Krystal created the PCE Institute as a way to demolish the gatekeeping of skills and methods in activist spaces, and to inspire neighbors near and far to fight for their communities. "Getting involved in your community doesn't have to be so hard," she says. "And no one should be making it harder."

15 years in nonprofits (Seattle Pride, Real Change), and even working for the state democratic party, has demonstrated the need to share effective strategies and to stop gatekeeping in its tracks.

Krystal has taught self-defense since 2013 and bystander intervention since 2015, and aims to provide practical skills for everyday life. Their experience as a consultant with #SheShouldRun preparing women for office, and serving on Burien City Council highlighted plenty of barriers to advocacy.

They founded the People's Community Empowerment Institute (PCEI) to empower individuals and communities to define and build a more just, safe, and equitable world *on their own terms*, while addressing the issue of local leaders enacting policies that target marginalized communities.