Cruz employs her expertise in research, policy analysis and implementation, and managing education initiatives in her role at Public Agenda. She also has a wealth of experience in all aspects of a project life cycle, such as project management, community and partner engagement, and survey development and analysis.
Cruz previously served as a Senior Research Analyst for the NYC Department of Education, where she developed and managed enormous data dashboards for the district, conceptualized and implemented strategies to support students and families during COVID-related school shutdowns, led anti-racist efforts following increased violence against Asian, Black, and Jewish Americans and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020. She has also held roles at the Education Development Center (EDC) and the NYU Child & Family Policy Center.
Originally from North Carolina, Cruz earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Winston-Salem State University and her master’s degree in human development and social intervention from the New York University.