Samantha Paredes-Cruz

Samantha Paredes-Cruz (Site Coordinator) joined CISLA in September 2024. As a Site Coordinator, she provides individual case management to encourage students in becoming the best versions of themselves. She also assists with various school events and leading small groups to improve student engagement and attendance.

Before joining CISLA, Samantha worked as a Special Education Assistant at Para Los Ninos Charter Middle School. In that role, she provided academic accommodations and empowered students to succeed in the classroom. This experience sparked her passion for working with youth in educational settings.

Samantha was also a policy fellow for Alliance for Girls, a Bay area nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender equity through policy and advocacy. During her fellowship, she contributed with policy efforts such as AB367 - the Menstrual Equity for All Act - by presenting to California representatives on the importance of free menstrual products in middle and high school restrooms. She also advocated for safer public transportation by supporting community ambassador programs and raising public safety awareness.

Samantha received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology from Middlebury College. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, reading, and spending time with her family.