Adelina Cruzβs journey with Alief ISD began as a young student walking the halls of Liestman Elementary. From there, she continued on to Youngblood Intermediate, Killough Middle School, and eventually Hastings High School, where she graduated with the Class of 2012. Today, she serves the district in a very differentβbut deeply connectedβrole as Alief ISDβs Social Media and Visual Communications Specialist.
βI grew up in Alief, and now Iβve been working with Alief ISD for 10 years,β Cruz shared. βItβs special to be able to give back to the same community that shaped me.β
Some of Cruzβs fondest memories as a student reflect the strong sense of unity she felt growing up in Alief. One moment in particular still stands out: βOne of my favorite memories was May Day during my junior year. Our entire class wore matching shirts, and it felt like a throwback to elementary field days. It was such a fun and bonding experience,β she recalled.
While she originally envisioned herself becoming a teacher, Cruz soon discovered her true passion lay in communications and public relations. Inspired by the educators who guided her, she redirected her pathβbut never left the district that inspired her dreams. βOver time, I discovered my passion for communications and public relations, and Iβm proud that I was able to pursue that passion right here in the district that shaped me.β
In her current role, Cruz manages Alief ISDβs main social media accounts, supports campus pages through a team of Campus Communication Coordinators, and creates digital content ranging from photography to graphic design. What drives her most is the opportunity to highlight the districtβs achievements. βWhat I enjoy most is showcasing both my work and the incredible work happening across Alief ISD,β she explained.
Cruz credits much of her resilience and adaptability to her upbringing in Aliefβs diverse community. βGrowing up in such a diverse community taught me how to adapt to any environment,β she said. βThat skill has been invaluable both professionally and personally.β
Her story, however, is also one of perseverance. As a teen parent, Cruz faced challenges that could have derailed her education. Thanks to the support of Alief ISDβs PEP program and mentors like Ms. Longoria, she was able to stay on track and graduate. βTo me, success means never giving up, even when you stumbleβthe key is to keep getting back up,β she reflected. βIβm proud of how far Iβve come, both personally and professionally.β
Outside of work, Cruz enjoys reading, exploring new trails, and cheering on the Houston Astros. Yet, her connection to Alief ISD remains strong. She continues to participate in events like Taste of Alief and Alief Proud and has even spoken at the PEP girlsβ graduation. βGiving back to the community that raised us is so important. Coming back to speak to students and share our stories makes a real difference,β she emphasized.
To current students considering careers in communications or public relations, Cruz offers honest advice: βWork hard and be ready to learn. Thereβs so much that happens behind the scenes in public relations. It isnβt always easy, but if youβre passionate about it, itβs incredibly rewarding and fun.β
Looking back, Cruz sees her Alief education as the foundation for her success. βAlief ISD showed me that thereβs always a way forward,β she said. βAs a teen parent, my path looked different, but because of the opportunities available in Alief ISD, I was able to graduate and pursue my goals.β
As Alief ISD continues to grow in innovation, Cruz hopes her story reminds others of the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. βWe are fortunate to have such amazing educators, and with Alief ISD continuing to grow in innovation, thereβs never been a better time to be a part of this district.β