From migrant worker to Professor de la Cruz – Juanita de la Cruz

“As one of the nation’s first migrant farm workers to earn a doctorate, de la Cruz has become a much-honored Miami-Dade school administrator and Nova Southeastern adjunct professor who emphasizes reaching out to the poor and homeless. Shes currently secretary for the executive board of the Miami Coalition for the Homeless and on the states Homeless Education Needs Assessment Committee to help homeless youngsters thrive in school despite their precarious situation.

I want to be a bridge to those on the outside looking in, de la Cruz says, adding, “I always felt left out.

Now overseeing 200 Miami-Dade schools preschool programs, de la Cruz helps create curricula so children — no matter how poor — will feel welcome and enjoy learning.”

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