March 5, 2025 • 58 mins
We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of The F.L.O.W. Podcast on March 8, 2025! 🎉
In this powerful episode of The F.L.O.W. Podcast, I sit down with Crystal Jordan, a passionate advocate for autism awareness, inclusion, and acceptance. Crystal is the founder of Zachariah’s World, a platform dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness of individuals on the autism spectrum and supporting families navigating their journey.
She shares her deeply personal story of overcoming childhood bullying, navigating motherhood, and stepping into her purpose as an advocate and leader in the neurodiverse community. Crystal’s resilience, vulnerability, and commitment to change are nothing short of inspiring.
Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- Resilience Through Adversity – Crystal opens up about her experiences with childhood bullying, how it shaped her self-worth, and the journey to healing and forgiveness.
- Shifting from Awareness to Inclusion – Crystal emphasizes why the conversation around autism needs to go beyond awareness and focus on acceptance, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- The Power of Advocacy – She shares how she fights for policy changes, workforce development, and school accommodations for individuals on the spectrum.
- The Role of Storytelling – Crystal highlights her book Just Like You and why sharing personal stories can create meaningful change and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
- Breaking Barriers in Employment – She discusses the challenges autistic individuals face in the job market and why corporate inclusion must extend to non-speaking individuals.
- Motherhood & Purpose – Crystal speaks on how her son’s autism diagnosis ignited her advocacy work and the launch of Zachariah’s World.
- Healing Through Writing – Crystal reflects on how writing has helped her process trauma and serve as a voice for those who feel unseen.
Connect with Crystal:
Instagram @iamcrystaljordan Website www.zachariahworld.com/linkinbio
Connect with Angela: Website: www.angelavharris.com Instagram: @coachangelavharris @theflowpodcastwithangela LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/angelavharris
Subscribe & Listen: New episodes of the F.L.O.W. Podcast are released bi-weekly on Wednesdays. Be sure to subscribe and listen on your favorite platform:
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Google Podcasts
- And more!
If you've been enjoying the episodes, please share the podcast with your friends, family, and colleagues and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your reviews help us reach more people and continue to grow this amazing community.
Apply now to be a guest speaker on The F.L.O.W (Fearlessly Leading Our Way) Podcast
Are you a Black woman making waves in leadership? Do you have a story to tell, insights to share, or wisdom to impart? I want to hear from YOU!
Each episode of The F.L.O.W. is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women in leadership. We dive deep into your journey, perspectives, and experiences, creating a space to inspire and empower our community.
If you’re ready to share your leadership journey with the world, I’d love to have you as a guest on the show! bit.ly/flowpodcastguest
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Angela Harris (00:05):
Welcome to the flow podcast, fearlessly leading
our way. This podcast is a spacededicated to spotlighting the
unfiltered voices of black womenin their unique leadership
journeys. I am your host, AngelaV, Harris, I'm an award winning
(00:27):
coach, speaker, author andchampion from black women. Make
sure you like and subscribe tothis podcast to stay connected
to our conversation, let's getready to flow.
(00:52):
Hey, fearless leaders, welcomeback to another episode of the
flow podcast. I'm your host,Angela V Harris, before we dive
in to today's conversation, Iwant to take a moment to
celebrate a major milestone.March 8 2025. Will mark the one
(01:13):
year anniversary of the flowpodcast. This all started as a
vision to redefine whatleadership looks like for black
women. I wanted to create aspace to provide motivation and
inspiration through powerfulguest stories. And this
experience has grown intosomething truly special. It's
(01:33):
been an honor to interview andget to know all the guests to
date, we've reached over 1100downloads and counting,
connecting with listeners acrossthe globe, including countries
like Singapore, Russia, Braziland Somalia, in our very first
episode, fearlessly leading as afirst remains the most
(01:56):
downloaded, Which tells me thatthese conversations are
resonating deeply to everyonewho was tuned in, shared an
episode or sent words ofencouragement, thank you. Your
support fuels this podcast, andI'm beyond grateful. As we move
into our second year, I want tohear from you. This podcast is
(02:20):
for you, and I welcome yourfeedback. Guests, suggestions
and ideas to make it evenbetter. If you've enjoyed the
show, please take a moment toleave a review. It helps us
reach even more people who needto hear these conversations.
Today's guest is someone whoembodies resilience, passion and
(02:41):
purpose. Crystal Jordan is apowerhouse advocate for autism
awareness, acceptance andinclusion. As the founder of
zachariahs world, she isdedicated to reshaping the
conversation aroundneurodiversity and ensuring that
all voices, especially those ofnon verbal individuals, are
(03:02):
heard. Her journey is one ofstrength, transformation and
advocacy, and today, she's hereto share her story and mission
with us. Let's get into today'sepisode. Welcome to the show,
Crystal.
Crystal Jordan (03:19):
Hi. Thank you so much for having me on your
platform.
Angela Harris (03:22):
Well, thank you for joining us today. I'm
excited to share your incrediblejourney and all the amazing work
that you're doing within yourcommunity. Thank you
Unknown (03:31):
so much. I really appreciate it, because when I
focus on this subject, I thinkit's important that we talk
about autism awareness,acceptance and inclusion.
Angela Harris (03:40):
Okay, well, before we dive into your
inspiring advocacy and yourstory behind zachariahs world, I
want to start with your personalstory. I read that you dreamed
of starting a magazine when youwere just 13 years old. Can you
tell us a bit about that andabout,
Unknown (03:59):
oh, my god, he only goes to 13 year old crystal? Um,
13 year old crystal, and I mayget emotional, so just want to
prepare everybody for that. Shewas struggling with so much at
13. I was being bullied aroundthat age. I didn't think I was
(04:19):
pretty at 13, Crystal had verylow self confidence. Crystal was
not okay. Crystal at 13 was verysuicidal at 13. So 13 year old
crystal versus 20 year oldcrystal. Mean to me, 35 year
(04:40):
old. Crystal is so different.Um, what inspired me? What
inspired me to start a magazine,and what made me want to do it?
My favorite movie was 13, goingon 30, and I remember watching
it just being being so happy. Ijust, I remember being so happy
watching that. Believe watchingthe the main character, amplify
(05:04):
the Jenna amplify the stories ofpeople that matter versus
celebrities. But 13 year oldcrystal battle with depression,
and I even know what that wordmean at 13, so yeah.
Angela Harris (05:19):
Well, thank you for sharing being vulnerable, to
share that with us. Crystal,thank you definitely come a long
way. You definitely,
Unknown (05:30):
yeah, I have like to imagine that I try to take my
try to take my life a coupletimes when I was in middle
school and seeing a woman thatGod has made me to be today is
positive. Yeah,
Angela Harris (05:43):
yeah, I can definitely see, you know, the
parallels and how that led youto be the advocate that you are
today. Yes,
Unknown (05:51):
like and believe it or not, I really believe I
subdivided myself as autisticADHD, and just, let them was
from trying to work on gettingformally tested, but I was
bullied. I had an eye with herspecial education, and I just
remember those moments backthen. So, yeah,
Angela Harris (06:16):
childhood can be real high. I was teased and
bullied as a child as well. Iwas overweight, you know, the
child, so I heard like, all thethings. So I can definitely
empathize with you on that. Itwas not easy, but
Unknown (06:28):
look at us now. Amen, like, look at us now. Can I
touch on the bullying part?Yeah, sure. So my Boolean story,
I never publicly talked aboutit, and you're the first I ever,
ever talk about it with mybullying story just was hard. I
I was when I was younger, I hadto wear lost skirts because my
(06:49):
parents didn't believe in thepants. So I got bullied for
that. I remember getting torn inthe locker room and getting
bullied. I remember them lockingthe door and locked me in the
bathroom and doing the blood,and I don't even know about
Bloody Mary, but doing the bloodand Mary with them. And it was
really bad. I was ridiculed.Everybody didn't fight Monday.
I'm going to fight Tuesday. Iknew going to school. I got to
(07:13):
fight yesterday. Family, I gottafight today. And it was very
hard and traumatic. It reallyshaped who I am today. I
formally forgave my bullies at2020 when they triggered me,
somebody made a Facebook groupon Facebook, I love mcara, and
it's for my middle schoolclassmates, and everybody was
(07:35):
posting their good memories, andeverybody was posting pictures
of middle school, and I'm like,No, y'all put me in this group,
and I had to, I wrote thisbroad, this long letter to them,
wow. And once I wrote thatletter during COVID to them, I
felt better. I feel healed,because I don't think nobody's
(07:59):
childhood experience what I wentthrough. I didn't go I didn't
even tell touch on what I reallywent through them putting, like
my book bag in the trash canduring lunch, I'm trying to eat
and throwing food at me like Iwas really cute. I like those
movies we say on Lifetime ACM,getting booked really bad. I
lived that from sixth grade toeighth grade. I live that every
(08:21):
other day I say I had to eatlunch in the principal office
because I was bullied so bad theprincipal became my friend. You
know how sad that is as a child.Yeah, I know that was my
interview, but
Angela Harris (08:38):
you asked that that's your story, and I'm
pretty sure by you sharing thatso many other people can relate
to your story. Because bullying,it's a whole different level
now, because we have like,disciple, but like we were
coming up it was like more, youknow, in person, but now the the
kids have to deal with disciplebully. Young children are
committing suicide as a resultof that. Today, I
Unknown (09:01):
tried, I'm not gonna love you. I tried. It just was
not successful. And then, andthen I was super I was cyber
bully as well, um, when I got tohigh school. So I have alopecia.
So a lot of people say this ismy fashion statement. Okay, I
want to show this. This is not afashion statement. I have my
(09:23):
hair on my side. It's been thatway for a very long time. Now. I
do intentionally shave it andwear my hair this way to embrace
my imperfections, but I wasbullied for this as well. I
remember this all anyway. Youknow the chicken head. When
chicken head came out, they madea song, and it was and the song
(09:45):
targeted me was bald head, flipand fly. Ain't got hair inside.
I will never forget that. Yep,you know the youth, you know the
real words. Know the real words.But I was really bullied. And
when you ask that question about13 year old crystal, I just went
there. Year my is like, I'm 13year old. Crystal will be so
proud of me today. I don't 13year old. Crystal would not have
(10:08):
seen me here today, like, sothank you for that question,
like I didn't. I'm a crybabyanyway. But just thank you for
that question, because I was notexpecting to go there with you.
I was expecting to do thisinterview and focus on what I do
now, which is autism awarenessand perspective and inclusion.
(10:31):
But your course, you shifted to30 year old crystal, and I think
that's so powerful, becausethere's so many people that go
through that, or they probablywent through that, and they
still haven't healed from that.It took me years, over, over a
decade, to heal from that. Mm,hmm. And all my bullies did
(10:53):
apologize to me, by the way,
Angela Harris (10:55):
they did, or they did not. They did, they
Unknown (10:58):
apologize. Wow, every single one of them, they all
tell me sorry. And they're they.They support me today like they
would check on me. Um, do Iaccept it? Not fully, but I
could give them, but they checkon me. They are. They always me.
I want to come support you, andit's beautiful to see my letter
(11:19):
cord. And, yeah, it's
Angela Harris (11:24):
amazing. That's going to go back to a couple of
things that you said. You said,first of all, you forgave your
bullies. Like forgiveness is sohard for people at any age to
do, for you to have done that,you know, years later, and also
for the bullies to haveacknowledged, and, you know,
apologize. That just speaksvolumes.
Unknown (11:46):
So I had to, I had to forgive them, because it was
trauma that I was carrying. Iwas carrying that trauma into so
many relationships. Yeah, Ineeded to say I needed to
forgive them. I needed toforgive myself, or trying to
convince for me, trying to takemy life a couple times, I needed
(12:07):
to heal. And in order to heal,you have to address the elephant
alone. That elephant at the timewas, was y'all put me in his
faithful group, and y'all aretalking about, y'all positive
memories, and y'all talkingabout how much play I had in
middle school. I don't have thatstory. I called middle school my
dark times because I wasbullied. I fought every other
(12:30):
day, like I know I could fight.I had to fight, physically fight
girls. I used to get jobs. Canyou imagine, like I used to get
Jones, yeah, so, yep, and then Ihad a speech impediment, so I
(12:51):
talked a little different, eventhough, at this point I know I'm
all physical, I couldn't sayCertain things. Yeah, I'm not.
I'm more articulate now versusthen. 13 year old Crystal was
still I didn't start talking toafter five. Like, so like, it
was a lot of factors whilebully, but it's not okay now.
(13:15):
But look at looking back like Igave them, what was they going
through at home? What was theirhome like? And so I had to
forgive them, because I don'tknow what was going through. I
don't know they may have seen mylight at 13, and at 13 I didn't
see my light. I thought I was Ithought I was ugly. I thought I
was so many different thingsthan what I am today. Today, I'm
(13:39):
proud of me, the 13 year oldCrystal was a shame. So thank
you for that beautiful question,like you're the first person to
ever ask me that. And I'memotional in general, but just
thinking about why I love 13going on 30, and to think I have
(14:01):
a that is doing my businesspartner, Jonathan Hawkins, and
we have one that has been heretwice, twice in 2024 so I'm
doing what God wants me to do. Iknow your audience, like, shoot
the crowd, baby. I'm sorryy'all, that's fine. And I
Angela Harris (14:20):
just want to go back to something else that you
said. You said you've been saidyou realized that you were
carrying trauma. And I justthink about the phrase, you
know, hurt people, hurt peopleand heal people, heal people.
And like this, hearing yourstory and knowing your story, it
just informs the work that youhave done, and that the work
that you're going to continue todo with your advocacy. Yes,
Unknown (14:41):
and with me, with that trauma i was i also got in
therapy. I'm not in therapycurrently, but I was in therapy
for two years, and I had toaddress everything. It's still
things that is that I haven'taddressed, because I really want
to have another therapy squador. Was some more things I
needed. That's my childhood. ButI did that when I had I didn't
(15:05):
have a therapist, I had atherapist, but I did it because
I was so triggered, and I usedthe tools, and my therapist at
the time taught me, and I tell,God, that's that I now know, and
talk to the trauma, and I haveto miss it.
Angela Harris (15:20):
Yeah, I know you talked about the fact that you
had to literally fight everyday, but now as an advocate, you
know you're fighting in adifferent form. You know you
kind of transform that for good.So I want to talk about your
son's diagnosis with autismspectrum disorder. Can you take
us back to that moment, what itwas like for you?
Unknown (15:39):
Oh, my God. So when I look back at when he was
diagnosed, so I'm gonna I go alittle bit deeper. So when he
was before he was diagnosed, mybest friend told me, Hey, I
think, I think he's autistic. Ididn't know what it was. I said,
I don't think. So then my topdown mindset, same thing. I
don't know. I don't know. Butwhen he turned one, and he and I
(16:02):
saw that he he hit all hismilestones until once, and I
noticed he didn't walk at oneyear. That's a milestone that he
supposed to hit. And then whenhe was two, he went back then
they changed it, um, a lot, butback then you both have two year
olds, about 200 words, and everyCavalier My son didn't even have
that. He had one, which was thatthat's it. And I said, That's
(16:26):
Hm. That made me think. And thenI went to my son's daughter,
she'll take walk ins. And prettymuch what I did, she sounds like
walking these two. I took youbecause I know you're you're
ready. And his doctors told methat too, because she had the
office it's on. And when shetold me that just went in there,
she said, We made this she madethe reference, the referral,
(16:49):
sorry, the referral from MarketCenter. And my son was diagnosed
in October of 2019, while beingautistic. And I remember being
staffed for two days. I agreedfor two days, and then that
Monday I was on the phone makingcalls, and that Monday I was I
was out there getting theservices that he needed. But
(17:12):
when I go back to that moment, Iwas scared. When I go back to
that moment, I didn't know whatautism was. I was just a typical
parent. I'm a new parent, theonly child, I was like, I'm not
thinking about what I did withPaul. I'm thinking about what is
life or look like for my child.I'm scared. I don't know what
I'm doing. I'm already a firsttime mom, and now I have a child
(17:34):
that has this quote, unquote,disability. How can I set him up
for success? So those two days,I was grieving the thought that
I thought she was going to bebut I also was embracing who he
I embraced my son. I love myson, and he's the reason why I
do everything I do today.They're like this map, like back
(17:56):
right world, the magazine I justannounced in January, is also in
United Way. Everything I'm doingis for my child, because I want
him to my legacy is going to befor him when I pass. My legacy
is not about crystal. It's aboutChris. It is so much for autism,
autistic individuals. Chris, itis so much for the neuro diverse
(18:19):
community, even though 910, apart of that community. But
before I was officially new, Iwas a part of the community. I
was already doing it. I'mwalking in that light. I walk in
that truth. And I do thisbecause my son needs me, but
other people need me too. Mm,hmm. So
Angela Harris (18:40):
there's so much there. You said you were
navigating so many emotions. Youwere scared, you were grieving,
trying to adapt to being a firsttime mom. So that was a lot to
handle at one time,
Unknown (18:51):
it was I got to a point where I was overwhelmed, and I
stopped doing services becausemy son had feeding therapy, play
therapy, OT and ABA all at onetime, and for me to be I'm not
saying I'm single. Me the goalsfrom therapy, therapy all the
time was up. It was draining.But now that I have a system,
(19:11):
and I'm doing that, I had asystem then, but I also had lost
my cousin around that time too,so I was really depressed. I was
and what I learned from myjourney personally, is I cannot
get to my son if my cup is notrunning over. So I can only get
to him when I cup is runningright now, my cup is my cup
(19:31):
isn't water on the floor, likeI'm feeding my my so and I'm
filling him up for my overflowand my old flow is on the floor,
like one thing that is exclusivefor you. I'm in the process of
working on the bill to getpassed in the state of Georgia,
and I'm focusing on autism andasking that they send that email
today, because get a walk to thefloor. But even if that Bill
(19:55):
don't get passed, how manypeople do you know? Because. Say
they got a bill tucked into thefloor, and the bill was more the
bill was more powerful than me.Yes, my son inspired it, and it
is going to be named after mychild. Can only make sense, but
it's bigger than him. It'sbigger than me, and I'm creating
(20:18):
a legacy again for my son, and Iadvocate for him, but I advocate
for so many other families. IIt's I do this, and I don't make
money from this. I didn't reallyjust tell us my just the other
day after, you know what's socrazy? I'm working on a
documentary as well, and it'sfocused on autism. It's called,
(20:39):
ultimately, you it's in theheart of autism, and I'm
following following these othermoms, right? And with me
following these other moms, it'spowerful, because I'm making a
difference. But again, it'sbigger than just my story. I'm
only one story,
Angela Harris (20:59):
yeah? And like you said, it's bigger than you,
and it sounds like you'redefinitely walking in your
calling, because your calling issomething that you don't
necessarily get paid to do.You're just doing it because
you're so passionate about it.
Unknown (21:11):
And again, I'm not your favorite. Like, you're like, I
think you're a number. In thelast three months, I have done
35 interviews, podcastinterviews, and yes, I talk
about autism and every singleinterview. But do you think I
have made any money from anyinterview? Absolutely not. I do
this because this is what God'sGod made it very clear to me in
(21:33):
october 2024 he told me to walkin my purpose. He told me to I
put my autism stuff on pause fora year to focus on becoming her
magazine. And God told me, I cando both, but I have to walk in
my purchase. I have to push mypersonal brand, and God's made
it. God made it crystal clear tome, as he said, he's going to
(21:55):
provide. He's going to give meeverything I need, but I have to
push this mission, because hemade sure this mission would die
for me. And during this time Ihave, I have really, in the last
two years, noticed that I may beautistic. I've been looking at
all my my educationalbackground. I've been looking at
everything to the point whereI'm pulling my records from my
(22:16):
high school, me from my from myfrom my school system, because
I'm, like, why I'm so passionateabout this beyond my phone like
I really and I have paid forfamilies for free, I go into the
school system. I just did onelast week, and the school system
was so impressed. But I told mystaff wasn't done, because it's
not in the school system I don'tlike. And I said, I'm going to
(22:39):
call the school system, I'mgoing to talk to the board, and
we're going to figure out how wecan implement what I just asked,
because you don't have an answerfor me, and that's a problem.
And I'm super passionate aboutme advocating for families,
like, prime example, MissAngela, you had an autistic kid,
right? And me, you are not onthe terms today. You call me
(23:00):
later on today and be like, Hey,you send me a text, right? And
be like, hey, my my child. Ineed you to blah, blah, blah.
I'm going to be there. It don'tmatter what me you are going on
that child needs me, and that'smy mindset. I'm very seriously
about, serious about advocatingfor families and making sure I
educate the parents. A lot ofparents a lot of parents don't
(23:22):
understand that ID is illegal bythe contract. A lot of parents
don't understand they haveparent rights. A lot of parents
don't understand that you canput in your faith, you can
record like I'm very big onmaking sure my parents know,
including hire and yeah, youhired me, and I'm free, but I
want you to understand I'm herefor your child and I'm here for
(23:46):
you too. I do this for real. Idon't play about it. My son
myself get he hit both sideslike and for me this year, well,
last year, I changed the way Ithought I'm his advocate first,
his mom second. And with mebeing able to turn off the mom's
(24:07):
side, I'm getting so much done.It is amazing. I'm getting so
much done. It's like mom is off,the advocate is on. And I have
two sides of the advocate. Ihave a nice advocate, and I had
an advocate when, when I knowyou playing in my face, and
you're technically in the wrong,ethically wrong, you're not
(24:28):
going to like and I'm going toread you professionally, and
we're going to talk about whatyou're not going to do to my
client. And if I answer so Iknow he's my son, but right now,
he's my client.
Angela Harris (24:38):
So wow, you were holding into the fire crystal.
Unknown (24:44):
You know what's funny, my client said that last week
she was, she just like, shetapped my leg because I was
like, so we would me and theschool system was vibing. I have
never seen they had so manypeople in that one meeting. Once
she said she had an advocate. Isaid. Just crazy, but I was
quiet. But when I asked thequestion, and we was vibing the
whole time, and so I asked mylast question, and then I asked
(25:07):
him about observations. I said,How? I said, What is our policy
on my client coming to theschool doing observations so she
can make sure that she's doingthe same thing at home? Oh, our
school took them all out. Isaid, why not? They said, Oh,
you're injured. I said I did.They said we, they said we feel
good. I feel we good, but Ididn't know what is why I feel
like you know what? You knowbetter. I'm going to email the
(25:28):
school system, and I'm going tofigure that out myself. So I'm
going to talk from schoolsystem. I don't need you. Y'all
are local. I'm going to talk tothem, students and
Superintendent for nature. SoI'll get I'll give you an answer
to what I need. So yeah, andit's also certain things I'm
putting in my bill for this typeof stuff. Because in my bill
focusing on education, I'mfocusing on resources, work,
(25:53):
workforce development programsfor in Georgia, I think that
each major company and companyshould have a workforce, or we
should have a workforce inGeorgia where we hire and employ
autistic individuals, because wecan't talk about inclusion and
we're not hiring them. They needjobs. We also need jobs for the
kids, for the autisticindividuals that are not not
speaking. They cannot speak likeme. Um, so yeah, I do it like
(26:20):
I'm so excited to send a deal.I'm like, I don't think you were
and I haven't fully made anannouncement about the deal yet.
I mentioned on it on my socialmedia, because it happened last
week, the legislator said to me,he said, Imma give you one of my
bills. He said, I need it ASAP.And I shook his hand and I said,
I'm ready. I said, Whatever youneed from me. So where's my
(26:41):
deadline? I'm going to meet it,and we going to do this Easter.
You serious? I said I'm serious.That was Wednesday. Today is
Monday. Do you not know my billis almost finished? Wow, wow.
I'm not playing with him. Um,I'm not playing because God and
how I know walking in mypurpose, because God is just
giving me stuff. It's stuff.Like, God is just giving me
(27:02):
stuff. It's so amazing, like myhaving soft launch from my
magazine, ultimately, youmagazine in March, that venue,
God is amazing. God gave me thatvenue. I had to pay a dime. And
that venue cost over $2,000 torent out for the day. And God,
look, they stay here. And I waslike, God, and then even my my
(27:27):
wallet for April 2, the therestaurant owner said, Imma give
you this for this price. And theprice is so low I don't want to
stay because even kill me. Buthe said, here, here. He even
said, with his price he wantedit includes food. I will say,
Hey, I said it, it's practicallyfree. How it includes food? He I
tell you, God is showing out.He's showing me here and there,
(27:50):
that this is my purpose. Yes,and I just did an event, my
first event as also in you theother day, that post that went
viral, they got so many commentsbecause I'm purposely going into
spaces that are not talkingabout special needs or autism.
I'm purposely picking eventsthat's not dealing with that so
I can talk about inclusion andspecial needs. For dei is
(28:13):
attacking my community, as wesee Trump is attacking special
needs. So God made it clear inOctober, and I didn't know why
God wanted me to start walkingin my purpose for autism and
special needs. But as Trump tookthe office in the D, I happened.
I knew then what God was doing.God was like, it's you to fight,
(28:35):
it's tough for you to get ready.Because this is, this is not my
moment. This is, this is themoment that it's for me to fight
for my southern community to getthis resources and things he
needs. It's not about crystalJordan. I'm just the face of my
brand, but it's bitterness,like, for a prime example of
altering United thing, Ipurposely staff autistic
writers. I'm not even I alreadyhave two autistic writers, and
(29:00):
I'm about to get a third like,I'm not playing when it comes to
the word inclusion. And when Iget money into my brand, I'm
going to pay them autisticwriters. They're worth, yes,
like, it's something bigger thanme, because I just brands I'm I
plan to give to my son. It'sgoing to be in my will. And if
my son wants to walk away fromhis brand and friend and sell it
(29:22):
for millions. And my will isthat he can do that. I don't
think he will, though. I don'tthink he will. I really think
he'll be like, No, my mama stoodin too much work. But I want to,
I would not be mad, because aslong as he take care of this
stuff, and I'm no longer here,these are conversations, but I
want to have when I die, I'm notI don't think I'm gonna leave or
(29:44):
leave. Leave behind is my booksand my legacy. And my legacy is
what I'm doing today. Even withyou, it's still part of my
legacy. Yes, because people aregonna be able to Google this in
20 years and watch thisinterview or whatever, listen to
it, whatever they want to do,and they'll be like, Wow, truth.
Passionate about it. So, yeah,this is my passion. This is my
purpose. It's not walking in andI love what I do now. If God,
(30:08):
stop providing me what shealready told me, he going to
start, he going to talk about meand come through this, that's
going to be amazing, becausethey don't feel like working
there. It's so easy. It's soefforts. Oh my god, it's so easy
for me to do this. Like from mycontent. I have never just
created content so easily, doingwhat I do. Yep, I need to go on
a rant, but Yup, for example,
Angela Harris (30:30):
you're definitely in the flow. I know we talked
about, you know, the concept offlow, and I think I shared with
you that a meme on Pinterestwhere it said, when it's God, it
flows. When issue is for us, andit sounds like things are just
flowing too. You talked aboutthe venue and the other
contracts, and so you'redefinitely in this space of
flow.
Unknown (30:49):
Flow is not the Yeah, I am in a place of flow, but I'm
in a a space of God providing.I'm in a space of listening to
him. I'm in a space of lettingGod shift and take me where he
wants to. I'm in a space ofbeing obedient to God and God
like one thing I'm big on thisyear is the word impact. If
(31:12):
we're doing business together,we're whatever it is, platonic,
non platonic, if it's notexactly and we're not going to
pack my life. I'm not going toaffect your life, or we're not
going to pack others. There's nopoint of me to be on a platform
or work to or talk to you. And Iknow that may be very harsh for
me to say out loud, but if it'snot impactful, I can't do it.
(31:33):
That's my worth. 25 that Godgave me here from tackle and
perfect purpose. I
Angela Harris (31:45):
well, I know as advocates, we feel like when we
are called to do something weknow is bigger than us, and you
said that several times, andyour brand, zachariahs world,
you celebrate the uniqueness ofpeople with autism spectrum
disorder. So what are some ofthe MIS misconceptions about
autism that you're working todismantle with your platform.
Unknown (32:05):
So one thing is, I really want to hate for my son
in particular, is just becausehe is non verbal, or somebody is
non verbal or non speaking doesnot mean they do not understand.
A lot of people assume becausesomebody is non speaking or non
verbal, they don't they don'tunderstand that. That's a myth.
(32:28):
Autistic people are notaffectionate. That's the That's
another myth. My son is the mostloving child. He he's he gave me
kisses and all that. Um, anothermyth is, autism and a
disability. Let's remove theword disability, because they
are able to do anything they puttheir mind to. They just need
(32:49):
patience and belief. That's oneof my quotes. But anything
patience and beliefs, I'm gonnaread it. I'm sure that has it
somewhere. But since he can, Ifind it, I wrote it, but I say
it so much, I kind of forgot it,but, but that's something I was
(33:11):
working to release, but Iunderstand, and because I have a
non verbal child that mostpeople like, I don't understand,
that's the wrong and anotherthing I personally dislike is
when you tell somebody you havea autistic child and they say,
I'm so sorry. What are you sorryabout? What are you sorry about?
I'm I don't understand whatyou're sorry about. That's one
(33:32):
thing that I purposely in thebeginning. I got that a lot
like, I'm so sorry. Your yourkid is autistic. What? Why are
you sorry? He's He's fine. Hehis. He just think differently
than you. He's just not thesame. And guess what? You're not
the same like me. I'm differentfrom you myself. So where are
you Why are you sorry that?That's one thing I dislike about
(33:58):
when people think of the worddisability, but my quote is,
with guidance, patience andbelief I can rise to my fullest
potential and achieve more thanI ever imagined. First, adorn
it. Now let's break down myquote. I feel like when you have
guidance, and you really guidethat person who's who's on the
spectrum, and you have to havepatience because it may take
them a little bit longer to getit they may not even have to
(34:20):
talk to information, and that'sokay, and you have to believe
that it can rise to theirfullest potential, not your
fullest potential, but theirfullest potential, they can
achieve more than you everimagined, because we sometimes
hit people with disabilitiesinvolved, and we we lead them
Here, and society is here. No,that's not inclusion. We need
(34:43):
to, we need to let them and weneed to bring them in. Another
thing, we need to teach peoplewho are not neurodiverse to love
people that's on the spectrumand love you that that that is
special needs, because weteaching our kids how to
interact, how to do social. Ornot interacting the social
setting. But what about the kidwho is not who's neurotypical?
(35:06):
Neurotypical in society standardare normal. I you would never
hear me say normal ininterviews, because I think it's
very disrespectful. That's mypersonal thing. But are we
teaching our kids that areneurotypicals how to interact
with people that are that havedisabilities. That's why my
quote is with guidance, patienceand beliefs, I can achieve more
(35:28):
than I ever imagined in allthree of these patience,
guidance and belief. But we haveto also put that into our
narrative, and we need to teachthem how to love everyone, and
especially love people, and givepeople that have disabilities
more grace, then you would givethem this miracle person,
(35:48):
because they need more grace.They need more understanding,
and you can't factor that. Thatmeans you haven't got getting
back to the word acceptance,that's why I already focus on
awareness in the beginning of myjourney, I focus on awareness
heavily five years ago, no, fouryears ago, but now I'm all about
(36:09):
acceptance and occlusion, andyou making sure your companies
are hiring autistic individuals,and especially hiring a non
speaking autistic individuals,because my son is not speaking,
and I need him to have a but Ineed him to have a job in the
future, but I know that I'mgoing to provide because
(36:30):
ultimately, you magazines isgoing to be when he get hired,
and it's and because I'm alreadydoing it, I
Angela Harris (36:38):
want to dig a little bit deeper there, because
You talked about the recentchanges and the need for work
workforce development programs.So are there specific industries
or roles where non verbalindividuals thrive?
Unknown (36:51):
So I currently know I'm working with my autistic that
and she is not speaking. She wasverbal and she regressed. She is
older. When I say, Oh, she's inher late 20s, and she was in a
process of losing her home, shecannot get a job. And the
problem is, Why can't she get ajob? She's non speaking, she's
(37:12):
needed, like to communicate. Theproblem is, for me, personally,
is why do we not have work fromhome, jobs that are non
speaking, jobs designed forpeople in the spectrum. Mm, hmm,
because they have deals justlike us, that everybody have
deals. She's in the process oflosing her own home because she
can't find a job that won't hireher. That's a problem. That's a
(37:35):
bigger issue. And what I don'tlike about the community is we
focusing on other peoples. We'refocusing on starting how to how
to use her to work. The biggerissue that we need to be pushing
is including in the in theworkforce, and making sure we
all can have jobs, that we canbe able to pay bills and take
care of our families and ourkids. And she also have autistic
kids as well. So she's on thespectrum. Her kids are on the
(37:59):
spectrum, and they're alldifferent. The specialist did.
They're all different levels,and she's trying to navigate
being them all. And she is nonspeaking. She is an AAC device
to communicate. Now, when I justthought of her phone, I
understand her. Can I even talkjust like her? That's how I know
nine out of 10 I'm autistic, cuzi It's hard people to understand
(38:19):
me, because she's not like arobot. It sounds like really
choppy, and it's really, reallybad. But I understood, I
understand it because I livethere. I live that. I talk like
that into a high schooltechnically. So it's like that.
That's why I'm big on it. Butbefore she even told me her
business, I'm I lost my voice in2022 2020 22 all my on voice No.
(38:43):
2023 I lost my voice, and I wasat work. I'll never forget my
manager at this time sent mehome because he told me that my
voice was part of my uniform. Iwould use the AFL to
communicate, and I was writingthe guess i The guest. Had no
problem. He did when He sent mehome, I customized sign
language. He understood it. Hesaid I understood that. And I
(39:06):
told I wrote down good and Iremember we even were trying
being upset and terrible. And Ithat, not that I lost that, that
that's how I lost my voice. Itwas over a week, um, I have to
grocery shop. That was, I metfor a lot of times, souls, but I
(39:27):
also didn't meet a lot of times,people all the time. But it was,
it was a series that I needed,because God did that for a
reason. I think God did that forI could walk in the shoes up to
my mouth, and it was verydifficult, and it's so funny. I
lose my voice every year aroundthe same time. Now, all the time
now, so 2023 I lose my voicearound the same time. I'm so
(39:49):
used to I lose my voice at work.My co workers be like, Oh, we
going to have a quiet day today.And I write down when I'm. Talk
this a guest, or I use ASL, Iknow a little bit of AFL. And
this year I lost my voice. I letmy manager, I like what she did
(40:10):
to say, you think you can stillwork on the front and and
communicate with the guests. Isaid, I wrote down. I said, Of
course, she said, she said,Okay. And I said, good. I wrote,
I wrote down, good, and my voicecame back in an hour that time.
But I kept trying the but it wasnothing coming out. I was taught
(40:33):
it was like it's silence. So Ihave lived as an adult with no
voice report, and it was mythroat, was it was the throat.
My throat was my pain with thethroat. It was not, it was, I
was fine. I was not sick. I justhad no voice. It happens and it
happens every year. I think, Godand I don't be sick, no voice.
(40:53):
It just, I think, God does it toremind me why I do that. I know
it's God. I lose my voice. Okay,I'm losing my voice today, but I
love I lose my voice because itgives me compassion for myself.
It gives me compassion for theautistic individual or the non
speaking individual who cannottalk. It gives me compassion
(41:14):
every time, and it resets me forwhy I do this. So I actually
love losing my voice every year,believe it or not, even though,
the first time, I was veryemotional and sad because I was
really hurt. But now it's andwhen I lose it, I'm like, Oh,
she's on my lesson, my lessoncoming today, and I'll be
(41:35):
thinking that I can so, yeah, Ieven totally guessed it. I work
in hotel. I lost my voice, like,three weeks ago, and I wrote it
down. And I wrote down why Ilove losing my voice. And she
said, That's so deep andpersonal. And I wrote down it
was my lesson for today. Wow, Ilove it. I love losing my voice.
It may sound so great to see mybusiness, but I love when I lose
(41:56):
my voice, but it put me in theshoes of my son.
Angela Harris (42:02):
He walked in so many shoes, so it enables you to
help all the people that you'reserving, because you've lived
Unknown (42:08):
it, right? I agree.
Angela Harris (42:13):
Switch gears a little bit and move into a
lightning round. So I'm going toask you a few rapid fire
questions. I'm ready. Okay, herewe go. So first question, one
thing I try to do every day is
Unknown (42:32):
find something inspirational. It can be
Instagram. It can be on myphone. I try to find something
inspirational, and I try to talkto a friend a day, if I can. I
haven't found any capacity.Yeah, yeah.
Angela Harris (42:49):
And I'm the same, like, I start my morning with
Pinterest. I have like, thisPinterest board. It probably has
like 10,000 pins. I'm alwaysscrolling for like,
inspirational messages orreading old inspirational
messages that I've acquired overthe years. I'm
Unknown (43:02):
gonna do that I love I'm taking it from you.
Angela Harris (43:06):
Take away next question. I feel most alive when
Unknown (43:14):
I feel most alive when I talk about my mission and my
purpose of pushing autism orwearing anything up for
Angela Harris (43:19):
you. Yes, yes. I mean the way you light up. I
mean, you're wearing yellowtoday, but like your face is
just like so bright when you'respeaking.
Unknown (43:28):
And this is the my brand color, believe it or not,
nice, nice.
Angela Harris (43:34):
A professional experience that shaped who I am
today was,
Unknown (43:42):
well, what are we talking about autism, or are we
talking about
Angela Harris (43:48):
thing that that shapes who you are today?
Unknown (43:53):
Professionals that can give me example, you stop. Let's
Angela Harris (43:57):
put it. It's whatever comes to mind for you.
Unknown (44:00):
So what shapes me today is me writing my book just like
you. Once I wrote that book, Iwalked into who I was meant to
be. I walked into my purpose,not knowing that I walked into
my purpose. And it's funny,because I'm realizing that more
and more every interview, I'mrealizing when I wrote just like
(44:22):
you, that was my purpose, andthat's what shapes Did you see
today? I'm so loud when it comesto this topic because I just, in
the beginning, I was just a momwho wants to normalize the
conversation around autism.
Angela Harris (44:37):
When I hear that, it go, it reminds me what you
said earlier in the interviewabout, you know, forgiveness and
that whole release and thisletting go of that trauma. So it
sounds like it just opened up somany doors for you to, you know,
releasing those emotions andputting it out there. Yes,
Unknown (44:52):
like when I wrote that book, it was for fun, it was a
hobby, and to believe that thatone book has pivoted me. Into
what you see today from speakingis me being an autism advocate,
for me being labeled an expert,which I don't like that, but I
haven't. I have finally embracedit, because I'm so knowledgeable
(45:14):
about this topic. Okay.
Angela Harris (45:18):
Next question, my go to mantra for tough times is
Unknown (45:25):
repeat it one more time. My go to mantra
Angela Harris (45:28):
for tough times is
Unknown (45:32):
to remember to breathe.
Angela Harris (45:35):
That is so important. Wonder rated was so
important,
Unknown (45:40):
remember to breathe. I haven't had it like, on my side,
like I have to remember tobreathe because in life,
everything's not going to be soamazing. That's not, that's not,
that's not like, I'm not goingthrough so tired. I have to be
like, I breathe and I have totell myself it's okay not to be
okay.
Angela Harris (46:00):
I'm just too shall pass right
when I need a quick energyboost, I
Unknown (46:13):
when I need a quick energy boost, I drink Red Bull,
or I haven't done it in lunch,so if my personal trainer is
watching this, please don't holdthe fire to me before I say
this, I will go for a ride, butI haven't done that since
November, because I've beengoing through much personally in
my life and in my business andeverything else. I haven't done
(46:36):
running. But when I'm really,really stressed, I go running.
Oh, I walk.
Angela Harris (46:44):
I'm a walker. I do both, like, just being on the
sun and, you know, just inhalingthe fresh air, just like, really
gives me an energy boost. Ithelps me clear my
Unknown (46:54):
mind, right? It's so inspiration to go walking and
running. Yeah, I, I'm out thereand I'm just, I'm just letting
my thought, please, yeah, I maygo run one in a week. I need it.
Okay,
Angela Harris (47:09):
the boldest risk I've ever taken was,
Unknown (47:12):
sorry to ask you magazine. It the boldest risk
because I already own amagazine, but this one is, I'm
celebrating the uniqueness ofpeople in the spectrum. I'm
celebrating neurotypicalindividuals. I'm celebrating
mental health. I'm celebratingsomething bigger than crystal
(47:33):
Jordans now, so comic biggerthan crystal Jordan too. But I'm
really focusing on somethingthat need, that need to be
focused on. We have a dei goingon right now, and to think that
I'm lunging around this time isamazing.
Angela Harris (47:53):
Yeah, love that. Thank
Unknown (47:55):
you. I'm doing it scared. I'm nervous. Like, I
know everybody
Angela Harris (47:59):
else scared. A lot of people won't invent it. I
feel like, you know, everythingis figurable, figurable, edible,
and we have to do it scared,because if we don't, we'll never
start
Unknown (48:09):
I'm doing it so scared, like, I own a magazine. So I
know some people just like, Oh,she started a magazine, and she
had to have a magazine. That'scompetition. No, I'm building my
portfolio a two. I'm creatingsomething directed at the
special needs community andmyself to celebrate them,
separate from that type ofpolicy. Celebrate somebody who
(48:30):
has autism, celebrate somebodywho have epilepsy, right? I'm
really pushing the calls ofeverything in one and I'm so
tired as myself, like, girl, areyou doing that first? I'm
scared. Now my content, don'thold out those kids. But I'm
scared so but I'm excited. I'mdoing this. I'm doing I'm doing
(48:50):
this, along with fear, I have mybest friend helping me, and my
best friend has been like alike,because he's helping me with the
documentary side of what I'mdoing, and it's been so it's
been, it's been amazing, but I'mnervous. I haven't talked to him
to get re to affirm me all thetime, because I'm so nervous.
Angela Harris (49:16):
I always say, if it excites you and scares you,
you're definitely on the rightpath.
Unknown (49:21):
I'm so nervous. Like, you know, it's like, when I talk
about it, I'm nervous, and thenI know my, my launch party, my,
I'm having two launch parties.I'm doing the soft launch, I'm
doing the other launch. I'mlike, I'm I have to calm myself
down, like it's happening, andwe're shooting the documentary,
part of the documentary at thehouse launch, and we also
(49:45):
shooting the doctor summerdocumentary at the launch was
too I'm like, Okay, I'm doing itspray. People, people don't see
it, but I'm talking, but I'mdoing it straight.
Angela Harris (49:57):
Wow. Last question. To me. Success means
Unknown (50:04):
to me. Success means I'm able to pay my bills and not
think about my bills and doingall the things success means to
me. I'm able to take care of mymom, my dad, my sister and
brother, and my mutual happinessmeans that I'm able to pay for
all my medical bills with noassistance from the government,
it says to me, me, I can be ableto take a trip for my multiple
(50:25):
break, just because that mindsetis me being financially stable
and also able to provide for myfamily and my son.
Angela Harris (50:38):
Very important.
Unknown (50:40):
I don't care about being famous, like, I don't care
about being known. I want mycouch to be able to provide. I
want, I want to retire my mom. Iwant my mom to be able to just
sleep and like, I want to go NewYork and I go, Okay, I already
get the trip. I want to, I wantto be that daughter and my
sister, my dad took care. Am I?Like, hey, hey, niece, me. I
(51:05):
look at your base account. Iwant to be that person. So I'm
really serving.
Angela Harris (51:11):
Yeah, you are, you are, thank you. Well,
Crystal, before we wrap up, Ihave one last question I love to
ask all my guests, and I'd loveto know, what do you like to do
when you are fearlessly leading,oh,
Unknown (51:26):
my God, you asked me a stomper question. I have to imma
answer this question, because Iapologize on the wall. In
December, me and my best partnerhad an event. The question was,
what do I do for fun? Thatquestion stopped me because I
don't think it can be fun totalk to interviews. I do. I work
in my documentary. I'm doingpublic school. I advocate. So I
(51:49):
don't I you, you just asked asimilar question to that. So I
don't have an answer. I don'thave an answer. I don't that's
my goal this year, is to kind ofanswer that question, because I
don't do anything for fun, sowhen I'm not leading, I don't, I
don't have an answer. I reallydon't. I've struggled with that.
(52:13):
I have to be honest with you,I'm struggling with that because
I when that was in December,when I was at a question and I
said, Oh my God, that's a simplequestion and I don't have an
answer. Your question was asimple question, but I don't
have an answer because I'malways leading. Yeah, I'm always
finding a way to advocate. AndI'm I realized from that one
question that I have to put onback in my life, but I don't. I
(52:36):
have to figure out how and whento do it, because my calendar is
so so so busy. My calendar is sofull. So to answer your
question, I'm not seriouslyleading. It was a hard question
for me. I'm going to say I lostTV. I want TV, or I play games
(52:56):
on my phone. I don't have alittle I don't have a struggling
answer, because I'm strugglingwith that, and if I would,
that's why I answer thatquestion from the December
piece, because I'm, I'mpersonally struggling with that,
as today, the whole thing by theend is supposed to be five. I
can't we hold that we do a parttwo interview, and I can answer
that question. So what? What
Angela Harris (53:18):
shows are you watching right now?
Unknown (53:21):
I watched wax. What's it called wise? My coworker put
me on the show because I don'twatch TV like that. One thing
like that. Why don't?Definitely, it's not really
called WAGs. It's wise orsomething I don't know. And then
I watched, I watched pop thebowl Argo tarlet Every
(53:43):
Wednesday, I watched pop thebowl with Arlene. Okay, yeah,
it's my I don't really watchrealities like that, so those
who show the clues I'll get. Andthen I also watch sisters like
Tyler Harris, sister, okay,okay, and that's, that's about
Angela Harris (54:03):
it. That's something that's like,
Unknown (54:06):
I can't even do more shows, but that's, that's it.
I'm, I'm working to, like, towork on that question. We are
doing. Alright?
Angela Harris (54:19):
Krista, well, thank you so much for sharing
your journey and all the amazingwork that you're doing. How can
our listeners stay connectedwith you?
Unknown (54:26):
Okay, so you got to listen to y'all stay connected
to me by the following.Everything is simple. You can
find me on all platforms that Iam a crystal Jordan. On any
platform, I make it very simplebecause I want y'all to be able
to Google me. If you need me toadvocate for your kids or your
family, please email me atfirstly, Jordan advocate
gmail.com, um, also youmagazine, whoever you feature,
(54:50):
hit me up. I'm looking tocollaborate with businesses, um,
non profits, anything that isaligning with my brand. I will
collab. With you, and justagain, email me. And then once
you email that email, I justsaid, for the one, if it'll be
in the description, I wouldreply back. And I'm very easy to
to connect with. It's crystal.Jordan spoke to Perth way, C, R,
(55:13):
Y, F, T, A L, and then Jordan J,O, R, D, A n, and it's put, I am
Chris Jordan, and you will beable to find me on all
platforms. I And but please bemy sometimes, I may respond,
depending on the day, if I'mbusy, I may forget. And then if
you see I did not respond,please send me a follow up,
because I don't like leavingnobody on red. I don't ignore
anybody. I'm not better thananybody. We are all equal. So
(55:37):
like I said, if you ever getinto a part like a prisoner, hit
me back. Please message me back,and I'm going to PCUs. So it
was, it just me. So I may, I mayoverlook it and I do that for
some time. That's going to bevery transparent
Angela Harris (55:53):
when you're human. Yeah, well, I'll make
sure that I include all yourcontact information in the show
notes for our listeners.
Unknown (56:02):
Oh, thank you. I really appreciate it.
Angela Harris (56:05):
And to our listeners, thanks for joining us
for today's special episode. Ifyou enjoyed this episode, please
share it with someone who needsto to hear it. Thanks for tuning
in until next time the workplaceis shifting, layoffs return to
Office, mandates and uncertaintyare leaving many professionals
questioning their next move. Ifyou're feeling stuck,
(56:27):
overwhelmed or unsure of how tonavigate these changes, coaching
can provide the clarity andstrategy you need to take your
career to the next level. At2638 management group, we
specialize in executive coachingand leadership development,
helping professionals transitionwith confidence position
(56:48):
themselves for leadership andcreate a career that aligns with
their values and goals. Theworkplace is changing, but your
success doesn't have to beuncertain. Let's strategize your
next move together. Visit 26th38 management group.com to
schedule a discovery call todayand start taking intentional
(57:11):
steps towards the next chapterin your career.
Thank you for listening to theflow podcast. As we wrap up
today's episode, always rememberyour unique path, your voice and
your leadership matter if youloved what you heard. Subscribe
(57:34):
now to stay updated on ourlatest episodes. Take a moment
to leave a review and share thisepisode with someone who can
benefit from theseconversations. You can stay
connected with me on Instagramat the flow podcast with Angela,
or visit me on the web atangelavharris.com, until next
(57:58):
time, take care. Stay inspiredand keep fearlessly leading in
your own way you.
Welcome to the flow podcast, fearlessly leading
our way. This podcast is a spacededicated to spotlighting the
unfiltered voices of black womenin their unique leadership
journeys. I am your host, AngelaV, Harris, I'm an award winning
(00:27):
coach, speaker, author andchampion from black women. Make
sure you like and subscribe tothis podcast to stay connected
to our conversation, let's getready to flow.
(00:52):
Hey, fearless leaders, welcomeback to another episode of the
flow podcast. I'm your host,Angela V Harris, before we dive
in to today's conversation, Iwant to take a moment to
celebrate a major milestone.March 8 2025. Will mark the one
(01:13):
year anniversary of the flowpodcast. This all started as a
vision to redefine whatleadership looks like for black
women. I wanted to create aspace to provide motivation and
inspiration through powerfulguest stories. And this
experience has grown intosomething truly special. It's
(01:33):
been an honor to interview andget to know all the guests to
date, we've reached over 1100downloads and counting,
connecting with listeners acrossthe globe, including countries
like Singapore, Russia, Braziland Somalia, in our very first
episode, fearlessly leading as afirst remains the most
(01:56):
downloaded, Which tells me thatthese conversations are
resonating deeply to everyonewho was tuned in, shared an
episode or sent words ofencouragement, thank you. Your
support fuels this podcast, andI'm beyond grateful. As we move
into our second year, I want tohear from you. This podcast is
(02:20):
for you, and I welcome yourfeedback. Guests, suggestions
and ideas to make it evenbetter. If you've enjoyed the
show, please take a moment toleave a review. It helps us
reach even more people who needto hear these conversations.
Today's guest is someone whoembodies resilience, passion and
(02:41):
purpose. Crystal Jordan is apowerhouse advocate for autism
awareness, acceptance andinclusion. As the founder of
zachariahs world, she isdedicated to reshaping the
conversation aroundneurodiversity and ensuring that
all voices, especially those ofnon verbal individuals, are
(03:02):
heard. Her journey is one ofstrength, transformation and
advocacy, and today, she's hereto share her story and mission
with us. Let's get into today'sepisode. Welcome to the show,
Crystal.
Crystal Jordan (03:19):
Hi. Thank you so much for having me on your
platform.
Angela Harris (03:22):
Well, thank you for joining us today. I'm
excited to share your incrediblejourney and all the amazing work
that you're doing within yourcommunity. Thank you
Unknown (03:31):
so much. I really appreciate it, because when I
focus on this subject, I thinkit's important that we talk
about autism awareness,acceptance and inclusion.
Angela Harris (03:40):
Okay, well, before we dive into your
inspiring advocacy and yourstory behind zachariahs world, I
want to start with your personalstory. I read that you dreamed
of starting a magazine when youwere just 13 years old. Can you
tell us a bit about that andabout,
Unknown (03:59):
oh, my god, he only goes to 13 year old crystal? Um,
13 year old crystal, and I mayget emotional, so just want to
prepare everybody for that. Shewas struggling with so much at
13. I was being bullied aroundthat age. I didn't think I was
(04:19):
pretty at 13, Crystal had verylow self confidence. Crystal was
not okay. Crystal at 13 was verysuicidal at 13. So 13 year old
crystal versus 20 year oldcrystal. Mean to me, 35 year
(04:40):
old. Crystal is so different.Um, what inspired me? What
inspired me to start a magazine,and what made me want to do it?
My favorite movie was 13, goingon 30, and I remember watching
it just being being so happy. Ijust, I remember being so happy
watching that. Believe watchingthe the main character, amplify
(05:04):
the Jenna amplify the stories ofpeople that matter versus
celebrities. But 13 year oldcrystal battle with depression,
and I even know what that wordmean at 13, so yeah.
Angela Harris (05:19):
Well, thank you for sharing being vulnerable, to
share that with us. Crystal,thank you definitely come a long
way. You definitely,
Unknown (05:30):
yeah, I have like to imagine that I try to take my
try to take my life a coupletimes when I was in middle
school and seeing a woman thatGod has made me to be today is
positive. Yeah,
Angela Harris (05:43):
yeah, I can definitely see, you know, the
parallels and how that led youto be the advocate that you are
today. Yes,
Unknown (05:51):
like and believe it or not, I really believe I
subdivided myself as autisticADHD, and just, let them was
from trying to work on gettingformally tested, but I was
bullied. I had an eye with herspecial education, and I just
remember those moments backthen. So, yeah,
Angela Harris (06:16):
childhood can be real high. I was teased and
bullied as a child as well. Iwas overweight, you know, the
child, so I heard like, all thethings. So I can definitely
empathize with you on that. Itwas not easy, but
Unknown (06:28):
look at us now. Amen, like, look at us now. Can I
touch on the bullying part?Yeah, sure. So my Boolean story,
I never publicly talked aboutit, and you're the first I ever,
ever talk about it with mybullying story just was hard. I
I was when I was younger, I hadto wear lost skirts because my
(06:49):
parents didn't believe in thepants. So I got bullied for
that. I remember getting torn inthe locker room and getting
bullied. I remember them lockingthe door and locked me in the
bathroom and doing the blood,and I don't even know about
Bloody Mary, but doing the bloodand Mary with them. And it was
really bad. I was ridiculed.Everybody didn't fight Monday.
I'm going to fight Tuesday. Iknew going to school. I got to
(07:13):
fight yesterday. Family, I gottafight today. And it was very
hard and traumatic. It reallyshaped who I am today. I
formally forgave my bullies at2020 when they triggered me,
somebody made a Facebook groupon Facebook, I love mcara, and
it's for my middle schoolclassmates, and everybody was
(07:35):
posting their good memories, andeverybody was posting pictures
of middle school, and I'm like,No, y'all put me in this group,
and I had to, I wrote thisbroad, this long letter to them,
wow. And once I wrote thatletter during COVID to them, I
felt better. I feel healed,because I don't think nobody's
(07:59):
childhood experience what I wentthrough. I didn't go I didn't
even tell touch on what I reallywent through them putting, like
my book bag in the trash canduring lunch, I'm trying to eat
and throwing food at me like Iwas really cute. I like those
movies we say on Lifetime ACM,getting booked really bad. I
lived that from sixth grade toeighth grade. I live that every
(08:21):
other day I say I had to eatlunch in the principal office
because I was bullied so bad theprincipal became my friend. You
know how sad that is as a child.Yeah, I know that was my
interview, but
Angela Harris (08:38):
you asked that that's your story, and I'm
pretty sure by you sharing thatso many other people can relate
to your story. Because bullying,it's a whole different level
now, because we have like,disciple, but like we were
coming up it was like more, youknow, in person, but now the the
kids have to deal with disciplebully. Young children are
committing suicide as a resultof that. Today, I
Unknown (09:01):
tried, I'm not gonna love you. I tried. It just was
not successful. And then, andthen I was super I was cyber
bully as well, um, when I got tohigh school. So I have alopecia.
So a lot of people say this ismy fashion statement. Okay, I
want to show this. This is not afashion statement. I have my
(09:23):
hair on my side. It's been thatway for a very long time. Now. I
do intentionally shave it andwear my hair this way to embrace
my imperfections, but I wasbullied for this as well. I
remember this all anyway. Youknow the chicken head. When
chicken head came out, they madea song, and it was and the song
(09:45):
targeted me was bald head, flipand fly. Ain't got hair inside.
I will never forget that. Yep,you know the youth, you know the
real words. Know the real words.But I was really bullied. And
when you ask that question about13 year old crystal, I just went
there. Year my is like, I'm 13year old. Crystal will be so
proud of me today. I don't 13year old. Crystal would not have
(10:08):
seen me here today, like, sothank you for that question,
like I didn't. I'm a crybabyanyway. But just thank you for
that question, because I was notexpecting to go there with you.
I was expecting to do thisinterview and focus on what I do
now, which is autism awarenessand perspective and inclusion.
(10:31):
But your course, you shifted to30 year old crystal, and I think
that's so powerful, becausethere's so many people that go
through that, or they probablywent through that, and they
still haven't healed from that.It took me years, over, over a
decade, to heal from that. Mm,hmm. And all my bullies did
(10:53):
apologize to me, by the way,
Angela Harris (10:55):
they did, or they did not. They did, they
Unknown (10:58):
apologize. Wow, every single one of them, they all
tell me sorry. And they're they.They support me today like they
would check on me. Um, do Iaccept it? Not fully, but I
could give them, but they checkon me. They are. They always me.
I want to come support you, andit's beautiful to see my letter
(11:19):
cord. And, yeah, it's
Angela Harris (11:24):
amazing. That's going to go back to a couple of
things that you said. You said,first of all, you forgave your
bullies. Like forgiveness is sohard for people at any age to
do, for you to have done that,you know, years later, and also
for the bullies to haveacknowledged, and, you know,
apologize. That just speaksvolumes.
Unknown (11:46):
So I had to, I had to forgive them, because it was
trauma that I was carrying. Iwas carrying that trauma into so
many relationships. Yeah, Ineeded to say I needed to
forgive them. I needed toforgive myself, or trying to
convince for me, trying to takemy life a couple times, I needed
(12:07):
to heal. And in order to heal,you have to address the elephant
alone. That elephant at the timewas, was y'all put me in his
faithful group, and y'all aretalking about, y'all positive
memories, and y'all talkingabout how much play I had in
middle school. I don't have thatstory. I called middle school my
dark times because I wasbullied. I fought every other
(12:30):
day, like I know I could fight.I had to fight, physically fight
girls. I used to get jobs. Canyou imagine, like I used to get
Jones, yeah, so, yep, and then Ihad a speech impediment, so I
(12:51):
talked a little different, eventhough, at this point I know I'm
all physical, I couldn't sayCertain things. Yeah, I'm not.
I'm more articulate now versusthen. 13 year old Crystal was
still I didn't start talking toafter five. Like, so like, it
was a lot of factors whilebully, but it's not okay now.
(13:15):
But look at looking back like Igave them, what was they going
through at home? What was theirhome like? And so I had to
forgive them, because I don'tknow what was going through. I
don't know they may have seen mylight at 13, and at 13 I didn't
see my light. I thought I was Ithought I was ugly. I thought I
was so many different thingsthan what I am today. Today, I'm
(13:39):
proud of me, the 13 year oldCrystal was a shame. So thank
you for that beautiful question,like you're the first person to
ever ask me that. And I'memotional in general, but just
thinking about why I love 13going on 30, and to think I have
(14:01):
a that is doing my businesspartner, Jonathan Hawkins, and
we have one that has been heretwice, twice in 2024 so I'm
doing what God wants me to do. Iknow your audience, like, shoot
the crowd, baby. I'm sorryy'all, that's fine. And I
Angela Harris (14:20):
just want to go back to something else that you
said. You said you've been saidyou realized that you were
carrying trauma. And I justthink about the phrase, you
know, hurt people, hurt peopleand heal people, heal people.
And like this, hearing yourstory and knowing your story, it
just informs the work that youhave done, and that the work
that you're going to continue todo with your advocacy. Yes,
Unknown (14:41):
and with me, with that trauma i was i also got in
therapy. I'm not in therapycurrently, but I was in therapy
for two years, and I had toaddress everything. It's still
things that is that I haven'taddressed, because I really want
to have another therapy squador. Was some more things I
needed. That's my childhood. ButI did that when I had I didn't
(15:05):
have a therapist, I had atherapist, but I did it because
I was so triggered, and I usedthe tools, and my therapist at
the time taught me, and I tell,God, that's that I now know, and
talk to the trauma, and I haveto miss it.
Angela Harris (15:20):
Yeah, I know you talked about the fact that you
had to literally fight everyday, but now as an advocate, you
know you're fighting in adifferent form. You know you
kind of transform that for good.So I want to talk about your
son's diagnosis with autismspectrum disorder. Can you take
us back to that moment, what itwas like for you?
Unknown (15:39):
Oh, my God. So when I look back at when he was
diagnosed, so I'm gonna I go alittle bit deeper. So when he
was before he was diagnosed, mybest friend told me, Hey, I
think, I think he's autistic. Ididn't know what it was. I said,
I don't think. So then my topdown mindset, same thing. I
don't know. I don't know. Butwhen he turned one, and he and I
(16:02):
saw that he he hit all hismilestones until once, and I
noticed he didn't walk at oneyear. That's a milestone that he
supposed to hit. And then whenhe was two, he went back then
they changed it, um, a lot, butback then you both have two year
olds, about 200 words, and everyCavalier My son didn't even have
that. He had one, which was thatthat's it. And I said, That's
(16:26):
Hm. That made me think. And thenI went to my son's daughter,
she'll take walk ins. And prettymuch what I did, she sounds like
walking these two. I took youbecause I know you're you're
ready. And his doctors told methat too, because she had the
office it's on. And when shetold me that just went in there,
she said, We made this she madethe reference, the referral,
(16:49):
sorry, the referral from MarketCenter. And my son was diagnosed
in October of 2019, while beingautistic. And I remember being
staffed for two days. I agreedfor two days, and then that
Monday I was on the phone makingcalls, and that Monday I was I
was out there getting theservices that he needed. But
(17:12):
when I go back to that moment, Iwas scared. When I go back to
that moment, I didn't know whatautism was. I was just a typical
parent. I'm a new parent, theonly child, I was like, I'm not
thinking about what I did withPaul. I'm thinking about what is
life or look like for my child.I'm scared. I don't know what
I'm doing. I'm already a firsttime mom, and now I have a child
(17:34):
that has this quote, unquote,disability. How can I set him up
for success? So those two days,I was grieving the thought that
I thought she was going to bebut I also was embracing who he
I embraced my son. I love myson, and he's the reason why I
do everything I do today.They're like this map, like back
(17:56):
right world, the magazine I justannounced in January, is also in
United Way. Everything I'm doingis for my child, because I want
him to my legacy is going to befor him when I pass. My legacy
is not about crystal. It's aboutChris. It is so much for autism,
autistic individuals. Chris, itis so much for the neuro diverse
(18:19):
community, even though 910, apart of that community. But
before I was officially new, Iwas a part of the community. I
was already doing it. I'mwalking in that light. I walk in
that truth. And I do thisbecause my son needs me, but
other people need me too. Mm,hmm. So
Angela Harris (18:40):
there's so much there. You said you were
navigating so many emotions. Youwere scared, you were grieving,
trying to adapt to being a firsttime mom. So that was a lot to
handle at one time,
Unknown (18:51):
it was I got to a point where I was overwhelmed, and I
stopped doing services becausemy son had feeding therapy, play
therapy, OT and ABA all at onetime, and for me to be I'm not
saying I'm single. Me the goalsfrom therapy, therapy all the
time was up. It was draining.But now that I have a system,
(19:11):
and I'm doing that, I had asystem then, but I also had lost
my cousin around that time too,so I was really depressed. I was
and what I learned from myjourney personally, is I cannot
get to my son if my cup is notrunning over. So I can only get
to him when I cup is runningright now, my cup is my cup
(19:31):
isn't water on the floor, likeI'm feeding my my so and I'm
filling him up for my overflowand my old flow is on the floor,
like one thing that is exclusivefor you. I'm in the process of
working on the bill to getpassed in the state of Georgia,
and I'm focusing on autism andasking that they send that email
today, because get a walk to thefloor. But even if that Bill
(19:55):
don't get passed, how manypeople do you know? Because. Say
they got a bill tucked into thefloor, and the bill was more the
bill was more powerful than me.Yes, my son inspired it, and it
is going to be named after mychild. Can only make sense, but
it's bigger than him. It'sbigger than me, and I'm creating
(20:18):
a legacy again for my son, and Iadvocate for him, but I advocate
for so many other families. IIt's I do this, and I don't make
money from this. I didn't reallyjust tell us my just the other
day after, you know what's socrazy? I'm working on a
documentary as well, and it'sfocused on autism. It's called,
(20:39):
ultimately, you it's in theheart of autism, and I'm
following following these othermoms, right? And with me
following these other moms, it'spowerful, because I'm making a
difference. But again, it'sbigger than just my story. I'm
only one story,
Angela Harris (20:59):
yeah? And like you said, it's bigger than you,
and it sounds like you'redefinitely walking in your
calling, because your calling issomething that you don't
necessarily get paid to do.You're just doing it because
you're so passionate about it.
Unknown (21:11):
And again, I'm not your favorite. Like, you're like, I
think you're a number. In thelast three months, I have done
35 interviews, podcastinterviews, and yes, I talk
about autism and every singleinterview. But do you think I
have made any money from anyinterview? Absolutely not. I do
this because this is what God'sGod made it very clear to me in
(21:33):
october 2024 he told me to walkin my purpose. He told me to I
put my autism stuff on pause fora year to focus on becoming her
magazine. And God told me, I cando both, but I have to walk in
my purchase. I have to push mypersonal brand, and God's made
it. God made it crystal clear tome, as he said, he's going to
(21:55):
provide. He's going to give meeverything I need, but I have to
push this mission, because hemade sure this mission would die
for me. And during this time Ihave, I have really, in the last
two years, noticed that I may beautistic. I've been looking at
all my my educationalbackground. I've been looking at
everything to the point whereI'm pulling my records from my
(22:16):
high school, me from my from myfrom my school system, because
I'm, like, why I'm so passionateabout this beyond my phone like
I really and I have paid forfamilies for free, I go into the
school system. I just did onelast week, and the school system
was so impressed. But I told mystaff wasn't done, because it's
not in the school system I don'tlike. And I said, I'm going to
(22:39):
call the school system, I'mgoing to talk to the board, and
we're going to figure out how wecan implement what I just asked,
because you don't have an answerfor me, and that's a problem.
And I'm super passionate aboutme advocating for families,
like, prime example, MissAngela, you had an autistic kid,
right? And me, you are not onthe terms today. You call me
(23:00):
later on today and be like, Hey,you send me a text, right? And
be like, hey, my my child. Ineed you to blah, blah, blah.
I'm going to be there. It don'tmatter what me you are going on
that child needs me, and that'smy mindset. I'm very seriously
about, serious about advocatingfor families and making sure I
educate the parents. A lot ofparents a lot of parents don't
(23:22):
understand that ID is illegal bythe contract. A lot of parents
don't understand they haveparent rights. A lot of parents
don't understand that you canput in your faith, you can
record like I'm very big onmaking sure my parents know,
including hire and yeah, youhired me, and I'm free, but I
want you to understand I'm herefor your child and I'm here for
(23:46):
you too. I do this for real. Idon't play about it. My son
myself get he hit both sideslike and for me this year, well,
last year, I changed the way Ithought I'm his advocate first,
his mom second. And with mebeing able to turn off the mom's
(24:07):
side, I'm getting so much done.It is amazing. I'm getting so
much done. It's like mom is off,the advocate is on. And I have
two sides of the advocate. Ihave a nice advocate, and I had
an advocate when, when I knowyou playing in my face, and
you're technically in the wrong,ethically wrong, you're not
(24:28):
going to like and I'm going toread you professionally, and
we're going to talk about whatyou're not going to do to my
client. And if I answer so Iknow he's my son, but right now,
he's my client.
Angela Harris (24:38):
So wow, you were holding into the fire crystal.
Unknown (24:44):
You know what's funny, my client said that last week
she was, she just like, shetapped my leg because I was
like, so we would me and theschool system was vibing. I have
never seen they had so manypeople in that one meeting. Once
she said she had an advocate. Isaid. Just crazy, but I was
quiet. But when I asked thequestion, and we was vibing the
whole time, and so I asked mylast question, and then I asked
(25:07):
him about observations. I said,How? I said, What is our policy
on my client coming to theschool doing observations so she
can make sure that she's doingthe same thing at home? Oh, our
school took them all out. Isaid, why not? They said, Oh,
you're injured. I said I did.They said we, they said we feel
good. I feel we good, but Ididn't know what is why I feel
like you know what? You knowbetter. I'm going to email the
(25:28):
school system, and I'm going tofigure that out myself. So I'm
going to talk from schoolsystem. I don't need you. Y'all
are local. I'm going to talk tothem, students and
Superintendent for nature. SoI'll get I'll give you an answer
to what I need. So yeah, andit's also certain things I'm
putting in my bill for this typeof stuff. Because in my bill
focusing on education, I'mfocusing on resources, work,
(25:53):
workforce development programsfor in Georgia, I think that
each major company and companyshould have a workforce, or we
should have a workforce inGeorgia where we hire and employ
autistic individuals, because wecan't talk about inclusion and
we're not hiring them. They needjobs. We also need jobs for the
kids, for the autisticindividuals that are not not
speaking. They cannot speak likeme. Um, so yeah, I do it like
(26:20):
I'm so excited to send a deal.I'm like, I don't think you were
and I haven't fully made anannouncement about the deal yet.
I mentioned on it on my socialmedia, because it happened last
week, the legislator said to me,he said, Imma give you one of my
bills. He said, I need it ASAP.And I shook his hand and I said,
I'm ready. I said, Whatever youneed from me. So where's my
(26:41):
deadline? I'm going to meet it,and we going to do this Easter.
You serious? I said I'm serious.That was Wednesday. Today is
Monday. Do you not know my billis almost finished? Wow, wow.
I'm not playing with him. Um,I'm not playing because God and
how I know walking in mypurpose, because God is just
giving me stuff. It's stuff.Like, God is just giving me
(27:02):
stuff. It's so amazing, like myhaving soft launch from my
magazine, ultimately, youmagazine in March, that venue,
God is amazing. God gave me thatvenue. I had to pay a dime. And
that venue cost over $2,000 torent out for the day. And God,
look, they stay here. And I waslike, God, and then even my my
(27:27):
wallet for April 2, the therestaurant owner said, Imma give
you this for this price. And theprice is so low I don't want to
stay because even kill me. Buthe said, here, here. He even
said, with his price he wantedit includes food. I will say,
Hey, I said it, it's practicallyfree. How it includes food? He I
tell you, God is showing out.He's showing me here and there,
(27:50):
that this is my purpose. Yes,and I just did an event, my
first event as also in you theother day, that post that went
viral, they got so many commentsbecause I'm purposely going into
spaces that are not talkingabout special needs or autism.
I'm purposely picking eventsthat's not dealing with that so
I can talk about inclusion andspecial needs. For dei is
(28:13):
attacking my community, as wesee Trump is attacking special
needs. So God made it clear inOctober, and I didn't know why
God wanted me to start walkingin my purpose for autism and
special needs. But as Trump tookthe office in the D, I happened.
I knew then what God was doing.God was like, it's you to fight,
(28:35):
it's tough for you to get ready.Because this is, this is not my
moment. This is, this is themoment that it's for me to fight
for my southern community to getthis resources and things he
needs. It's not about crystalJordan. I'm just the face of my
brand, but it's bitterness,like, for a prime example of
altering United thing, Ipurposely staff autistic
writers. I'm not even I alreadyhave two autistic writers, and
(29:00):
I'm about to get a third like,I'm not playing when it comes to
the word inclusion. And when Iget money into my brand, I'm
going to pay them autisticwriters. They're worth, yes,
like, it's something bigger thanme, because I just brands I'm I
plan to give to my son. It'sgoing to be in my will. And if
my son wants to walk away fromhis brand and friend and sell it
(29:22):
for millions. And my will isthat he can do that. I don't
think he will, though. I don'tthink he will. I really think
he'll be like, No, my mama stoodin too much work. But I want to,
I would not be mad, because aslong as he take care of this
stuff, and I'm no longer here,these are conversations, but I
want to have when I die, I'm notI don't think I'm gonna leave or
(29:44):
leave. Leave behind is my booksand my legacy. And my legacy is
what I'm doing today. Even withyou, it's still part of my
legacy. Yes, because people aregonna be able to Google this in
20 years and watch thisinterview or whatever, listen to
it, whatever they want to do,and they'll be like, Wow, truth.
Passionate about it. So, yeah,this is my passion. This is my
purpose. It's not walking in andI love what I do now. If God,
(30:08):
stop providing me what shealready told me, he going to
start, he going to talk about meand come through this, that's
going to be amazing, becausethey don't feel like working
there. It's so easy. It's soefforts. Oh my god, it's so easy
for me to do this. Like from mycontent. I have never just
created content so easily, doingwhat I do. Yep, I need to go on
a rant, but Yup, for example,
Angela Harris (30:30):
you're definitely in the flow. I know we talked
about, you know, the concept offlow, and I think I shared with
you that a meme on Pinterestwhere it said, when it's God, it
flows. When issue is for us, andit sounds like things are just
flowing too. You talked aboutthe venue and the other
contracts, and so you'redefinitely in this space of
flow.
Unknown (30:49):
Flow is not the Yeah, I am in a place of flow, but I'm
in a a space of God providing.I'm in a space of listening to
him. I'm in a space of lettingGod shift and take me where he
wants to. I'm in a space ofbeing obedient to God and God
like one thing I'm big on thisyear is the word impact. If
(31:12):
we're doing business together,we're whatever it is, platonic,
non platonic, if it's notexactly and we're not going to
pack my life. I'm not going toaffect your life, or we're not
going to pack others. There's nopoint of me to be on a platform
or work to or talk to you. And Iknow that may be very harsh for
me to say out loud, but if it'snot impactful, I can't do it.
(31:33):
That's my worth. 25 that Godgave me here from tackle and
perfect purpose. I
Angela Harris (31:45):
well, I know as advocates, we feel like when we
are called to do something weknow is bigger than us, and you
said that several times, andyour brand, zachariahs world,
you celebrate the uniqueness ofpeople with autism spectrum
disorder. So what are some ofthe MIS misconceptions about
autism that you're working todismantle with your platform.
Unknown (32:05):
So one thing is, I really want to hate for my son
in particular, is just becausehe is non verbal, or somebody is
non verbal or non speaking doesnot mean they do not understand.
A lot of people assume becausesomebody is non speaking or non
verbal, they don't they don'tunderstand that. That's a myth.
(32:28):
Autistic people are notaffectionate. That's the That's
another myth. My son is the mostloving child. He he's he gave me
kisses and all that. Um, anothermyth is, autism and a
disability. Let's remove theword disability, because they
are able to do anything they puttheir mind to. They just need
(32:49):
patience and belief. That's oneof my quotes. But anything
patience and beliefs, I'm gonnaread it. I'm sure that has it
somewhere. But since he can, Ifind it, I wrote it, but I say
it so much, I kind of forgot it,but, but that's something I was
(33:11):
working to release, but Iunderstand, and because I have a
non verbal child that mostpeople like, I don't understand,
that's the wrong and anotherthing I personally dislike is
when you tell somebody you havea autistic child and they say,
I'm so sorry. What are you sorryabout? What are you sorry about?
I'm I don't understand whatyou're sorry about. That's one
(33:32):
thing that I purposely in thebeginning. I got that a lot
like, I'm so sorry. Your yourkid is autistic. What? Why are
you sorry? He's He's fine. Hehis. He just think differently
than you. He's just not thesame. And guess what? You're not
the same like me. I'm differentfrom you myself. So where are
you Why are you sorry that?That's one thing I dislike about
(33:58):
when people think of the worddisability, but my quote is,
with guidance, patience andbelief I can rise to my fullest
potential and achieve more thanI ever imagined. First, adorn
it. Now let's break down myquote. I feel like when you have
guidance, and you really guidethat person who's who's on the
spectrum, and you have to havepatience because it may take
them a little bit longer to getit they may not even have to
(34:20):
talk to information, and that'sokay, and you have to believe
that it can rise to theirfullest potential, not your
fullest potential, but theirfullest potential, they can
achieve more than you everimagined, because we sometimes
hit people with disabilitiesinvolved, and we we lead them
Here, and society is here. No,that's not inclusion. We need
(34:43):
to, we need to let them and weneed to bring them in. Another
thing, we need to teach peoplewho are not neurodiverse to love
people that's on the spectrumand love you that that that is
special needs, because weteaching our kids how to
interact, how to do social. Ornot interacting the social
setting. But what about the kidwho is not who's neurotypical?
(35:06):
Neurotypical in society standardare normal. I you would never
hear me say normal ininterviews, because I think it's
very disrespectful. That's mypersonal thing. But are we
teaching our kids that areneurotypicals how to interact
with people that are that havedisabilities. That's why my
quote is with guidance, patienceand beliefs, I can achieve more
(35:28):
than I ever imagined in allthree of these patience,
guidance and belief. But we haveto also put that into our
narrative, and we need to teachthem how to love everyone, and
especially love people, and givepeople that have disabilities
more grace, then you would givethem this miracle person,
(35:48):
because they need more grace.They need more understanding,
and you can't factor that. Thatmeans you haven't got getting
back to the word acceptance,that's why I already focus on
awareness in the beginning of myjourney, I focus on awareness
heavily five years ago, no, fouryears ago, but now I'm all about
(36:09):
acceptance and occlusion, andyou making sure your companies
are hiring autistic individuals,and especially hiring a non
speaking autistic individuals,because my son is not speaking,
and I need him to have a but Ineed him to have a job in the
future, but I know that I'mgoing to provide because
(36:30):
ultimately, you magazines isgoing to be when he get hired,
and it's and because I'm alreadydoing it, I
Angela Harris (36:38):
want to dig a little bit deeper there, because
You talked about the recentchanges and the need for work
workforce development programs.So are there specific industries
or roles where non verbalindividuals thrive?
Unknown (36:51):
So I currently know I'm working with my autistic that
and she is not speaking. She wasverbal and she regressed. She is
older. When I say, Oh, she's inher late 20s, and she was in a
process of losing her home, shecannot get a job. And the
problem is, Why can't she get ajob? She's non speaking, she's
(37:12):
needed, like to communicate. Theproblem is, for me, personally,
is why do we not have work fromhome, jobs that are non
speaking, jobs designed forpeople in the spectrum. Mm, hmm,
because they have deals justlike us, that everybody have
deals. She's in the process oflosing her own home because she
can't find a job that won't hireher. That's a problem. That's a
(37:35):
bigger issue. And what I don'tlike about the community is we
focusing on other peoples. We'refocusing on starting how to how
to use her to work. The biggerissue that we need to be pushing
is including in the in theworkforce, and making sure we
all can have jobs, that we canbe able to pay bills and take
care of our families and ourkids. And she also have autistic
kids as well. So she's on thespectrum. Her kids are on the
(37:59):
spectrum, and they're alldifferent. The specialist did.
They're all different levels,and she's trying to navigate
being them all. And she is nonspeaking. She is an AAC device
to communicate. Now, when I justthought of her phone, I
understand her. Can I even talkjust like her? That's how I know
nine out of 10 I'm autistic, cuzi It's hard people to understand
(38:19):
me, because she's not like arobot. It sounds like really
choppy, and it's really, reallybad. But I understood, I
understand it because I livethere. I live that. I talk like
that into a high schooltechnically. So it's like that.
That's why I'm big on it. Butbefore she even told me her
business, I'm I lost my voice in2022 2020 22 all my on voice No.
(38:43):
2023 I lost my voice, and I wasat work. I'll never forget my
manager at this time sent mehome because he told me that my
voice was part of my uniform. Iwould use the AFL to
communicate, and I was writingthe guess i The guest. Had no
problem. He did when He sent mehome, I customized sign
language. He understood it. Hesaid I understood that. And I
(39:06):
told I wrote down good and Iremember we even were trying
being upset and terrible. And Ithat, not that I lost that, that
that's how I lost my voice. Itwas over a week, um, I have to
grocery shop. That was, I metfor a lot of times, souls, but I
(39:27):
also didn't meet a lot of times,people all the time. But it was,
it was a series that I needed,because God did that for a
reason. I think God did that forI could walk in the shoes up to
my mouth, and it was verydifficult, and it's so funny. I
lose my voice every year aroundthe same time. Now, all the time
now, so 2023 I lose my voicearound the same time. I'm so
(39:49):
used to I lose my voice at work.My co workers be like, Oh, we
going to have a quiet day today.And I write down when I'm. Talk
this a guest, or I use ASL, Iknow a little bit of AFL. And
this year I lost my voice. I letmy manager, I like what she did
(40:10):
to say, you think you can stillwork on the front and and
communicate with the guests. Isaid, I wrote down. I said, Of
course, she said, she said,Okay. And I said, good. I wrote,
I wrote down, good, and my voicecame back in an hour that time.
But I kept trying the but it wasnothing coming out. I was taught
(40:33):
it was like it's silence. So Ihave lived as an adult with no
voice report, and it was mythroat, was it was the throat.
My throat was my pain with thethroat. It was not, it was, I
was fine. I was not sick. I justhad no voice. It happens and it
happens every year. I think, Godand I don't be sick, no voice.
(40:53):
It just, I think, God does it toremind me why I do that. I know
it's God. I lose my voice. Okay,I'm losing my voice today, but I
love I lose my voice because itgives me compassion for myself.
It gives me compassion for theautistic individual or the non
speaking individual who cannottalk. It gives me compassion
(41:14):
every time, and it resets me forwhy I do this. So I actually
love losing my voice every year,believe it or not, even though,
the first time, I was veryemotional and sad because I was
really hurt. But now it's andwhen I lose it, I'm like, Oh,
she's on my lesson, my lessoncoming today, and I'll be
(41:35):
thinking that I can so, yeah, Ieven totally guessed it. I work
in hotel. I lost my voice, like,three weeks ago, and I wrote it
down. And I wrote down why Ilove losing my voice. And she
said, That's so deep andpersonal. And I wrote down it
was my lesson for today. Wow, Ilove it. I love losing my voice.
It may sound so great to see mybusiness, but I love when I lose
(41:56):
my voice, but it put me in theshoes of my son.
Angela Harris (42:02):
He walked in so many shoes, so it enables you to
help all the people that you'reserving, because you've lived
Unknown (42:08):
it, right? I agree.
Angela Harris (42:13):
Switch gears a little bit and move into a
lightning round. So I'm going toask you a few rapid fire
questions. I'm ready. Okay, herewe go. So first question, one
thing I try to do every day is
Unknown (42:32):
find something inspirational. It can be
Instagram. It can be on myphone. I try to find something
inspirational, and I try to talkto a friend a day, if I can. I
haven't found any capacity.Yeah, yeah.
Angela Harris (42:49):
And I'm the same, like, I start my morning with
Pinterest. I have like, thisPinterest board. It probably has
like 10,000 pins. I'm alwaysscrolling for like,
inspirational messages orreading old inspirational
messages that I've acquired overthe years. I'm
Unknown (43:02):
gonna do that I love I'm taking it from you.
Angela Harris (43:06):
Take away next question. I feel most alive when
Unknown (43:14):
I feel most alive when I talk about my mission and my
purpose of pushing autism orwearing anything up for
Angela Harris (43:19):
you. Yes, yes. I mean the way you light up. I
mean, you're wearing yellowtoday, but like your face is
just like so bright when you'respeaking.
Unknown (43:28):
And this is the my brand color, believe it or not,
nice, nice.
Angela Harris (43:34):
A professional experience that shaped who I am
today was,
Unknown (43:42):
well, what are we talking about autism, or are we
talking about
Angela Harris (43:48):
thing that that shapes who you are today?
Unknown (43:53):
Professionals that can give me example, you stop. Let's
Angela Harris (43:57):
put it. It's whatever comes to mind for you.
Unknown (44:00):
So what shapes me today is me writing my book just like
you. Once I wrote that book, Iwalked into who I was meant to
be. I walked into my purpose,not knowing that I walked into
my purpose. And it's funny,because I'm realizing that more
and more every interview, I'mrealizing when I wrote just like
(44:22):
you, that was my purpose, andthat's what shapes Did you see
today? I'm so loud when it comesto this topic because I just, in
the beginning, I was just a momwho wants to normalize the
conversation around autism.
Angela Harris (44:37):
When I hear that, it go, it reminds me what you
said earlier in the interviewabout, you know, forgiveness and
that whole release and thisletting go of that trauma. So it
sounds like it just opened up somany doors for you to, you know,
releasing those emotions andputting it out there. Yes,
Unknown (44:52):
like when I wrote that book, it was for fun, it was a
hobby, and to believe that thatone book has pivoted me. Into
what you see today from speakingis me being an autism advocate,
for me being labeled an expert,which I don't like that, but I
haven't. I have finally embracedit, because I'm so knowledgeable
(45:14):
about this topic. Okay.
Angela Harris (45:18):
Next question, my go to mantra for tough times is
Unknown (45:25):
repeat it one more time. My go to mantra
Angela Harris (45:28):
for tough times is
Unknown (45:32):
to remember to breathe.
Angela Harris (45:35):
That is so important. Wonder rated was so
important,
Unknown (45:40):
remember to breathe. I haven't had it like, on my side,
like I have to remember tobreathe because in life,
everything's not going to be soamazing. That's not, that's not,
that's not like, I'm not goingthrough so tired. I have to be
like, I breathe and I have totell myself it's okay not to be
okay.
Angela Harris (46:00):
I'm just too shall pass right
when I need a quick energyboost, I
Unknown (46:13):
when I need a quick energy boost, I drink Red Bull,
or I haven't done it in lunch,so if my personal trainer is
watching this, please don't holdthe fire to me before I say
this, I will go for a ride, butI haven't done that since
November, because I've beengoing through much personally in
my life and in my business andeverything else. I haven't done
(46:36):
running. But when I'm really,really stressed, I go running.
Oh, I walk.
Angela Harris (46:44):
I'm a walker. I do both, like, just being on the
sun and, you know, just inhalingthe fresh air, just like, really
gives me an energy boost. Ithelps me clear my
Unknown (46:54):
mind, right? It's so inspiration to go walking and
running. Yeah, I, I'm out thereand I'm just, I'm just letting
my thought, please, yeah, I maygo run one in a week. I need it.
Okay,
Angela Harris (47:09):
the boldest risk I've ever taken was,
Unknown (47:12):
sorry to ask you magazine. It the boldest risk
because I already own amagazine, but this one is, I'm
celebrating the uniqueness ofpeople in the spectrum. I'm
celebrating neurotypicalindividuals. I'm celebrating
mental health. I'm celebratingsomething bigger than crystal
(47:33):
Jordans now, so comic biggerthan crystal Jordan too. But I'm
really focusing on somethingthat need, that need to be
focused on. We have a dei goingon right now, and to think that
I'm lunging around this time isamazing.
Angela Harris (47:53):
Yeah, love that. Thank
Unknown (47:55):
you. I'm doing it scared. I'm nervous. Like, I
know everybody
Angela Harris (47:59):
else scared. A lot of people won't invent it. I
feel like, you know, everythingis figurable, figurable, edible,
and we have to do it scared,because if we don't, we'll never
start
Unknown (48:09):
I'm doing it so scared, like, I own a magazine. So I
know some people just like, Oh,she started a magazine, and she
had to have a magazine. That'scompetition. No, I'm building my
portfolio a two. I'm creatingsomething directed at the
special needs community andmyself to celebrate them,
separate from that type ofpolicy. Celebrate somebody who
(48:30):
has autism, celebrate somebodywho have epilepsy, right? I'm
really pushing the calls ofeverything in one and I'm so
tired as myself, like, girl, areyou doing that first? I'm
scared. Now my content, don'thold out those kids. But I'm
scared so but I'm excited. I'mdoing this. I'm doing I'm doing
(48:50):
this, along with fear, I have mybest friend helping me, and my
best friend has been like alike,because he's helping me with the
documentary side of what I'mdoing, and it's been so it's
been, it's been amazing, but I'mnervous. I haven't talked to him
to get re to affirm me all thetime, because I'm so nervous.
Angela Harris (49:16):
I always say, if it excites you and scares you,
you're definitely on the rightpath.
Unknown (49:21):
I'm so nervous. Like, you know, it's like, when I talk
about it, I'm nervous, and thenI know my, my launch party, my,
I'm having two launch parties.I'm doing the soft launch, I'm
doing the other launch. I'mlike, I'm I have to calm myself
down, like it's happening, andwe're shooting the documentary,
part of the documentary at thehouse launch, and we also
(49:45):
shooting the doctor summerdocumentary at the launch was
too I'm like, Okay, I'm doing itspray. People, people don't see
it, but I'm talking, but I'mdoing it straight.
Angela Harris (49:57):
Wow. Last question. To me. Success means
Unknown (50:04):
to me. Success means I'm able to pay my bills and not
think about my bills and doingall the things success means to
me. I'm able to take care of mymom, my dad, my sister and
brother, and my mutual happinessmeans that I'm able to pay for
all my medical bills with noassistance from the government,
it says to me, me, I can be ableto take a trip for my multiple
(50:25):
break, just because that mindsetis me being financially stable
and also able to provide for myfamily and my son.
Angela Harris (50:38):
Very important.
Unknown (50:40):
I don't care about being famous, like, I don't care
about being known. I want mycouch to be able to provide. I
want, I want to retire my mom. Iwant my mom to be able to just
sleep and like, I want to go NewYork and I go, Okay, I already
get the trip. I want to, I wantto be that daughter and my
sister, my dad took care. Am I?Like, hey, hey, niece, me. I
(51:05):
look at your base account. Iwant to be that person. So I'm
really serving.
Angela Harris (51:11):
Yeah, you are, you are, thank you. Well,
Crystal, before we wrap up, Ihave one last question I love to
ask all my guests, and I'd loveto know, what do you like to do
when you are fearlessly leading,oh,
Unknown (51:26):
my God, you asked me a stomper question. I have to imma
answer this question, because Iapologize on the wall. In
December, me and my best partnerhad an event. The question was,
what do I do for fun? Thatquestion stopped me because I
don't think it can be fun totalk to interviews. I do. I work
in my documentary. I'm doingpublic school. I advocate. So I
(51:49):
don't I you, you just asked asimilar question to that. So I
don't have an answer. I don'thave an answer. I don't that's
my goal this year, is to kind ofanswer that question, because I
don't do anything for fun, sowhen I'm not leading, I don't, I
don't have an answer. I reallydon't. I've struggled with that.
(52:13):
I have to be honest with you,I'm struggling with that because
I when that was in December,when I was at a question and I
said, Oh my God, that's a simplequestion and I don't have an
answer. Your question was asimple question, but I don't
have an answer because I'malways leading. Yeah, I'm always
finding a way to advocate. AndI'm I realized from that one
question that I have to put onback in my life, but I don't. I
(52:36):
have to figure out how and whento do it, because my calendar is
so so so busy. My calendar is sofull. So to answer your
question, I'm not seriouslyleading. It was a hard question
for me. I'm going to say I lostTV. I want TV, or I play games
(52:56):
on my phone. I don't have alittle I don't have a struggling
answer, because I'm strugglingwith that, and if I would,
that's why I answer thatquestion from the December
piece, because I'm, I'mpersonally struggling with that,
as today, the whole thing by theend is supposed to be five. I
can't we hold that we do a parttwo interview, and I can answer
that question. So what? What
Angela Harris (53:18):
shows are you watching right now?
Unknown (53:21):
I watched wax. What's it called wise? My coworker put
me on the show because I don'twatch TV like that. One thing
like that. Why don't?Definitely, it's not really
called WAGs. It's wise orsomething I don't know. And then
I watched, I watched pop thebowl Argo tarlet Every
(53:43):
Wednesday, I watched pop thebowl with Arlene. Okay, yeah,
it's my I don't really watchrealities like that, so those
who show the clues I'll get. Andthen I also watch sisters like
Tyler Harris, sister, okay,okay, and that's, that's about
Angela Harris (54:03):
it. That's something that's like,
Unknown (54:06):
I can't even do more shows, but that's, that's it.
I'm, I'm working to, like, towork on that question. We are
doing. Alright?
Angela Harris (54:19):
Krista, well, thank you so much for sharing
your journey and all the amazingwork that you're doing. How can
our listeners stay connectedwith you?
Unknown (54:26):
Okay, so you got to listen to y'all stay connected
to me by the following.Everything is simple. You can
find me on all platforms that Iam a crystal Jordan. On any
platform, I make it very simplebecause I want y'all to be able
to Google me. If you need me toadvocate for your kids or your
family, please email me atfirstly, Jordan advocate
gmail.com, um, also youmagazine, whoever you feature,
(54:50):
hit me up. I'm looking tocollaborate with businesses, um,
non profits, anything that isaligning with my brand. I will
collab. With you, and justagain, email me. And then once
you email that email, I justsaid, for the one, if it'll be
in the description, I wouldreply back. And I'm very easy to
to connect with. It's crystal.Jordan spoke to Perth way, C, R,
(55:13):
Y, F, T, A L, and then Jordan J,O, R, D, A n, and it's put, I am
Chris Jordan, and you will beable to find me on all
platforms. I And but please bemy sometimes, I may respond,
depending on the day, if I'mbusy, I may forget. And then if
you see I did not respond,please send me a follow up,
because I don't like leavingnobody on red. I don't ignore
anybody. I'm not better thananybody. We are all equal. So
(55:37):
like I said, if you ever getinto a part like a prisoner, hit
me back. Please message me back,and I'm going to PCUs. So it
was, it just me. So I may, I mayoverlook it and I do that for
some time. That's going to bevery transparent
Angela Harris (55:53):
when you're human. Yeah, well, I'll make
sure that I include all yourcontact information in the show
notes for our listeners.
Unknown (56:02):
Oh, thank you. I really appreciate it.
Angela Harris (56:05):
And to our listeners, thanks for joining us
for today's special episode. Ifyou enjoyed this episode, please
share it with someone who needsto to hear it. Thanks for tuning
in until next time the workplaceis shifting, layoffs return to
Office, mandates and uncertaintyare leaving many professionals
questioning their next move. Ifyou're feeling stuck,
(56:27):
overwhelmed or unsure of how tonavigate these changes, coaching
can provide the clarity andstrategy you need to take your
career to the next level. At2638 management group, we
specialize in executive coachingand leadership development,
helping professionals transitionwith confidence position
(56:48):
themselves for leadership andcreate a career that aligns with
their values and goals. Theworkplace is changing, but your
success doesn't have to beuncertain. Let's strategize your
next move together. Visit 26th38 management group.com to
schedule a discovery call todayand start taking intentional
(57:11):
steps towards the next chapterin your career.
Thank you for listening to theflow podcast. As we wrap up
today's episode, always rememberyour unique path, your voice and
your leadership matter if youloved what you heard. Subscribe
(57:34):
now to stay updated on ourlatest episodes. Take a moment
to leave a review and share thisepisode with someone who can
benefit from theseconversations. You can stay
connected with me on Instagramat the flow podcast with Angela,
or visit me on the web atangelavharris.com, until next
(57:58):
time, take care. Stay inspiredand keep fearlessly leading in
your own way you.
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com