SMART & BOLD IN ACTION: CRYSTAL PENDLETON SHAHID

Profile of a Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell Alumna

When you think of the phrase Strong, Smart and Bold, one woman who personifies it with grace and excellence is Crystal Pendleton Shahid. A proud alumna of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell and a 2024 Strong, Smart & Bold Honoree, Pendleton Shahid represents the best of what the organization has nurtured for more than 70 years — empowered women who lead with confidence, compassion and courage.

 Trailblazer in Banking and Beyond

Pendleton Shahid serves as market president for Truist Financial Corp. in Columbus, a role that places her among a select group of women leading in the financial services industry.

Her appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the power of representation and the ripple effect of Girls Inc.’s mission in action.

 She joined Truist in 2021, bringing more than 18 years of experience in banking. Her career is marked by innovation, service and a deep commitment to helping commercial clients grow and succeed. As market president, she leads Truist’s efforts to strengthen communities, support local businesses and expand economic opportunity — values that align closely with the Girls Inc. motto of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

 Rooted in Community and Family

A native of Columbus, Pendleton Shahid’s leadership extends far beyond the boardroom. She is active in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Junior League of Columbus (Sustainer), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 She serves on several boards, including:

• Columbus Technical College Board of Directors, where she served as chair from 2023 to 2024.

• Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, where she is vice chair in 2024 and will serve as chair in 2025.

 Her commitment to service reflects the same spirit that Girls Inc. has instilled in thousands of young women — empowering them to lead, give back and strengthen their communities.

 Education, Excellence and Empowerment

Pendleton Shahid is a graduate of Fort Valley State Universityand Albany State University, both of which she continues to support. She is also a 2013 graduate of Leadership Georgia, where she later served as treasurer from 2017 to 2019.

 Her honors include recognition by Georgia Trend magazine as one of its “40 Under 40,” the Girl Scout Woman of Achievement Award, and the J.R. Allen Young Leader’s Award and Chairman’s Award from the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

 Family First

Pendleton Shahid is the eldest daughter of Howard and Jeanella Pendleton. She is married to Zaki Shahid, a native of Washington, D.C., and together they are the parents of two sons, Zaki Jr. (“Deuce”), 14, and Zion, 8.

She credits her faith, family and community as the foundation of her success.

 A Living Legacy of Girls Inc.

Pendleton Shahid’s journey from a young girl in Columbus to a corporate executive and community leader exemplifies the lasting impact of Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell.

 "For over seven decades, Girls Inc. has inspired generations of girls to dream big, work hard and lead boldly — just like Crystal,” said Danita Gibson Lloyd, CEO of Girls Inc. “When our girls see Crystal, they see what’s possible. She reminds us that investing in girls means investing in the future of our community.”

 Gibson Lloyd added, “Crystal Shahid epitomizes what it means to be Strong, Smart and Bold. As the president of a financial institution in our community, she represents us with great esteem. She has been a true trailblazer in financial services — breaking ceilings, opening doors and charting a path for other women and girls to follow.”

 Join Us and Fuel Her Fire

Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell invites the community to help empower the next generation of strong, smart and bold girls.

 You can give your time, talent or treasure by volunteering, mentoring or donating to reach more girls across the Chattahoochee Valley.

For more information, visit www.girlsinc-columbus.org