The Exclusive Press (EP) recognizes Crystal McLean during this Black History Month as a trailblazer in financial literacy and economic empowerment in her community. The founder of Money Box Academy and Crystal Clear Consulting is a driving force when it comes to financial literacy for her community. With more than 15 years of experience in the finance industry, the Fayetteville native transformed corporate expertise into a community-centered mission.
McLean’s impact is evident through the business partnership with the City of Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, Fayetteville State University’s HUB Office, the Town of Hope Mills, and Fort Bragg’s Rick Herrema Foundation. McLean and her team also partnered with community and faith-based organizations, ensuring that financial literacy reaches individuals at every level. She had also collaborated with the Academy of Goal Achievers in Charlotte and participated in the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCOC) Conference in Asheville.
Rooted in Fayetteville yet expanding across geographical locations such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Asheville, McLean’s work operates at the powerful intersection of education and economic development. Through the organizations’ purpose-centered workshops, she and her team have supported entrepreneurs, students, municipalities, justice-involved individuals, workforce development, and community organizations in building sustainable financial futures. A highlight moment of her community partnership includes equipping more than 400 regional middle and high school students with foundational money management skills.
A defining achievement came when McLean was selected as one of five representatives nationwide, representing “The Tarheel State,” to compete in the National Minority Supplier Development Council National Pitch Competition on a live stage in Miami, Florida.
Overview of Money Box Academy and Crystal Clear Consulting
Founded in July 2024, Money Box Academy strives to deliver practical, accessible, and transformative financial education. Under the Academy’s programs: Youth Treasure Vault Program, Money Box Legacy Builders, Money Box Workshop, and Money Box Entrepreneur Vault, participants are able to gain actionable tools for budgeting, debt elimination, investing, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building.
Guided by the motto, “Feel confident, in control, and empowered financially,” the academy helps individuals break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle and build generational wealth.
Crystal Clear Consulting, established in January 2024, partners directly with municipalities, school systems, and organizations to deliver customized financial education and economic development programming tailored to the needs of the community.
Continuing the Black Excellence
McLean and her team are continuing its mission from last year while preparing to launch a new course expanding access to structured financial and economic education. Additionally, a Digital Economic Development Hub is set to debut this year, which is designed to support rural communities that lack in-house economic development resources and will serve as a turnkey model to empower small towns to implement sustainable growth strategies. Other forward momentum milestones are the company’s expansion to Maryland and partnering with Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC.
Accomplished Author
Beyond her work, McLean is also an accomplished author of two international best-selling children’s books, Harmoney & the Empty Piggybank and No No Sonny, Save That Money, which introduce financial literacy to children. She has also authored adult-centered works, 10 Strategies to Eliminate Debt Quickly and The Ultimate Love Letter: A Legacy Planning Guide.
Crystal McLean demonstrates unwavering commitment, dedication, passion, and purpose in empowering her community through financial empowerment as a entrepreneur and author; Courtesy of Crystal McLean
Legacy Builder
McLean is a woman who is fueled by her passion for serving her community through financial literacy and economic empowerment. Her commitment to providing the community with the tools to build sustainable wealth reflects both purpose and discipline. The Exclusive Press (EP) honors the Fayetteville State University graduate, recognizing her mission to advance financial empowerment. McLean’s mission embodies Black excellence by working to build a legacy that uplifts, inspires, and impacts generations to come.
Don’t forget to follow Money Box Academy, Inc. on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Additionally, readers can visit www.moneyboxacademy.org to discover more about Money Box Academy, Inc. To find out more about Crystal Clear Consulting, click the highlighted link to follow Crystal McLean on LinkedIn.
