On National Working Moms Day, We Celebrate a Woman Who Shows What is Possible: Crystal Duffield’s Story 

Every March 12th, National Working Moms Day offers a moment to pause and honor the millions of women who show up, fully and fearlessly, in two of the most demanding roles imaginable: parent and professional. At Bryant & Stratton College, we are proud to celebrate one of our own who embodies both with remarkable dedication. Crystal Duffield is an alumna, an adjunct professor, and the Director of Community Partnership and Engagement; but perhaps most importantly, she is living proof that the goals you carry as a working mother are worth every sacrifice it takes to reach them. 

A Friend’s Recommendation and a Life-Changing Decision 

Crystal’s path to Bryant & Stratton College began the way many great things do, through the encouragement of a trusted friend. Her colleague Connie Smith, who she worked alongside at Cleveland Hopkins Airport for the City of Cleveland, spoke warmly about the college and how welcoming and supportive the community was. That conversation planted a seed. 

At the time, Crystal was working as a Maintenance Supervisor and believed she would build her entire career at the airport. She enrolled with that future in mind, selecting an AAS in Business as her starting point. But Crystal was never the kind of person to stop at good enough. She recognized that human resource knowledge was also valuable, so she added her AAS in Human Resource Specialist. Then, understanding the long-term value of strong leadership skills, she pursued a BBA in General Management. By 2019, Crystal had earned not one, not two, but three degrees from B&SC, a true testament to her foresight and determination to keep every door of opportunity open. 

Six Kids, One Dream, Zero Excuses 

To better understand Crystal’s achievement, you have to understand the full picture. While completing her degrees, Crystal was a full-time employee and the mother of six children, five of whom were still at home. She attended classes across three Bryant & Stratton campuses: Parma, Eastlake (since relocated to Solon), and Cleveland Downtown campuses. Crystal made it work through sheer will, strategic thinking, and a support system she is quick to credit. 

“I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system,” Crystal reflected. “My mom and my mother-in-law were extremely helpful with the kids, which made a huge difference.” But support from family was only part of the equation. Crystal developed a personal rhythm by using every spare minute on campus to complete assignments, creating weekly routines with dedicated study times, and keeping the finish line firmly in her mind whenever the road felt long. 

She also found an unexpected source of motivation right at home: her children. “I involved my kids in homework time,” she said. “Your kids truly are your biggest fans and cheerleaders.” Crystal’s academic journey became a family journey and one her family shared even more directly when her husband and daughter enrolled at B&SC alongside her. 

The Faculty Who Lit the Way 

Ask Crystal about her time as a student, and she will tell you about the people. Faculty member Kathy Saxton stands out in particular as someone who continually inspired Crystal to push herself further, both personally and professionally. But Crystal is clear that the impact extended far beyond one person. The collective encouragement of faculty and staff played a profound role in shaping not just her education, but her entire worldview. 

“Throughout my time as a student, they never let me down,” Crystal said. “Their encouragement, dedication, and genuine support are a big part of why I chose to pursue a career in higher education. The impact they had on my life made me want to help create that same kind of experience for others.” 

From Graduate to Guide: Crystal Comes Back to Give Back 

In November 2020, Crystal started working at Bryant & Stratton College. Today, she serves as both an Adjunct Professor and the Director of Community Partnership and Engagement. The student who once needed guidance is now the one providing it. 

Crystal’s educational journey is far from over. In November 2025, she earned her Master’s in Higher Education. Just two months later, in January 2026, she began her Doctorate in Business. She is now pursuing the highest level of academic achievement and still modeling for her students and her children what it looks like to never stop growing. 

Her Message to Working Moms Everywhere 

If you are a working mother on the fence about going back to school, or in the middle of your journey and wondering if you can make it, Crystal has words for you from someone who has been exactly where you are: 

“Do it for yourself in the way that sets you up for success. If that means going part-time, go part-time. If that means taking a semester off, that is okay too. The most important thing is to never give up on yourself.” 

She also extends an open invitation: “If you ever feel like the finish line is hard to see, talk to someone at the college or even call me. I am always happy to give a pep talk. Sometimes we just need someone to remind us why we started the journey in the first place.” 

A Legacy Built One Student at a Time 

On this National Working Moms Day, Bryant & Stratton College honors Crystal Duffield not just for what she has accomplished, but for what she represents: the idea that education is not reserved for a particular stage of life, a particular family size, or a particular set of circumstances. It is available to anyone willing to pursue it. 

Crystal is a graduate, a professor, a director, a doctoral student, a wife, and a mother of six. She is also, in every sense of the word, one of us, a Bryant & Stratton College alumna who came here looking for a better future and found the tools and the people to build it. Now she passes those same tools to every student who walks through the door. We’re so proud of you, Crystal!