2022 Fellow Focus: Dr. César Cruz + Homies Empowerment Community High School for Our Success
School designer, challenger, social justice warrior…2022 Fellow Dr. César Cruz of Homies Empowerment Community High School for Our Success shares more about his #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
We have been subtractively schooled for so long that many people have lost their sense of who their heroes, culture, roots and language are. In school we center European languages like English and keep other languages and other histories on the margins or not included at all. I most enjoy getting to take on root causes like patriarchy, capitalism and white pathology called supremacy with the design of our school.
As a BIPOC founder, Camelback understands that the struggle is constant, what motivates you to get up every day and keep on fighting?
I am motivated by so many change makers and trailblazers that always found a way out of no way. I come from a long legacy of intergenerational wisdom and it is deeply inspiring to know about Reies Tijerina, Lolia Lebron, Tupac Amaru, Haydee Santamaria, Pedro Albizu Campos, Valentina Ramirez and many other agents of change. Those agents of change inspire me to continue to fight today.
Tell me about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
As a design team we were at a pivotal moment in Oakland, CA because the landscape does not want a new school, especially not a charter one. It is daunting to imagine that we would be a fully independent school and that we have to raise $32 million to cover the first decade of the school, but our belief in the mission and vision made it possible for our team to unanimously vote for us to go independent. We are now moving full steam ahead with the belief that if there is a will there will always be a way.
As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?
I don't concern myself with legacy that appears egotistical, but I hope to be an ancestor to my children that was all about love, hope and always found a way even out of no way.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
I don't consider myself an entrepreneur. I don't use business language to define myself. But I am a builder in the legacy of my peoples. With that in mind I am drawn to the wisdom of the Toltecs in The Four Agreements.
You can learn more about ➡ Dr. César Cruz of Homies Empowerment Community High School for Our Success.
Get to know more of the 2022 Camelback Fellows👇🏽