July 2025 Volunteer Spotlight – Krystyl Jenkins, ACP, PHR, CFM

Krystyl Jenkins, ACP, PHR, CFM, is a dedicated member of NALA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee who brings passion and dedication to everything she does. Krystyl’s professional journey is as impressive as it is inspiring. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in equine science and paralegal studies and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She is an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®), a Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), and a Certified Family Mediator (CFM).

Krystyl serves at the New Hampshire Department of Safety and The Mediation Solution. She has been a trained mediator since 2020 and has volunteered with the New Hampshire Commission on Human Rights since 2021.

Her path to volunteering with NALA began unexpectedly.

“I was ultimately talked into it,” she shared playfully, “and I have appreciated and enjoyed the connection I found within NALA and the Committee.”

That connection has deepened over time as she has assisted with research for the DEI Committee and has written several articles to highlight the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Krystyl emphasized the importance of the DEI Committee’s work.

“DEI is integral to the growth of NALA and the paralegal profession,” she asserted. “The DEI Committee not only goes out of our way to educate, but to celebrate the uniqueness of the paralegals in this profession.”

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering with NALA, Krystyl highlighted the camaraderie and connections. One of her favorite NALA memories is sitting down in person with fellow Committee members at the DEI Roundtable during the 2024 conference in Kentucky.

Krystyl’s journey to earning her NALA certification is a testament to her determination and grit. She was also inspired by her mom, who became a CP^® on her second try.

“After I graduated with my paralegal degree, I got a job as a receptionist in a law firm,” she recalled. “I was back and forth on whether I was going to take the certification exam. I ended up convincing my boss to reimburse me if I passed. Fast forward one year, I scheduled my exam and passed.”

In addition to being a Certified Paralegal, Krystyl has been a NALA member for over 15 years.

“I love everything about being a NALA member: the connections, the professional development, and of course, the annual conference,” she gushed.

Her advice to other members is to join a committee.

“It took me way too long to get involved,” she admitted. “I wish I’d done it sooner.”

Outside of work, Krystyl stays busy as a devoted mom to her 14-year-old son, confessing that raising a teenager takes a considerable amount of effort.

Krystyl discovered her role model, Maya Angelou, when she read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in high school. She was fascinated by Maya’s persistence, adaptability, and grace under pressure. Her favorite quote comes from that book:

“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.”

NALA is fortunate to benefit from Krystyl’s commitment to equity, growth, and connection. Together, we continue to foster an inclusive, dynamic community where every paralegal can thrive.