FOUNDER

Krystle Edwards

Krystle Edwards, South Sound Business Magazine’s 2019 “Top 40 Under 40”, is a visionary supporter of female forward businesses that distinguishes Tacoma as a mecca of grit, creativity, and progressive ideas. She brings formal education in developmental psychology and human biology and her leadership experience to the creation of Grit City Women. In addition, Krystle is the entrepreneur, founder, and president of Liz Rocks; a non-profit organization which provides opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in mountain activities. Under her leadership, Liz Rocks raised significant funds to build a permanent rock climbing wall and provide youth scholarships. Liz Rocks was awarded the Best Community Organization of 2015 by the Greater Metro Parks Foundation. The Liz Rocks wall, broke ground in 2023 and will provide a safe space for youth to reach new peaks in the new Pearl Street Family YMCA.

As an avid outdoors person, Krystle has summited Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams and Mt. Saint Helens. She is also a world traveler, having visited 23 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. As a writer, Krystle has been published in an academic case studies textbook and a scientific journal. Krystle served as the vice-chair of the Community Police Advisory Committee in Tacoma for four years where she worked with city officials/staff, the Tacoma Police Department, and community leaders on myriad issues. In addition, she was invited by Tacoma’s Mayor Victoria Woodards to be a core team member of Mayor Woodards’ Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Krystle served 12 years federally, promoting to a Radiological Controls Branch Head at an accelerated rate in a military industrial male dominated industry. She was a co-lead of the Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERO) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where she was recognized as a 2020 Employee of the Year. In 2023 Krystle joined a community of executive women in the South Sound area as a mentor for the Milgard Women’s Initiative (MWI) where she provides mentorship to Tacoma Milgard School of Business graduate students. She was awarded the 2023 Women in Leadership Award by the Junior League of Tacoma. Recently, Krystle has changed career paths to serve as a Certified Change Management Practitioner for the Department of Health’s implementation of the Washington State 988 Behavioral Health Crises Response and Suicide Prevention System.

How it all started-my WHY

In 2015, the sudden loss of Liz shattered the trajectory I thought I was on—and ignited the one I was meant to lead. That moment didn’t just change me. It built me. What came next wasn’t just healing. It was blueprinting. Grit City Women was founded out of a deep desire to create a supportive community for women in our area. The inception of this initiative stemmed from my own experiences—struggles, achievements, and the powerful stories shared among women. It became clear to me that a platform was needed, one that not only celebrates women's journeys but also fosters connections and encouragement.

The pandemic certainly posed challenges, particularly with the construction of the Liz Rocks climbing wall, which encountered significant delays due to COVID-19. However, in true resilient spirit, Liz Rocks adapted by collaborating with the YMCA on a new location. This partnership has led to promising developments, with the climbing wall now under construction, ensuring that our community continues to have access to climbing programs and opportunities for growth.

While Grit City Women events and memberships paused during lockdowns, my commitment to uplifting women persists through professional development coaching services and our podcast, Gritty is the New Pretty. The podcast provides a free and accessible space where inspiring conversations can continue, highlighting the strength and grit of women from all walks of life. My "why" remains the same: to empower, inspire, and celebrate women in our community.