Kim Crumrine

Kim Crumrine’s success as a Leading Woman comes on the back of her grit, determination, and her gift of serving. Her path to leadership as executive director of the Royse City ISD Education Foundation was neither easy nor traditional. And yet, her story is inspiring and impactful.

“The Royse City Education Foundation is a 501(c) nonprofit whose sole purpose is to serve the district by generating and distributing resources to classrooms, students, and teachers,” said Kim. “Our priority is to fill the gaps for our classrooms so that our teachers are spending less out of their pockets.”

As a parent, Kim has served on various committees and organizations within the district since 2005. In 2012, she joined the Foundation Board, and in 2017 was appointed executive director. Yet, ironically, growing up, school was always a struggle. 

“School was not easy for me,” she admitted. “I just never really had a teacher who poured into me or saw my struggles. While serving as part of the district strategic planning committee in 2012, the focus was making students ‘future-ready’ because not all students are meant to go to college. That resonated with me because I was that person, and it always made me feel unworthy.”

Using that emotion as a springboard, Kim propelled herself as a leader who uses her position to change students’ lives every day through the Foundation.

“We truly impact thousands of students with the grants that we award within our district,” she said. “Our reach is huge, and many people aren’t even aware we exist. My goal is to raise awareness and help people understand how critical it is and how much our Foundation gives back.”

During the annual grant season, the Foundation typically awards between 30-40 grants to educators ranging from $250 up to $7,500. Educators use the grant money for things that they need to enrich the teaching experience in their classroom — anything from bilingual books to book vending machines to hydroponics and STEM resources.

“I love what I do,” said Kim. “I love being able to enrich the educational experience in the district, especially since mine wasn’t the best. If we can help one student get excited to learn, it is all worth it.”

Leading the Foundation, Kim knows she is part of something bigger. She feels that going to work is a bonus that allows her to help inspire students in ways she wishes she’d been inspired.

One of her favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein: “Everybody’s a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it’s stupid.”

“I hope no student ever feels the way I did,” said Kim. “I actually love to learn new things and I love working with people. While working for a nonprofit is not something I ever dreamed of, I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and finding my passion. I truly believe God put me in this role to use my gifts, and I’m forever grateful.”