CREDENTIALS

• B.A., Communication - Journalism, University of Guam
• M.A., Micronesian Studies, University of Guam
• Ph.D., Human Services - Social and Community Services, Capella University (Minn.) 

ABOUT

Dela Cruz has more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit social services, education, and extension, most recently working as an assistant professor at Guam Community College and as adjunct faculty in the University of Guam’s Social Work Division. 

He is the co-founder of the GUAHAN Project, an HIV/AIDS service organization. He has served as board president and executive director of GALA Inc., an organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Guam.

His nonprofit work has included working with LGBTQI and Pacific Islander communities addressing HIV/AIDS, social injustice, sexual health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. In addition, he has worked in various capacities in extension for more than 10 years, working on projects involving community resources development, healthy aging, and children’s healthy living. He is co-author of a wellness and sexuality curriculum for CHamoru and Chuukese populations.