Poyner Spruill LLP organized its first-ever firm-wide Service Week to remember the late Cheslie Kryst, who died by suicide in January 2022. Kryst served as the firm’s Diversity Advisor and she was formerly a member of the Litigation team.
Throughout the week of April 10-14, Poyner Spruill offered various volunteer activities and educated employees about mental health awareness. The firm kicked off the week with breakfasts in all offices and a presentation explaining the many mental health resources available to employees and their families. On Tuesday, the Raleigh office helped Dress for Success of the Triangle set up their new boutique in Durham. Volunteers from the Charlotte office sorted clothes at a local Dress for Success store on Wednesday, and the Rocky Mount office helped prepare and deliver meals with Meals on Wheels on Thursday. The Raleigh office had another opportunity to give back on Friday, volunteering at Note in the Pocket.
Kryst was well known for her involvement in the local community, especially through her championing of people from underrepresented backgrounds. She was very involved with Dress for Success, and Poyner Spruill was grateful to honor her memory with two opportunities to volunteer with the international non-profit.
“Cheslie was an incredible colleague, passionate advocate, and inspiration to us all,” said Managing Partner Dan Cahill. “We wanted to keep her legacy and memory alive by holding a week filled with volunteer opportunities and chances to discuss the mental health epidemic. Cheslie is greatly missed, and she will always be remembered.”
In 2022, Poyner Spruill partnered with Wake Forest University School of Law to establish the Cheslie C. Kryst Advocacy and Social Justice Law Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate a passion for the pursuit of social justice and civil rights causes after graduation. To make a gift to the Cheslie C. Kryst Advocacy and Social Justice Law Scholarship, please visit wfu.law/cheslie.
