Stories of Impact: Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz
Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz shares how her desire to SERVE Our community is a direct reflection OF her personal journey. Read more about Vanesa’s story as A hacienda resident to chief of staff to the ceo.
Vanesa Mendoza-Cruz is an example of what it means to exude tenacity, determination, and passion for her community. Most recently named Hacienda’s Chief of Staff, Vanesa has inspired our team and community through her engagement and community advocacy. Throughout her life, Vanesa has demonstrated the importance of elevating voices and stories that speak the truth of our community’s spirit. Read more about Vanesa’s story.
Vanesa’s journey with Hacienda began twenty-four years ago upon her arrival from Oaxaca, Mexico to NE Portland at age eight. Like many immigrants, her family’s arrival in the United States signified a moment of hope and change. Her childhood was shaped by Portland’s Cully neighborhood. She grew up attending neighboring schools, and lived in Hacienda’s Clara Vista community in apartment thirty-nine; Vanesa’s first home during a time that gave her a place of belonging. “A lot of my memories since I arrived in the United States here happened there in that apartment …”
As her journey into adulthood began, Vanesa found herself feeling a desire to serve and give back to the community that supported her. After three years of working in the banking industry, she felt compelled to fulfill this passion by finding opportunities to directly engage with community. It was during this waiting period that a temporary three-month Data Entry position opened for the then-Portland Niños program, now Sembrando Semillitas. It wasn’t before long that her passion for our work and community was noticed, and Vanesa transitioned into the role of interim Executive Assistant to the CEO. Yet, due to the role’s short-term nature, she became an Administrative Assistant within the Hacienda’s Real Estate Development program. “I pretty much have worked in every department except Economic Opportunity…”
As fate would have it, the full-time Executive Assistant position became available and she was offered the opportunity given her natural skillset. For Vanesa, it was both exciting and nerve-wracking; “It was intimidating but I gave it a shot and said yes.” Little did she know her yes to the challenge would result in a six-year career as our CEO’s executive assistant.
What’s next for Vanesa? She has proudly accepted a recent promotion as Chief of Staff to the CEO.
“It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go…”
Vanesa strives to serve her community, and as she explains it, “…meet our communities where they are at.” Meeting communities where they are at means understanding their needs and goals and creating awareness of the various opportunities accessible to them. It means creating a seat at the table but making sure you’re also heard at the table once you’re there.”
Raising awareness for the needs of our Latino and low-income communities is one of the primary ways Vanesa believes change can occur. Often, community members don’t know the resources they can access, such as schools or after-school programs, so Vanesa makes it a point to inform others and advocate for them.
Time and time again she has seen Hacienda’s impact and its commitment to uplifting our communities. “It’s the ‘Hacienda Effect’, everyone who’s worked or been part of a Hacienda ends up returning somehow regardless of where they go… Our residents are the main example of this.” For Vanesa, her journey is a clear example of this “Hacienda effect” as her experience as a Hacienda resident led her to return to make a difference and be a leader in her community.
When looking to the future, Vanesa is excited to continue her work at Hacienda and use her wisdom as well as her personal story to help the organization meet communities where they are. As the new Chief of Staff to the CEO, she aims to foster an environment of hospitality and promote the needs of community members. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come and to continue this work and find ways to meet other community needs. We can work on mental health and see the youth in our programs fulfill their dreams from beginning to end.”
Vanesa’s story is an example of resilience and passion. Her impact continues to bring unity and hope to many. Let’s celebrate her newest role as Chief of Staff to the CEO and her continued efforts to raise individuals within our communities! Felicidades, Vanesa!
Hacienda CDC programs encompass our values. Learn more about Hacienda’s mission by clicking here.