Stephanie Cardoza-Cruz (she/her/ella) is the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Latinx Student Empowerment. Stephanie is enthusiastic to contribute to the campus culture at Cornell promoting the Latinx Student Experience. 

Prior to joining the team at the Centers for Equity, Empowerment and Belonging, she served as an Assistant, Associate, and Interim Director of La Casa Cultural Latina at the University of Illinois where she increased engagement through dynamic programming, led creative strategic communications, and cultivated authentic relationships among student leaders and campus partners. Stephanie earned her Master's in Higher Education at the Pennsylvania State University after finding her passion for Student Affairs during her undergraduate career, earning her Bachelors in History at Rowan University. 

Stephanie is the proud daughter of Honduran immigrants whose stories of resilience and trailblazing have shaped both her identities and practices surrounding identity and belonging as heart work. Outside of the office, you can find her working on a puzzle, finding her new go-to coffee shop, or exploring the area - likely alongside her faithful & fluffy sidekick her cockapoo, Theo.  Stop by the Garden Level at 626 Thurston Ave to connect with Latinx Student Empowerment!