Nancy Cruz

Nancy Cruz, a recent UCLA graduate, double majored in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies and minored in Labor and Workplace Studies. Nancy came from working-class immigrant community. For as long as she can remember, her mother worked seven days a week to provide for her family. In working towards a better future for all, Nancy has worked with Youth Action Network, Cafe En La Calle, Collectivo Zapitista San Diego and helped found the Education Not Arms Coalition (ENAC). While at UCLA she became active in the Los Angeles labor movement, working with organizations such as the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), CLEAN Carwash Campaign, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) and Student Worker Front. Additionally, she worked at the Labor Center on development of a social justice curriculum with the goal of creating spaces of reflection and action. In the future, Nancy plans to work towards a doctoral degree in education in order to change the educational system at an institutional level through the development of curriculum that is student relevant and facilitates critical thinking. In participating in the SEJ program, she hopes to gain knowledge about the specific needs and struggles of workers in her hometown. Her hobbies include traveling, getting to know people, engaging in critical discussions and dancing.