PROFILE

Joanna Otero-Cruz

Director of Family and Behavioral Health Services
Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Philadelphia, PA

How does Joanna Otero-Cruz know strong role models can have an impact on the Eastern North Philadelphia neighborhoods she serves? She has experienced it firsthand.

“I grew up three blocks from my office. My parish is here. This is my area; these are mi gente [my people]. That’s what motivates me,” said Otero-Cruz.

She uses what she learns in the neighborhoods to be la voz [the voice] of her people. Her goal is to help change policy so all Latinos have access to health services. Otero-Cruz does this in her role as director
of family and behavioral health services of community-based nonprofit Congreso de Latinos Unidos. She also oversees the organization’s behavioral health programs.

Otero-Cruz takes her leadership cues from the local Latina leaders she has worked with throughout her career such as her current supervisor, Julie Cousler Emig. “It’s important for leaders to set the vision of what they want and lead by example. I’m fortunate to have worked with strong women in leadership roles. It inspires me to live up to that legacy and be that role model for the next Latina leader.”

Ultimately, Otero-Cruz said, it’s all about people. “I hope I am someone who can leave my mark on this organization as a leader who advocates not just for our needs, but for the broad needs of the community. I want people to say that when Joanna made a decision, the people, mi gente, were always at the forefront.”