Recently elected member of the California Democratic Party executive board, JC Cruz, MSW ‘16, is applying his social work training to improve communities throughout California’s Assembly District 51.

Passionate about applying a macro-level focus to social policy and politics, Juan Carlos “JC” Cruz, MSW ‘16, is dedicated to working for the betterment of local communities and underrepresented populations.

Recently elected to the California Democratic Party executive board to represent Assembly District 51, which encompasses much of east and northeastern Los Angeles, Cruz shared some of the lessons he has learned as a social worker in politics and his advice for other MSW students interested in following in his footsteps.

USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work: What inspired you to pursue your MSW at USC?

JC Cruz: When I researched the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, the program appealed to me because it was not limited in scope to micro-level practice, but includes a macro-level focus as well. Since I was interested in a career in politics, that seemed like a good fit. During my time in the program, my focus centered on community organizing, planning and administration.

USC: How did your interest in politics first take root?

JC: During my first year at USC, I was appointed a senate seat in the Graduate Student Government. In my second year, I became vice president of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Student Organization, and finally decided to run for president in my last year. I ran on a platform advocating for lower tuition costs, and I won! 
After graduation, I secured a job with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in Florida, where I worked as an organizer in Key West and South Miami-Dade. Shortly afterwards, I became a regional field director for Hillary Clinton and Patrick Murphy, a representative for Florida’s 18th District.

USC: What was the pivotal moment that led to your current position as a delegate for Assembly District 51, and what doors has this opened for you in your career?

JC: After the campaigns ended, a friend asked if I’d be interested in running for delegate of California’s Assembly District 51. I went for it and in January 2017, I won. It’s an incredible opportunity in which I get to use my vote to elect chairs within the Democratic party, the district’s regional director and members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). For the residents of my district, I endorse candidates running in local, state and federal races as well as specific propositions that I believe will benefit the community.

Through my role as a delegate, I met a Congress member who connected me with the United Service Workers West branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which advocates for the rights of service sector employees. I became an internal organizer for them. Since then, I’ve taken on a new role as the senior organizer at a health care nonprofit organization called California Long-Term Care Education Center.

USC: How has your social work education shaped your approach to politics?

JC: I personally don’t believe there is anyone better suited to run for public office than a social worker, since social workers have a strong grasp of intersectionality and are committed to addressing real problems faced by real people.

Studying social work really provided the context for a better understanding of community issues as well as the layers of inequality that affect different populations. Having this understanding—paired with a knowledge of community organizing and outreach processes—has positioned me to be a more effective advocate for the people I represent. 

USC: What advice would you offer to social work students who may be unsure of what career path to pursue?

JC: Think outside the box. It’s easy to get trapped in a kind of laser-focus on clinical practice, community organizing, or whatever it may be that you assume is the “right” path. Instead, I would challenge every social work student to push themselves to explore new territory and to be more outspoken about their opinions and their hopes for the future. There are so many ways to apply your social work degree, so keep an open mind to the possibilities.