Michelle Cruz

Michelle Cruz serves as the Director of Economic Development & Government Affairs at Union Settlement since September 2022, focusing on fostering equitable community wealth in East Harlem through support for small businesses and collaboration with local stakeholders. Prior to this role, Michelle was Deputy Chief of Staff to Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala at the New York City Council from May 2020 to October 2022, and also served as Project Manager at Union Settlement from April 2017 to May 2020. Additionally, Michelle owned the East Harlem Cafe from October 2008 to February 2016 and worked at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York from 2001 to 2008. Academic qualifications include education from Baruch College.