Crystal Chea
This May, for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we’re proud to share stories of accomplished and powerful members of the AAPI community here at HelloFresh. Meet our Director of Logistics Operations, Crystal Chea.
Crystal is one of those lucky individuals whose work and passion go hand-in-hand. At HelloFresh, she merges her engineering expertise with her profound enthusiasm for fostering workplace efficiency and equity. She recently served as Co-Chair of our Women Inclusion Network (WIN) and now serves as our Community Pillar lead in our Asians Mobilizing for Progress (AMP) employee resource groups. In both instances, she’s contributed to creating a more inclusive working environment. Crystal’s example inspires us to strive for a fulfilling career that aligns with our interests and values.
“I think equality and equity are crucial for a company because it’s how they are able to be successful,” Crystal says. “You have to care about your people, make sure that they are supported and are set on the right path to success.”
Crystal’s mother is from Canton, China (now called Guangzhou), and was the oldest of 8 children. Her family immigrated to the Solomon Islands and eventually ended up in Australia. Later, she was able to find relatives who sponsored her to come to the US. Her father’s family is from Guangdong, China and immigrated to the US to escape the depression where there wasn’t enough food to live. Together, her grandparents eventually opened a restaurant in the US.
Growing up, Crystal was inspired by her parents’ passion to create better lives for themselves. While studying at California Polytechnic University, Crystal began working towards a degree in Industrial Engineering, a field that fulfilled her by combining technical skills and a strong commitment to improving other people’s lives. During her studies, Crystal developed a passion for the food industry, which not only was driven by her love for food but also her deep appreciation for its essential role in our lives. She was fascinated by the intricate journey food takes from farm to table.
Crystal’s mom (left), Crystal, paternal grandmother, sister, and dad at a banquet for the Lunar New Year.
After graduating, Crystal sought out opportunities within the food startup scene. She joined the Starbucks Roasting Plant, before moving to HelloFresh in 2015, where she began her tenure as a Production Manager.
At the time, HelloFresh was still in its early stages and Crystal helped her teams navigate the challenges and opportunities a start-up presents. As the company grew, she honed her problem-solving skills, working to standardize practices across HelloFresh operational sites. When COVID-19 hit, her experiences allowed her to quickly build a robust Logistics team to expand operations and meet the company’s unprecedented demand.
After developing a strong bond with her team during the pandemic, Crystal sought to extend her impact beyond her immediate colleagues. She became actively involved in the Women Inclusion Network (WIN), recognizing the importance of fostering connections with colleagues across the company, particularly in the male-dominated STEM field. Her dedication to promoting workplace equity and inclusivity inspired others to join her in creating a supportive community.
In addition to WIN, Crystal became engaged with Asians Mobilizing for Progress (AMP) and collaborated with FreshPride, truly showcasing the intersectionality of her identity. This AAPI Heritage Month, Crystal and HelloFresh are proud to highlight the rich cultural diversity within its workforce through a myriad of events and initiatives, including consulting on AAPI product offerings, organizing happy hours, hosting cooking classes, developing allyship events, supporting local AAPI businesses, and volunteering within the AAPI community. AMP honors the contributions of the AAPI community while challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
HelloFresh’s commitment to diversity extends to its offerings, with partnerships from AAPI-owned brands and a diverse recipe catalog that showcases the vibrant cuisines of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Together, these efforts reflect HelloFresh’s dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.
To learn more about AMP, continue reading here.
