Blanca Sanchez-Cruz

Blanca Sanchez-Cruz has a diverse work experience spanning multiple organizations and roles. Blanca has been working at Valley Water since 2020, where they currently serve as the Acting Unit Manager in the Office of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this role, they contribute to the strategic development and implementation of REDI programs and policies, serves as a tribal liaison, and provides program oversight to Valley Water's Employee Resource Group.

Prior to their current position, Blanca worked as a Program Administrator in the same office, where they were responsible for the development and implementation of REDI programs, policies, and assessments. Blanca also facilitated the integration of environmental justice initiatives and provided program oversight to Valley Water's Employee Resource Group.

Before joining Valley Water, Blanca held the position of Public Information Representative, where they supported the development and implementation of public outreach and community relations activities. Blanca engaged with neighborhood communities, businesses, schools, and civic leaders to ensure their understanding and equitable access to information and available resources.

In addition to their work at Valley Water, Blanca has also served in leadership positions on the boards of Teatro Visión and The Audacity Performing Arts Project, Inc. At Teatro Visión, they held the position of Board Vice President, and at The Audacity Performing Arts Project, Inc., they served as the Board Secretary.

Prior to their roles in the nonprofit sector, Blanca worked at San Jose State University as the Director of Engagement & Access Services for Engineering. In this capacity, they developed, coordinated, and implemented student support programs and initiatives within the College of Engineering. Blanca also provided leadership for the MESA Engineering Program and organized the annual Women in Engineering Conference.

Blanca's earlier experiences include working at Sunday Friends as a Program Manager/Program Liaison and at the Upward Bound Project-SJSU as an Academic Coordinator/Interim Program Director and Academic Coordinator. In these roles, they coordinated service delivery for Sunday Friends Foundation and implemented a co-curricular federally funded grant program for first-generation, historically underserved students. Blanca also managed academic support services for low-income, first-generation, college-bound high school students at the Upward Bound Project.

Overall, Blanca Sanchez-Cruz has a wealth of experience in program management, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Blanca'swork with various organizations and their commitment to empowering underrepresented individuals demonstrate their dedication to creating positive change in their community.

Blanca Sanchez-Cruz has a diverse education history. Blanca first obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from San Jose State University, attending from 1998 to 2003. Following that, they pursued a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Global Studies from San Jose State University, which they completed in 2006.

Blanca then went on to earn a Master's degree in International Service-Learning from the University of Roehampton, where they studied from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, they obtained a Master's degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University, although the specific timeframe for this degree is not provided.

In terms of additional certifications, Blanca has completed several programs. Blanca obtained the Emerging Leaders Certificate from Valley Water in September 2022. Blanca also completed the Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research program through the CITI Program in September 2022. Blanca obtained a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education in May 2021. Blanca also attended the Latino Board Leadership Academy at the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, completing it in June 2021.

Blanca's educational journey has equipped their with a wide range of academic qualifications and certifications, demonstrating their commitment to continuous learning and professional development.