Cruz was offered a position with a government agency but turned it down because it coincided with President Bush’s term and the declining influence of the Environmental Protection Agency. Cruz did not believe he could be content working where he “couldn’t disclose proper scientific data” due to political pressure (Taylor, 2005).  Instead of working for the federal government, in 2002, Cruz joined the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) as Senior Policy Analyst. Working in New York City, Cruz analyzed policy in the Living Cities program. In this role, he also worked on the Ocean’s program, specifically looking at Caribbean coastal development and sustainable development practices. At EDF, Cruz also served on the Staff Advisory Committee and advocated for supporting minorities in the environmental movement. He states that “one of [his] goals has been to foster [the inclusion of] more people of color within the organization and to be more proactive on issues affecting minority communities” (Taylor, 2005).  While working at EDF, Cruz contributed to a solid waste project that allowed him to work with the New York City Council daily. He found it exciting to have proximity to the mayor’s office and the opportunity to collaborate with the city on a meaningful project.

In 2007, Cruz became Vice President of the Energy and Environment division of the Partnership for New York City. He held that role for two years, when, in 2009, he accepted a leadership position back home in Puerto Rico as the Vice President and Associate Member of the Environmental Quality Board at the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. Upon leaving this role in 2015, Cruz returned to New York to direct the International Policy Program at the Institute for Transporation and Development Policy, where he served for 11 years before being elected President of the Sierra Club in 2020.

Cruz’s election as President marked the first time a Latino has held the position at the Sierra Club. He brings over 20 years of experience in interdisciplinary advocacy and sustainability. His priorities at the Sierra Club include advancing equity and justice through partnerships and education and dismantling anti-environmental rhetoric and the Trump Administration’s and lobbyists’ agendas.

Cruz has had many career highlights, and he considers his opportunities to mentor others one of them. Additionally, he says that “working at Viequez [Puerto Rico] was an inspiration” (Taylor, 2005). Cruz was one of the protestors arrested during the campaign against the Naval Ammunition Facility on Viequez Island, and he later organized a conference about it at Princeton. Cruz also met Jesse Jackson during the protests. At the New York City Council, Cruz stated his excitement working with policymakers, saying, “It [was] exciting to have a connection to decision makers” (Taylor, 2005). The position allowed him to interact with city council members almost daily.

Amid his success, Cruz notes that conflicts stemming from the social dynamics of the workplace arise from time to time. Moreover, he acknowledges that there are times when it is hard to deal with the “voice” or the opinions of some people in the organization who are very powerful and influential. He has always been aware of the fact that in many positions he has held, he has been the only, or among the few, people of color on staff, stating, “You do often feel prejudice from others on, but… [having characteristics that make you stand out] impacts how confident you feel about yourself while in a group” (Taylor, 2005).

For Cruz, a strong commitment to environmental protection and equality has kept him in the movement. He listens to his conscience and knows that he is doing the right thing for himself and society. These convictions allow him to stick to his career path. He wants to be consistent in his career choices to become influential enough to one day have a “voice” that can make a difference, and his current position as President of the Sierra Club has highlighted such tenacity and dedication.