Publish Date:  Apr 18, 2017

Jacqueline Cruz to be honored with 2017 Latina Advocate Award

SALINAS, Calif.   – The Hartnell Community College District congratulates Vice President of Advancement and Development, Jacqueline Cruz  for being one of seven to receive the  2017 Latina Advocate Award  issued by  Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) .    Cruz will receive this statewide recognition at the 23 rd  Annual Latina Action Day event in Sacramento, CA on  April 25, 2017 .

The award is given to Cruz for her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the community. Assembly member Anna Caballero nominated Cruz to represent the 30th  District.

Cruz began her career in the non-profit sector 19 years ago at United Way Monterey County. As VP of Advancement and Development at Hartnell College, she has connected philanthropists, foundations, and industry with the opportunity to create viable pathways for students leading them to self-sufficiency and healthy lives. She has been a part of development efforts that have galvanized over $49 million in financial investments for local youth, women and children, nonprofit organizations, and Hartnell College.   She launched the Salinas Valley Health Professions Pathways Partnership, co-founded the Women’s Education Leadership Institute and the Women’s Education and Economic Forum, launched two capital campaigns, has expanded the Agriculture Institute and worked to increase support for innovation through agriculture and STEM in the Salinas Valley.

Latina Action Day convenes over 400 Latina leaders from across California in Sacramento for an annual public policy issues conference. This one-day conference is designed to facilitate dialogue between Latina corporate and community leaders and elected officials on public policy affecting Latinas in California.   For more information, visit  www.Latinas.org .

HOPE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, advocacy, and education to the benefit of all communities and the status of women.

Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920

The Hartnell CCD serves over 17,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years.  We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement.  For more about Hartnell CCD, visit  www.hartnell.edu .    ###