Management Assistant

Kristal Dela Cruz (she/her/Siya) is a dedicated classified professional leader at Mission College in Santa Clara, California, and has been an integral part of the institution since 2015. Initially joining as the Business & Community Engagement Specialist, Kristal transitioned to the role of Management Assistant in the Office of Administrative Services. Kristal is a member of the college’s Student Equity Plan Institute team and a founding member and co-lead of the APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) affinity group.

Her leadership extended to serving as President of the Classified Senate from 2020 through 2024, where she championed community building and equity. Kristal’s commitment to fostering collaboration and inclusivity is also reflected in her contributions to the Caring Campus initiative work and the co-leading of the Classified Equity Certification Program, an intentional professional development program designed for classified professionals around social justice and equity.

She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Health from the University of San Francisco and a Master’s in Management, and completing her MBA from the University of Illinois. Her impact on professional development and equity has been recognized with an award from the League of Innovation in the Community College, underscoring her dedication to driving positive change within the higher education.