By Mayor Eric Adams,Telesha Ramnarine
Copyright stabroeknews
Krystal Astwood, a Guyanese-born educator and social entrepreneur, was recently honoured at New York City’s inaugural Excellence in Human Service Delivery Awards (EHSDA), held at Gracie Mansion and hosted by Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services. The event celebrated individuals and organisations that uplift vulnerable New Yorkers through outstanding public service and nonprofit work.
Astwood, 37, was recognised for her commitment to community service. Originally from Guyana, she attended St Rose’s High before migrating to the United States in 2004. Soon after her arrival, she began college, majoring in Economics and minoring in Mathematics.
She was uncertain of her career path at the time, but a transformative experience volunteering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina shifted her trajectory. Participating in a humanitarian mission to Louisiana, she helped rebuild homes and distribute aid to affected communities, and it was there, she recalled in an interview with Stabroek Weekend, amidst the wreckage, that she discovered she wanted to pursue human services.
Reflecting on some of the impactful moments during that experience, she recalled that while tutoring young students, she realised the depth of impact that patience, understanding, and clear communication could have on a child’s learning. In her words, helping someone truly grasp a concept or seeing the joy on a family’s face as volunteers rebuilt their home confirmed to her that this is the field she wanted to be in.
“We were working with some children at a school and were helping them with Maths, Literacy… I think in that moment is when I realised this type of support is what I want to give. Seeing how I was able to be patient… understand what this child needs to know, break down the information… I felt very successful and felt good to be able to help in that way,” Astwood expressed.
Following that experience, Astwood pursued a master’s degree in Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, building on her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Boston College. She began her career in New York City’s public schools, first as a teacher and later as a coach and administrator. Over time, her experiences and insights led her to open her own schools and launch both a small business and a nonprofit in 2021, both aimed at addressing educational inequities and supporting underserved families.
Her organisation, the Reggio Emilia Montessori Center (REMC), provides early childhood education for children aged two to six and supports communities through services related to food, clothing, and shelter. Astwood currently operates two private schools in Brooklyn under this model.
With dreams of returning to Guyana to open an early childhood education centre, she shared that a visit to Guyana two years ago to gather information for this goal was a first step toward making that a reality.
Meanwhile, the EHSDA ceremony drew leaders from across New York’s nonprofit and public sectors, with more than 100 nominations reviewed by a selection committee. Honourees included both nonprofit organisations and city employees who demonstrated excellence in customer service, innovation, operational efficiency, and community impact.
“This award is a testament to the resilience, compassion, and vision of women from Guyana who continue to shape communities far beyond our borders,” said Iman Cummings, Vice President of AMCHAM Guyana. “Krystal Astwood embodies the very best of our diaspora: service, strength, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.”
The EHSDA is part of NYC Nonprofit Week and celebrates the critical collaboration between nonprofits and city agencies. The awards shine a spotlight on individuals and organisations that advance the well-being of New Yorkers through housing, healthcare, youth programmes, legal aid, and more.
