Crystal Roskom
Crystal Roskom is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and administrative professional dedicated to creating spaces that support emotional wellness and community connection. She currently works with ElevateMN, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization focused on promoting mental health through nature-based experiences and community engagement. In her role, Crystal helps plan and coordinate events such as the Elevated Escape Retreat, a three-day all-inclusive camping experience featuring workshops, team-building exercises, mental health hikes, and foraging activities. She also helps organize the Mental Health Reset in Taylors Falls, an outdoor program designed to encourage people to step away from daily stress, connect with others, and spend time in nature. Alongside her nonprofit work, Crystal is the founder of Creative Minds, a splatter paint studio designed to help people release stress through creative expression. The studio offers a unique experience similar to a rage room but with paint, allowing participants to channel their emotions onto a canvas in a fun and therapeutic environment. Clients select their favorite music, and sessions take place under black lights with a spin table and personalized playlists, creating an immersive and energetic atmosphere. At the end of each session, participants leave with their own canvas—a physical reminder of the moment they let go and expressed themselves freely. An artist at heart, Crystal has long used creativity as a way to process emotions and navigate life’s challenges. Her work with both ElevateMN and Creative Minds reflects her belief that healing and self-expression can take many forms, whether through art, nature, or shared experiences. By blending creativity, community, and mental health advocacy, she continues to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to reconnect with themselves and find healthy ways to release stress and emotion.
• Anthem College-Phoenix Associate of Science - AS, Business Administration and Management
• Smile Award from PepsiCo for going above and beyond
• 2024
• Spot On Award from Integrion with $200 gift card and world recognition
• 2023
• YWCA Cover Magazine Feature for toy collection and community impact
• Elevate MN toy drive recognition for collecting 475 toys across metro and state
• Donated almost 100 toys to YWCA
• 5K walks for planting trees in the community
• Toy collection drive collecting 475 toys across metro and state for nonprofit organizations
• YWCA support and donations
What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from resilience and an unwavering refusal to give up. Even on the days when quitting feels tempting, something in me won’t allow it—because I know I’m meant for more, and I want to keep showing up for the people I can help. That drive has carried me forward, but I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who shaped my journey.
Betty Peterson has been a guiding force, especially with the Art Bar. She taught me how to slow down, breathe, trust my process, and—quite literally—color inside the lines. Justin Toomey has also been a powerful mentor, offering support and perspective when I needed it most. Having people like them in my corner has reminded me of my worth and reinforced my belief in my vision.
I’ve learned that success isn’t just about pushing forward; it’s about using what you’ve learned along the way. My daily practices keep me grounded: I give myself an hour each day to process my emotions, and I do my “gratefuls”—one thing I could have done better, one thing I did well, and three things I’m grateful for. That ritual keeps me centered and focused on what matters most to me: helping others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe one of the most important things anyone can have is a strong support system. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage you, challenge you, and stand beside you during both the highs and the lows makes a tremendous difference. Just as important is knowing your worth and believing in your vision. When you trust in what you’re building and who you are, it becomes much easier to stay focused and continue moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
I also think it’s essential to apply what you’ve learned along the way. Every experience—whether positive or challenging—offers lessons that can help guide future decisions. Growth comes from taking those lessons seriously and allowing them to shape how you approach opportunities, relationships, and goals.
Most importantly, remember that success rarely happens alone. It truly takes a village. Building a supportive network and leaning on others when needed is not a weakness—it’s a strength. At the same time, staying curious and committed to lifelong learning allows you to keep evolving, adapting, and expanding your perspective as both a professional and a person.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Resilience and adaptability are powerful on their own, but when they work together, they create a kind of inner momentum that’s hard to stop. Resilience gives me the strength to withstand setbacks, disappointments, or unexpected challenges, while my quick adaptability allows me to adjust my approach, rethink their strategy, and evolve with changing circumstances. Combined, these values turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Anyone who endures difficulty and pivots when needed doesn’t just survive tough moments—we learn from them, rise above them, and often come back even stronger.