Natalie Love Cruz

Natalie Love Cruz has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries. Natalie Love is currently working as a Community & Volunteer Program Manager at Riverdale Neighborhood House since May 2023. Prior to this, Natalie was the Leadership Co-Chair at North American Food Systems Network (NAFSN) where they facilitated meetings, oversaw governance and operations, and ensured fulfillment of organizational responsibilities.

In 2022, Natalie worked as a Food Writing Fellow at Substack, where they received a grant award, participated in mentorship programs, and had access to writing services. Natalie Love also served as a Sustainable Food Systems Educator at Hope Leadership Academy in 2021, developing curricula focused on decolonization of food systems and incorporating multicultural learning approaches.

Furthermore, Natalie worked as a Guest Lecturer at the University of Florida in 2020, creating a digital course pack and mentoring students. From 2017 to 2020, they were the Food 4 Life Program Manager at Lantern Community, managing and facilitating a culinary education program for young adults who aged out of foster care.

Between 2012 and 2017, Natalie founded and served as CEO of Coolinary Kitchen, a company that taught children how to cook healthy meals and offered wellness services to adult clients. Prior to this, they worked as the Admissions Assistant of Early Childhood Division at The Dwight School and Co-Head Teacher and Early Childhood Series Coordinator at St. John's Episcopal Preschool. Additionally, Natalie gained experience as a Development Apprentice at The Studio Theatre, where they managed finances, wrote acknowledgement letters, and assisted with grant proposals.

Natalie Love Cruz attended Stony Brook University from 2004 to 2009, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts.