Our Mission and Goals

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Cristal Robinson, JD/MBA (they/them) is an experienced attorney licensed in North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, D.C., with a focus on civil rights, disability law, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various sectors. Her legal career spans across multiple courts and involves working with hundreds of clients. She is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a prestigious distinction limited to the top 1% of lawyers in each jurisdiction.

In addition to her legal practice, Cristal is deeply involved in social advocacy, including work with LGBTQ+ and disability rights organizations. She is the founding president of Union County Pride, Inc., a co-chair of the SOGI Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association, and a board member for several organizations such as the National Organization for Women’s Charlotte chapter.

Robinson’s legal firm, Robinson Law, is focused on disability and civil rights cases, with particular emphasis on advocating for neurodivergent and marginalized communities. She has been a strong advocate for DEI efforts in education, employment, and business ownership, drawing from her background in finance, business, and education.

Apart from her legal work, Cristal has a background in education and business leadership, having taught political science and designed financial education oprograms. Her community leadership extends to volunteer positions with Legal Aid and several non-profits across Texas and North Carolina.

Monica King (she/her) is a Certified Family Life Educator, a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner, and a Certified Family Peer Specialist (also known as a Family Partner). She has 20 years of experience in social services roles that involve supporting, educating, and advocating for individuals and families in need. Monica has earned master's degrees in education and human services, a post-graduate certificate in university teaching, and a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies. She is currently a university instructor, teaching courses in human development and family studies and mentoring students who aspire to do work that improves the lives of youth and families.

Joshua Jernigan is a prominent transgender and queer rights activist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is deeply involved in advocating for transgender and gender-diverse youth, particularly through his founding of the Gender Education Network (GEN), which supports children under the age of 12. His efforts aim to create safer, more inclusive spaces for these young individuals and their families.

Jernigan's background includes a strong focus on education. He has taught a wide range of subjects, including sign language, racial and gender identities, and queer history. He is committed to promoting accurate and inclusive historical education, particularly around marginalized communities. Additionally, he is an author and media producer, having co-founded Wild Pride Productions, which is dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories.

Jernigan is also known for his advocacy in the homeschool community, working to ensure that inclusive and LGBTQ+-affirming environments are prioritized in homeschooling spaces. His work highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for all children, especially those from marginalized groups.