The Kresge Foundation
Anna Cruz Strategic Learning and Evaluation OfficerTrust for America’s Health
The Kresge Foundation
Anna Cruz has joined The Kresge Foundation as a strategic learning and evaluation officer with the organization’s strategic learning, research and evaluation practice.
As an anthropologist, Cruz has extensive experience conducting qualitative research and evaluation with ethnographic and participatory approaches both in the United States and abroad. Cruz is skilled at designing and implementing research methods that are culturally appropriate for diverse and underserved populations.
Cruz joins Kresge from Harder+Company Community Research in San Diego, Calif., where she was a research consultant, frequently working with foundations and other social-sector clients on developmental evaluation, community engagement and strategy development. “We are excited to have Anna join our organization and help us build out our learning and evaluation practice. As an anthropologist, she brings a ground-up, people-centered approach to the work, which advances our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Chera Reid, director of Kresge’s strategic learning, research and evaluation practice.
Prior to her career in evaluation, Cruz worked for the Public Law Center in Orange County, California, a nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income residents. During her time there, she advised clients of their legal rights, gave presentations on domestic violence, HIV/AIDs and immigration issues.
Cruz earned a master’s degree in cultural anthropology from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, and a bachelor’s degree from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. She looks forward to bringing her anthropological background to Kresge’s work with diverse communities across America’s cities.