Gospel fest is back for its 25th anniversary

Born at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw in 1960 to James and Janet Diebold of Vassar, Michigan, Crystal Sanders has spent a lifetime investing in her family and community. She graduated from Vassar High School in 1979 before attending Delta College for one semester. While working as a server at Zehnder's in Frankenmuth—a position she still considers the most challenging job she has ever held—she put herself through the dental assisting program at Mott Community College in Flint.

Crystal worked at Riverfront Dental Clinic in Flint from 1982 until 1986, when she and her husband, Matt, welcomed their first child, Mathew. Choosing to stay home with her growing family, she operated a licensed home daycare for 14 years while raising four children: Mathew, Stephen, Kirsten, and Dillon. As newlyweds, she and Matt began their life together in Vassar, renting her parents' home before purchasing their first, and later second, home in Birch Run.

Committed to continuing her education, Crystal returned to Delta College, earning her associate degree between 1996 and 2000 before transferring to SVSU, where she received her bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Communication in 2006. Knowing she wanted to serve others through the social services field, she soon began volunteering as a CASA with the Child Abuse and Neglect Council. It was there that Volunteer Coordinator Catherine Martinez encouraged her to apply for an open position at the Underground Railroad, where she was interviewed by Community Development Director Mary Sue Barry and offered the role of Volunteer Coordinator.

Mary Sue also introduced Crystal to Women of Colors, inviting her to an open house at the Andersen Enrichment Center. Inspired by the missions of both organizations, Crystal began her own journey of service with Women of Colors. She served as Volunteer Coordinator at the Underground Railroad part-time from 2009 to 2014 before returning in a full-time capacity in 2016. She retired from the organization in December 2025 after years of community outreach, educating the public about the Underground Railroad's mission and recruiting volunteers and interns to support its work.

When Crystal returned to the Underground Railroad in 2016, she also became a member of Women of Colors. Now in her tenth year with the organization, she has proudly served as Assistant Secretary on the Board for the past three years. Reflecting on her journey, Crystal encourages anyone looking to make a difference in the Saginaw community to consider getting involved with either the Underground Railroad or Women of Colors.