To many, Cristal Seabrook-Delgado’s name has become synonymous with commitment, integrity, and advocacy. She has dedicated her career—and her life—to meeting others where they are to ensure they are seen, heard, and understood.
On the surface, it might seem obvious because Cristal serves as an employee support supervisor in MarketSource’s Employee Support Group (ESG). Based in Jacksonville, her team serves many roles. Not only do they handle updating team member information—such as processing promotions and management changes—but they also troubleshoot payroll questions, and handle inquiries and concerns related to COVID-19. However, Cristal also takes an active role in the success of her teammates through training, mentoring, and just listening.
“When I started at MarketSource, I quickly developed a reputation for being the ‘mom’ of the group,” Cristal says. “I was always one of the first to rally around a struggling team member and find resources to help them succeed. Sometimes that meant creating a job aid or calculator to help make the project easier; other times, it meant talking to someone about their life struggles. Nearly three years later, not much has changed—my team knows I remain invested in them. I believe in manifesting futures, so I approach each person as if they are already in the place they want to be (career or life), and I just want to give them the tools to stay there and build on what they’ve learned.”
It’s no wonder she has already been promoted twice in such a short time. Cristal explains that, while it’s not her job to “make” each person overcome their concerns or conquer their goals, she enjoys being on the sidelines of that journey and cheering them all the way to the finish line…which makes sense that the most rewarding part to her is seeing others get promoted. “I get even more joy from that than I get from my own achievements,” she says. “When they reach a milestone, I feel like I get to share in their joy, too.”
She not only has invested in her team but the entire office. She’s played a significant role in fostering the positive environment the Jacksonville office has cultivated over the last few years since it opened. She builds relationships with our fellow Allegis Group operating companies and has worked with them to organize, host, and attend a vast number of events over the past year.
As a MarketSource Resource Group member, she works hand-in-hand with the Diversity & Inclusion team to plan various heritage months and awareness activities. In tandem with our Social Activity Committee, she helps plan holiday events, interactive games, and food drives.
Cristal explains, “I’ve made it my mission to bring light into the lives of others. At this juncture in my life, there is no bigger accomplishment than being present, willing, and able.”
“When I first started at MarketSource, I was enamored by the culture and dedication of the people that opened [the Jacksonville] office,” she continued. “From then on, I was committed to that culture—whether it’s talking through issues or arranging welcome baskets for new team members, it’s important to maintain the environment that so many of us enjoy. I love where I work, I enjoy the people I work with and I appreciate that our culture encourages us to uplift others as much as we want to be uplifted.”
As for her advice on how to begin advocating for others? She says to stop overthinking it. All you have to do is have someone else’s best interest in mind. Perhaps speak to the person you see every day, but have never talked to before.
“To me, every day is a gift. When I forget all I’ve accomplished and can only see all the work I still have left to do, there are people who remind me of everything I’ve forgotten; who remind me of the glistening crown I wear on a daily basis and they adjust it when necessary. And the best way for me to honor their gifts is to pass it on…wave my crown and use its shine to guide someone else to the light.”