Latino empowerment takes many forms, from education and community leadership to public service and political advocacy. As the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) continues to celebrate individuals whose contributes to active Latino empowerment, this week we highlight Jeff Cruz, a longtime public policy advocate whose career has focused on labor rights, retirement security, and the future of Social Security.
Cruz serves as Executive Director of the Latinos for a Secure Retirement coalition, and as a Senior Advisor to Social Security Works. Cruz’s work brings attention to issues that directly affect workers, retirees, and families, and reflects the importance of ensuring that economic security remains part of the national conversation, particularly as we consider the challenges facing current and future generations of older adults across diverse communities.
Cruz has spent nearly 15 years working on Capitol Hill, building experience in legislative affairs and public policy. During his tenure as a Legislative Representative with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the nation’s largest federal workers union, he worked on labor and retirement security issues for Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. His professional experience also includes service in both the Obama and Biden administrations.
Education has also been an important part of Cruz’s professional journey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. His membership in the National Academy of Social Insurance further reflects his connection to the broader field of social security, and more broadly, economic security.
Cruz’s work offers an opportunity to reflect on an essential aspect of Latino empowerment: participating in the policy discussions and institutions that shape people’s lives, and influence the discussion for the people’s betterment. Retirement security, fair labor practices, and Social Security are especially significant issues for older adults and families planning for their financial futures. Through advocacy and public policy engagement, professionals working in these areas can help keep these concerns at the center of national debate.
The National Hispanic Council on Aging is proud to recognize leaders whose professional journeys highlight the importance of civic engagement, economic security, and advocacy. Jeff Cruz’s career in public service and retirement security illustrates how sustained involvement in policy and government can contribute to conversations about the well-being of workers, retirees, and future generations.
Congratulations to Jeff Cruz, on your continued work in public policy and advocacy.
Cruz’s career serves as a reminder that Latino empowerment includes having a voice in the decisions that shape our collective future.
Recent Comments