KaSelah Crockett (she/her) serves as Georgetown University’s 2025 National Urban Fellow (NUF), focusing on social justice grantmaking, mid-strategy reviews, and special initiatives with the Vice President of Programs at the Surdna Foundation.

While at Surdna, KaSelah, a community advocate and social entrepreneur deeply dedicated to uplifting marginalized populations, will support across programs while learning how philanthropic strategy is applied to environmental and economic justice and racial equity in this evolving climate. KaSelah will enhance her ability to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact within underserved communities.

Before joining Surdna, KaSelah founded and worked as the Executive Director of Compass and Keys, a social justice nonprofit that provides full event and operational management services. Through advocacy and community action, Compass and Keys addresses the social determinants of health and economics, particularly among Black folks and other minority populations.

Her professional journey encompasses a range of roles, from teaching and social work to project management and counseling. An Oakland native, she has championed trauma-informed healing across Northern California, serving as a beacon of resilience and dedication in her field. Her expertise extends to youth development, workforce empowerment, and mentorship, reflecting her holistic community-building approach.

KaSelah is also the driving force behind KaCierge, a networking and consulting business dedicated to forging conscious connections and facilitating events that benefit the community.

KaSelah is pursuing a master’s in policy management from Georgetown University to focus on social equity. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Boise State University, focusing on social science and multi-ethnic studies, and a master’s in psychology from Argosy University, focusing on marriage and family therapy. She has served as a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Oakland Bay Area Chapter, where she played a vital role in advancing programs and initiatives that promote social, racial, and environmental justice.

When she’s not working, KaSelah, a self-proclaimed foodie, enjoys international travel, live music, concerts, and dancing.

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