Her Story
About Crystal
Crystal Calvillo is the Manager of Venue Technology for the Los Angeles Stadium supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where she oversees one of the most technically demanding sporting environments in the world. Since entering the technology field in 2012 as a product support analyst, she has spent more than a decade building a career that spans financial services, stadium operations, and international sports and entertainment. Her path took her from managing auto and mortgage loan technology as an IT project manager to serving at SoFi Stadium during its opening years, before ultimately joining FIFA's global technology team. In her current role, Crystal coordinates a wide range of systems and teams, including help desk services, networking and cabling infrastructure, Wi-Fi connectivity, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology, and goal-line systems, working closely with counterparts across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Zurich to deliver flawless match-day experiences on one of sport's biggest global stages.
Crystal holds an MBA in Project Management from Mount Saint Mary's University, a Master of Public Art Studies from the University of Southern California, and a bachelor's degree in Education. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® through the Project Management Institute and remains an active member of both the PMI Los Angeles Chapter and WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Los Angeles, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and community within the industry. Her academic and professional foundation, paired with hands-on leadership across high-stakes, large-scale events, has positioned her as a trusted authority in venue technology management.
Beyond her technical expertise, Crystal is deeply motivated by mentorship and representation, particularly for women pursuing careers in technology and sports. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman who has spent over two decades raising her son as a single mother, she views her achievements, especially serving as Venue Technology Manager during the opening FIFA World Cup match in Los Angeles, as a testament to perseverance and the power of strong mentorship. Crystal credits the women leaders who championed her throughout her career with giving her the confidence to break barriers in male-dominated industries, and she now works to pay that support forward by encouraging the next generation of women to lead with confidence, silence their imposter syndrome, and pursue opportunities without hesitation.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, resilience, and the strong mentorship I received throughout my career. Several influential women in technology believed in my abilities and opened doors for me when I needed them most. I also credit my strong work ethic, continuous drive to keep learning, adaptability, and the confidence I've built in leading complex technical operations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received has come less as a single statement and more through the example set by the women leaders in technology who shaped my career. They encouraged my growth, pushed me to pursue leadership opportunities I might not have chosen for myself, and showed me that success was possible in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. Their guidance gave me the confidence to keep advancing into increasingly complex leadership roles.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not ever think that you do not belong there. Those doors opened because you were capable. Imposter syndrome is a scam. I encourage young women to overcome that self-doubt and confidently pursue leadership opportunities, even in industries that have traditionally been dominated by men. Never underestimate your abilities, and don't hesitate to speak up and lead. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman working in technology and professional sports, I hope my journey shows that barriers can be broken, and I want future generations to pursue the careers they're passionate about without fear or self-doubt.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in sports technology today is the increasing complexity and scale of the technology required to support global sporting events. Ensuring reliable connectivity, security, and coordination across so many technical systems demands constant innovation and collaboration. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity for women and diverse leaders to continue entering technology and sports, bringing fresh perspectives, stronger collaboration, and innovative solutions to a field that is still evolving.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Leadership, teamwork, integrity, resilience, accountability, and service to others are the values that matter most to me. I believe great leaders build strong teams by supporting and trusting the people around them, and I try to prioritize work-life balance whenever possible, encouraging my team to rest and care for themselves despite the demanding nature of international sporting events. Personally, my family remains one of my greatest motivations, and I strive to model perseverance and determination for the generations that come after me.
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