A lawyer by day and a social advocate by night, Renita Sophia Crasta is determined to find solutions to issues facing women, seniors, low‑income families and migrant workers
Renita Sophia Crasta is a woman of many hats. By day, she is the head of legal for TGR Real Estate. Once she clocks out, she oscillates among her leadership roles in non‑governmental organisations, women’s and self‑help groups, and platforms that support the elderly and migrant workers.
Her roll call of responsibilities is impressive, to say the least. She is the co-president of the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, a network of in-house lawyers across companies, statutory boards and charities; a board member of Women in Sustainability and Environment; a founding member of the Young Women Leadership Connection’s Alumni Chapter; and an audit and risk committee member of Daughters of Tomorrow and Girl Guides Singapore. She also co-founded the Covid-19 Migrant Support Coalition and Love Our Seniors SG, which were started to support migrant workers and isolated seniors respectively during the pandemic.
Then there are her contributions to the Eurasian Association (she is of Portuguese and Indian heritage) as a member of the Family Support Services Committee and the Legal Advisory Panel, the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) Women’s Committee, as well as her pro bono work for the SCCA and legal clinics in the heartlands. The latter benefits low‑income families.
“I don’t go to the legal clinics every week, but when I do go and listen to the stories, I realise I can help someone, it makes such a difference,” Crasta says. “It changes the rest of your week and you get to hear very real issues on the ground.”
Crasta, who cut her teeth at law firm Allen & Gledhill before transitioning to the corporate world, says her parents set her on the path of volunteerism and advocacy. By contributing her time and expertise to help the marginalised, she finds meaning and purpose in advocating for issues such as migrant workers’ rights, and building a community of like‑minded individuals. She shares more about her journey in and outside law in her own words.
If I think of a solution, I feel like I should do something about it, rather than just talk about it.
My parents were the ones who set the example. When I was young, I saw them serve in church, so the spirit of helping others through tangible action has always been something I’ve observed. When I see an issue, I immediately think, “Oh, what can I do?” If I think of a solution, I feel like I should do something about it, rather than just talk about it.
A defining moment for me was when my dad passed away in 2011. He was healthy all along until he was suddenly diagnosed with stage four duodenal cancer. He passed away within eight months of the diagnosis. In the last two months, I took time off work to spend with him and my family. It made me reflect on what life is really about, what’s meaningful and important to me.
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I’m grateful for the awards I’ve received. But half the time, I wish they were not given in such a visible way. I don’t want to be known for the awards. I just want to do the work. I want to get better outcomes. For women, it can work against us. People may start to doubt your loyalties. Of course, if people trust and appreciate me from knowing who I am, that’s a benefit.
For those who want to make a difference in their communities, start by getting involved. Keep things sustainable and don’t be daunted by them. It’s important to also deconflict and understand where the gaps are before you embark on something. And surround yourself with a good community and team as well as peer support.
Politics will definitely give a bigger platform to anyone and any cause. But I like to believe that we can do significant work from wherever we are, and sometimes, just in different ways. Similar to my in‑house legal role, we may be behind the scenes, but we can achieve incredible impact.