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Nelson Cruz, a Dominican American born in Silver Spring, Maryland and raised between the Dominican Republic and Washington, DC, is the digital marketing director at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). He leads digital advocacy for the US video game industry, shaping strategies that highlight how gaming drives innovation, builds community, and creates positive social impact. Through campaigns that engage players, policymakers, and media, Cruz helps ESA members navigate complex political and regulatory landscapes while championing the transformative power of play.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
While I’m proud of my career achievements, my greatest accomplishment has been having the privilege of making my worlds collide. Working for Latino-serving institutions early in my career instilled in me the importance of uplifting Latino communities and nurturing the next generation of leaders. Those experiences have followed me in my work at ESA, where I continue to align my professional career with my personal and creative interests. Advocating for industries I care about, while ensuring diverse voices and stories are part of the conversation, is the most fulfilling part of my journey
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
One of my proudest personal milestones has been graduating cum laude as a first-generation college student and becoming the first in my family to earn a master’s degree. My mother, an immigrant from the countryside of Santiago in the Dominican Republic, only completed grade school, which made education a core value in our household. She instilled in me the belief that learning was our “Willy Wonka Golden Ticket” out of generational poverty. Her sacrifices and her grit made those moments possible.
What do you do today to impact your community?
Today, I serve as the president and CEO of La Union DC (LUDC), a collaborative dedicated to supporting Black and Brown youth ages fourteen to twenty-four who are passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Founded in 2014, LUDC was built on the belief that meaningful change begins with youth. We focus on creating opportunities that foster creativity, leadership, and community connection—because when youth thrive, communities grow stronger.
I also serve as a board member for DC Bilingual Public Charter School, a top-performing dual-language elementary school in Washington, DC, that empowers students through a 50/50 English-Spanish immersion model. Since joining the board in 2024, I’ve been committed to supporting the school’s mission of fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and multicultural understanding for students from Pre-K3 through fifth grade. I’m passionate about ensuring that all children, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and a nurturing environment.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to grow as a strategic leader in digital communications, driving innovative campaigns that connect brands with their audiences in authentic, meaningful ways. Beyond that, I hope to mentor the next generation of digital communicators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate the industry and build a more inclusive future. Ultimately, I want to use my skills and platform to create positive change, whether through brand storytelling, community engagement, or supporting causes I’m passionate about.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I care deeply about many important issues, including education access, youth empowerment, and economic equity. One area I’m especially passionate about is helping first-generation Latino youth navigate higher education and career pathways. As someone who had to figure out college and corporate America without a blueprint, I know how isolating that journey can be. That’s why I’m committed to reaching back as I move forward—mentoring, opening doors, and ensuring the next generation has the guidance and support they need to thrive in spaces where we’re often underrepresented.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
A moment when I truly realized the impact of my work was during my time at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). As a digital communicator, my job was to tell the stories of CHCI’s mission: empowering the next generation of Latino leaders through internships, fellowships, and leadership development. The real shift happened when I saw that impact up close. I wasn’t just writing about success stories; I was working alongside these emerging leaders, hearing their journeys, and witnessing firsthand how CHCI’s programs were helping to open doors in real time. That proximity—being able to see and feel the difference our work made—cemented for me how powerful storytelling can be in driving our community forward.
What advice would 10-year-old you be shocked to hear you followed?
Ten-year-old me would be shocked to hear that I’ve learned to slow down and be present. As a kid, I was always moving a mile a minute—racing through school projects, eager to grow up faster, wanting everything to happen now. Like many kids, patience wasn’t in my vocabulary. I thought success meant moving quickly and constantly chasing the next big thing. Over time, I’ve realized it’s okay to be exactly where your feet are. Slowing down doesn’t mean losing momentum; it means being intentional, appreciating the journey, and trusting that not everything needs to happen all at once. Sometimes, the best things come when you give them room to unfold.
What’s a cultural tradition that always brings you joy?
My favorite cultural tradition is, without a doubt, Dominican Christmas. It’s an experience unlike anything else: a vibrant fashion show where everyone brings out their best sala fit, little cousins running around the house, and a soundtrack that’s a perfect blend of classic ’80s merengue and the most heartfelt bachata you’ve ever heard. And of course, the food. It’s not Christmas in a Dominican household without pernil (roast pork) as the centerpiece of the feast. It’s the celebration of family and culture that always brings me joy.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Black Boy Fly,” by Kendrick Lamar.
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