Her Story
About Kathleen
Kathleen Cruz serves as a higher education professor and K-12 educator, bringing approximately 10 years of experience in K-12 settings and 4 years in higher education. Her professional focus centers on access to education, with particular emphasis on literacy equity for K-12 students and ensuring equitable experiences for neurodivergent students in higher education institutions such as community colleges and four-year universities. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of La Verne in 2019, followed by a master's degree in English from Claremont Graduate University, and an additional master's in education with an emphasis in technology education from the University of La Verne. She is currently completing her doctorate in education from Claremont Graduate University. Cruz is a member of ASHE and AERA, and she has initiated a program in her district using graphic novels to support literacy development among struggling readers. She attributes much of her drive to her daughter and values authenticity and honesty in her research and professional relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathleen
01What do you attribute your success to?
Definitely my daughter. I think the success I have comes a lot from her, and her motivation. She has been the push for me to go back to school and answer the question of why neurodiverse students are not receiving equitable experiences.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never let somebody underestimate you. Always be surprising.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Especially in higher education and within research, look not just for a problem that's out there, but a problem that means something to you. And find the answer to it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges are a lot of it has to do with where we are political-wise. It is a struggle right now to get information, to do the research that needs to be done. An opportunity is finding a way to still do the research, and to put in the work, and to find the answers to these problems in a time of such turmoil.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity, just being very true to yourself. Another one is just being honest and upfront about what you're doing, what you're saying. It makes a big deal in research, because it really is about building bridges and bonds.
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