Meet Crystal Forni, a familiar face in New Mexico communities and now Pattern Energy’s Community Engagement Coordinator for New Mexico. After supporting SunZia as a Project Administrator during construction, Crystal stepped into her new role at the start of the year, focused on strengthening relationships and deepening Pattern’s connection to the communities where we work. For Crystal, success is about more than projects. It is about people, partnerships, and leaving a positive footprint across New Mexico.
Building Relationships That Last
In her new role, Crystal serves as a community liaison between Pattern and local stakeholders. She helps develop and support community events, coordinates SunZia’s community giving efforts in New Mexico, and works to ensure Pattern shows up as a reliable, long-term partner.
As SunZia transitions into operations, Crystal is helping continue relationships with organizations Pattern has supported throughout construction while also identifying new opportunities to give back. She is also looking ahead to future projects, building connections early with chambers of commerce, local groups, and community leaders.
“We want people to know we are here to build relationships, not just build projects,” Crystal says. “It is important that we leave a good footprint in the communities we are part of.”
Creating Pathways for Local Workers
Workforce development is another major focus of Crystal’s work. With many energy projects located in rural areas, she is helping Pattern partner with schools and organizations across New Mexico to spark interest in energy careers and create pathways for local students.
From middle and high schools to colleges like Luna Community College and New Mexico Tech, Crystal is exploring ways to connect students with training, hands-on learning, and future job opportunities. She also supports partnerships with organizations such as the Clean Power Institute and Explora to help introduce younger students to science and technical careers.
“These jobs are right here in our communities,” she says. “We want local families to know the opportunities exist and help build the workforce so more New Mexicans can fill these roles in the future.”
Rooted in New Mexico Values
Born and raised in Moriarty, Crystal graduated from Moriarty High School and still calls the area home. Her family’s deep roots in New Mexico shaped her strong sense of community and service.
“We are a close-knit family, and everyone steps up when someone is in need,” she says. “Now I get to do that on a bigger scale through my work.”
Before joining Pattern, Crystal did not fully realize the extent of the company’s community giving and engagement efforts. Learning more about that commitment made the role a natural fit for her personally.
“I have always loved being involved and giving back,” she explains. “This job fits my lifestyle and who I am, not just in Torrance County but across New Mexico.”
Rodeo Roots with a Community Spirit
Outside of work, Crystal’s life revolves around family, horses, and the rodeo arena. She and her family are deeply involved in the rodeo community, with her daughters Cadence, a junior, and Fallon, a freshman, both active in rodeo and school activities. Cadence also plays in her high school band, and Fallon is on the volleyball team, both at Moriarty High School.
Crystal spends her time announcing at local rodeos and events and supports youth programs like 4H. She also helps train horses and stays closely connected to the agricultural and ranching communities that are such an important part of New Mexico life.
Whether she is organizing a community event, building partnerships for workforce development, or announcing at a local rodeo, Crystal brings the same commitment to showing up and supporting the people around her.
From strengthening community ties at SunZia to championing opportunities for local students and families, Crystal reflects the heart of what it means to be part of the People of Pattern.
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