grateful for everyone who invested in me and challenged me along the way. Their belief in me shaped who I am today and inspired my commitment to creating spaces where others can grow, lead, and thrive.
As Baltimore and Central Maryland Director, I lead with a commitment to social justice, working to uplift and empower working-class Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. I lead programs and initiatives that build power, strengthen voices, and create opportunities for families and youth to thrive. Drawing on CASA’s model of blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy, I ensure our work meets both immediate needs and long-term goals, building leaders, fostering equity, and cultivating a region where every community member has the tools, support, and space to advocate for themselves and create meaningful change.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
t hasn’t been easy. As an Afro-Latina, I faced barriers navigating school, life as an immigrant, and being separated from my family. Many people saw potential in me before I did—mentors, teachers, and peers invested their time in me and challenged me to grow. My dad constantly pushed me to do better, and my mom—who I was eventually able to bring to the U.S.—has been a source of inspiration. She is a strong leader who has thrived even with limited resources, and seeing her resilience motivated me to work harder and fully embrace the opportunities available
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My professional journey began at 16, working in a local supermarket, and later as a CASA membership promoter. From there, I became an election canvasser, helping to elect pro-immigrant leaders in the region. Over the years, I balanced multiple jobs while dedicating my free time to volunteering and building connections with community leaders. Today, as Baltimore and Central Maryland Director for CASA, I lead programs that empower immigrant and working-class communities, strengthen voices, and advance social justice throughout the region.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are from when I was a student at Armistead Gardens. My Algebra teacher would let me stay after class to practice English, using math symbols and equations to make it easier to understand. On my 8th-grade graduation book, he wrote, “x = equals amazing, and you are x.” I carried that book through high school, and it reminded me that I could push through when I focused and that there were people who believed I was truly capable and amazing.
