Women’s Pipeline for Change Research Fellow

Martina Cruz

About this Project

Women of color who are active in their communities have important qualities, perspectives, and experiences that are necessary in public policy making settings that affect their communities. Yet many women of color who are well-known and respected in their communities do not seek elective office. Martina Cruz explored why this is the case. Based on interviews with ten women active in their communities, Cruz concluded that while the women generally agreed that political leadership is important, they explained that certain conditions would have to be met before they would consider running for office. In their interviews, the women emphasized themes of commu­nity, values, and resources. Cruz examines these themes in more detail in English and Spanish videos hereas well as in the summary and presentation included below.

About Martina Cruz

Martina Cruz grew up in the Dominican Republic where she began volunteering for social and economic justice efforts as a teen. Her work in the community as a Girl Scouts troop leader and a church youth leader revealed to her the change that can happen when people are empowered. Continue reading about Martina Cruz...

To learn more and view videos about Martina Cruz and this project, click here.