Claudia Cruz joined VMA in 2014, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in community engagement as well as extensive knowledge of the California State Legislature and the functions of local government.
Claudia is part of VMA’s Community Engagement Team and implements comprehensive strategic public outreach activities including identifying and coordinating outreach opportunities, scheduling and facilitating briefings with elected officials and key stakeholders for multiple sections of the California High-Speed Rail Project — Los Angeles to San Diego, Bakersfield to Palmdale, and the Bakersfield F Street Station Alignment. She also assists with coordination of public information materials pertaining to the overall statewide project.
In addition, Claudia is one of VMA’s bilingual (English/Spanish) team members and provides translation services. She is readily available to assist Spanish speaking community members during public meetings, not only for the statewide High-Speed Rail project, but for the firm’s local government clients as well. Claudia also recently worked on the City of Whittier’s Voting Districts Formation project and provided public outreach support to the City of El Monte.
Prior to joining VMA, Claudia worked for the California State Legislature, where she helped administer district office operations for Assembly and Senate Member offices including developing strategies and recommendations for prioritizing projects, community issues, and programs benefiting districts in the San Gabriel Valley.