Her Story
About Crystal
Crystal Ferguson is a Senior Manager of Data Privacy at Virgin Voyages, based in Tampa, Florida, where she oversees the structure, development, and assurance of the company's privacy program. With over a decade of experience in the field, Ferguson began her career in insurance and compliance before transitioning into data privacy in 2018, drawn to the discipline by the emergence of GDPR. Her background includes building a privacy program from the ground up during a corporate merger at Paramount, along with prior roles at ViacomCBS, Schellman & Company, and Catalina USA, where she developed deep expertise in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and privacy auditing.
Ferguson holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Communication from the University of Kansas and a master's degree in Critical Incident Management from Saint Leo University. She is a certified privacy professional through the IAPP, holding both CIPP/E and CIPM credentials, and was recognized early in her career as an IAPP Young Privacy Professional in 2020. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ferguson is deeply committed to community service, serving as a Board Secretary for Children of Uganda and taking part in a mission trip to the country. She also volunteers with the American Red Cross Hurricane Dorian Support Team and Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and walking with her family, often seeking out ways to make a meaningful impact wherever she goes. Grounded in the values of trust, family, and hard work, Ferguson credits her upbringing and the unwavering support of her husband as the foundation of her success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from the way I was raised and the family I continue to lean on today. My parents modeled a strong work ethic, and as the oldest of three, I learned early on what it meant to lead by example. I also credit my husband, whose support has been invaluable throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
No matter what level you're at in your career, optics matter. How you carry and present yourself in a room makes an impression, so I always try to network intentionally and make it a point to give back to others along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Data privacy offers an incredible amount of opportunity, and I encourage anyone entering the field to stay committed to continuous learning. Attending industry events and seminars is one of the best ways to grow, build connections, and stay ahead in a field that never stops evolving.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Data privacy is a field that is constantly expanding, with laws and regulations evolving on an ongoing basis. Staying current with these changes is both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity, since it demands continuous learning and adaptability.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust, family, and spirituality guide everything I do, both professionally and personally. I hold myself to a strong work ethic, stay true to who I am, and make it a priority to keep investing in my own growth.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.