Jennifer Dudeck-Lenis<\/a>, the Career and Recruitment Specialist in Social Work and Child Advocacy.<\/p>\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful to Jennifer and the CHSS team for believing in me, especially during moments when I struggled to believe in myself,\u201d Cruz says. \u201cTheir support and encouragement made a lasting difference in my journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Empowering Young Women Through Advocacy<\/h2>\n
Outside the classroom, Cruz has dedicated much of her professional and community work to supporting and empowering young people.<\/p>\n
She currently works full-time as an Equity Initiatives Specialist and Girls Programming Coordinator at YWCA Northern New Jersey, where she designs and leads programs for girls ages 8 to 18 focused on empowerment, STEM education and career exploration.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this role, I aim to create meaningful opportunities that help young women build confidence, develop skills and envision their future paths,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Cruz has also remained active in the Montclair State community by participating in Master of Social Work student panels, where she shares her experiences with prospective and incoming students navigating graduate education.<\/p>\n
In addition, she has coached the Nutley High School Color Guard and Winter Guard since 2021, helping guide her teams to two USBands National Championships while mentoring young students along the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy greatest passion lies in developing meaningful programming that creates lasting, transformative change,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Defining Success<\/h2>\n
During her time at Montclair, Cruz received both the Robert D. McCormick Scholarship and the CHSS Dean\u2019s Student Recognition Award, achievements she says felt especially meaningful as a first-generation student.<\/p>\n
As she prepares for graduation and the next chapter of her career, Cruz says success now means building a fulfilling life while staying grounded in the moments that matter most.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, success now means passing my state licensure exam and building a meaningful, fulfilling career,\u201d she says. \u201cI also hope to make the most of life\u2019s small moments and truly appreciate each step along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking back on her experience, Cruz hopes other students remember not to doubt themselves when challenges arise.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the path feels difficult, remember that time will pass regardless,\u201d she says. \u201cReaching your goal will make the struggle worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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