Her Story
About Sophia
Sophia A’Lisa Cruz is a higher education professional with approximately a decade of experience spanning admissions, enrollment management, student advising, and academic operations. She began her career at Mercy University (formerly Mercy College) as a student worker, where she supported front-desk operations and collaborated with departments such as Admissions, Financial Aid, and Academic Advising. Her strong student engagement skills led to her early recruitment into a full-time Admissions Recruiter role while completing her undergraduate studies, marking the start of her professional path in enrollment management.
Throughout her career, she has held progressively responsible roles in undergraduate and graduate admissions, including positions at Yeshiva University and EducationDynamics, where she advanced recruitment strategies and improved student outreach systems. At Yeshiva University, she contributed to the expansion of graduate program enrollment by implementing more responsive communication strategies, including SMS-based outreach and CRM tools, which improved student engagement and operational efficiency. She currently serves in a leadership role at Emory University - Goizueta Business School, where she oversees Pre-BBA advising and enrollment operations, supporting students from initial inquiry through matriculation and orientation.
In addition to her administrative leadership, she contributes to teaching and academic development, including instructional work in first-year student programs and business school settings. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Leadership and Practice at University of North Georgia, complementing her academic background which includes a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Marketing. Her professional focus centers on student-centered enrollment strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging data-informed and technology-enhanced approaches to improve access, engagement, and student success in higher education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sophia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation my family instilled in me from an early age. My grandfather taught college courses in a local prison in Albany, Georgia, and my grandmother taught elementary education and Bible study while also participating in the Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their example taught me that education is a powerful tool and that the opportunities I have today were hard-earned. My mother reinforced these values by ensuring I received a strong education as a scholarship student in private schools, where I consistently maintained high academic standards. Combined with my lifelong love of learning—especially understanding human behavior through psychology—this foundation led me into admissions and enrollment, where I am passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to say yes to opportunities, even when you feel uncertain, because you never know what experiences may shape your path. It is also important to understand that it is okay to change your mind and adjust your goals along the way; your journey does not have to be linear. My own experience completing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy taught me valuable skills that I still use today, even though I ultimately chose to pursue higher education instead of licensure. I also encourage stepping outside your comfort zone—whether through new career experiences or personal challenges like traveling solo, which helped me build confidence and independence. Most importantly, surround yourself with supportive people, invest in networking, and remember that success takes a village, especially as we continue working toward greater opportunities and representation for women in professional spaces.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now center on adaptability, access, and support for diverse student populations. Higher education is constantly evolving, and professionals must be open to new approaches, roles, and ways of supporting students as their needs change. My own journey—from pursuing a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy to ultimately focusing on higher education—taught me the value of saying yes to opportunities, even when the outcome is uncertain, and also recognizing that it is okay to change direction when your passions shift. I have found that the skills I gained in therapy training are still deeply relevant in my work with students, even without licensure, because I am essentially supporting and guiding them every day. At the same time, there is still important work to be done in expanding access, representation, and support for women—particularly minority women—in education and leadership spaces. These challenges also present meaningful opportunities to grow, build stronger networks, and continue creating pathways for students to succeed.
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