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Ruben Cruz
BUSINESS NETWORKING SPECIALIST
Enthusiastic Business Networking Specialist eager to extend my expertise in B2B and public & private sector networking to foster profit-based commerce between our companies and clients. Independent bi-lingual self-starter with team building and technological know-how to operate self-sufficiently.
Professional Experience
Background & Expertise
Oct 2014 – Present
Executive Director - Board Chair
Latin American Intercultural Alliance Inc.
Advocacy for Women, Immigrant & LGBTQ rights.
Organize community seminars and workshops focused on women,
immigrant & LGBTQ rights and experiences.
Network with Public Officials and corporate funders to secure
financing through grants and community events.
Manage social media content and communications connecting the
public and private sectors with our work and community outreach.
May 2006 – Present
President
Jurukan Inc.
Certified M/WBE business. DBE MTA Metropolitan Transportation Authority. New York City Vendor, New York City Department of Education vendor. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
Provide Community-based programming through work with public officials to sponsor health & wellness and arts & culture programs.
Provide workshops for seniors, adults and children.
Employ resident artists in city-wide programs at parks, senior centers
and schools.
Named New Yorker of the Week by NY1 News Spectrum
2002 - Present
Marketing Consultant
Independent Contractor
Teach and provide technology support across Mac and Windows Platforms.
Offer assistance and guidance on creating marketing plans and materials.
Provide consultant services to 501c3 and private organizations.
Conduct primary needs analysis when necessary.
Organize cultural and fundraising activities.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with vendors.
Conduct technology needs assessments for grants.
September 2003 - May 2006
Director of Technology Training - BSSM
CompUSA Inc.
New York State Certified Director of Training ensuring compliance with state protocols.
Manage local Transportation Security Administration testing for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Manage training staff, classes and off-site training in the tri-state area. RFP’s. Solicitation of new talent for the NYC region.
Manage and attend relevant Chambers of Commerce and BIDS.
Top sales team in the New York region exceeding projected sales goals.
Highest monthly sales rate per team member.
Responsible for managing the marketing and selling of products and
services to businesses, government and nonprofits.
Ensure operational excellence of the Business Services Sales
Organization.
Responsible for Team Member certification compliance and training.
Create and maintain marketing plans across multiple categories
Participate in Business Solution Sales planning sessions.
Academics
Learning and Living
1999
Bachelor of Arts
Theatre Production
CUNY Queens College of the City University of NY
So why hire a Bachelor of Arts?
I've won many jobs, particularly in services and management because I've demonstrated interpersonal skills that were honed and tested in academics. Theater production has shown me how to handle a budget, create product, manage people, market to the public, and develop a revenue stream.
So if your budget is fifteen thousand or fifteen million, you want someone who can manage the details while seeing the big picture.
My Skill Set
"If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it."
TAKEN SPEECH - 'A Very Particular Set of Skills"
Now that I got your attention, this is probably one of the most seminal short speeches to enter the human psyche.
With that in mind, through my educational and professional experiences, I’ve had the opportunity to build a strong, diverse skill set that has proven to be an asset in many different situations. Read below to learn more.
Public Speaking
Vast experience in public speaking, disseminating, and hosting.
Networking
Experienced in public networking and Business to Business growth opportunities.
"Doing business without advertising is like winking at (someone) in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does."
Steuart Henderson Britt
Board Memberships
Latin American Intercultural Alliance
Artists for Creative Theatre
Cypress Hills - Fulton Street Senior Center
Central Queens Political Club
Certifications
As a business owner, I've also secured certifications on behalf of the company
City of New York M/WBE
Certified Minority/Woman Owned Business
MTA Metropolitan Transportation Authority DBE
Certified Disadvantaged Business
MOCS City of New York Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
Certified to run and manage Corporate and Non-Profit Boards
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Office of Business Diversity and Civil Rights
Certified Diversity and Civil Rights Business
City of New York Authorized Vendor
Certified Passport NYC Vendor
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Authorized Vendor
Certified vendor for services
New York City Department for the Aged Authorized Vendor
Certified to provide consultant services
New York City Department of Education Authorized Vendor
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