Adelina Cruz’s journey with Alief ISD began as a young student walking the halls of Liestman Elementary. From there, she continued on to Youngblood Intermediate, Killough Middle School, and eventually Hastings High School, where she graduated with the Class of 2012. Today, she serves the district in a very different—but deeply connected—role as Alief ISD’s Social Media and Visual Communications Specialist.
“I grew up in Alief, and now I’ve been working with Alief ISD for 10 years,” Cruz shared. “It’s special to be able to give back to the same community that shaped me.”
Some of Cruz’s fondest memories as a student reflect the strong sense of unity she felt growing up in Alief. One moment in particular still stands out: “One of my favorite memories was May Day during my junior year. Our entire class wore matching shirts, and it felt like a throwback to elementary field days. It was such a fun and bonding experience,” she recalled.
While she originally envisioned herself becoming a teacher, Cruz soon discovered her true passion lay in communications and public relations. Inspired by the educators who guided her, she redirected her path—but never left the district that inspired her dreams. “Over time, I discovered my passion for communications and public relations, and I’m proud that I was able to pursue that passion right here in the district that shaped me.”
In her current role, Cruz manages Alief ISD’s main social media accounts, supports campus pages through a team of Campus Communication Coordinators, and creates digital content ranging from photography to graphic design. What drives her most is the opportunity to highlight the district’s achievements. “What I enjoy most is showcasing both my work and the incredible work happening across Alief ISD,” she explained.
Cruz credits much of her resilience and adaptability to her upbringing in Alief’s diverse community. “Growing up in such a diverse community taught me how to adapt to any environment,” she said. “That skill has been invaluable both professionally and personally.”
Her story, however, is also one of perseverance. As a teen parent, Cruz faced challenges that could have derailed her education. Thanks to the support of Alief ISD’s PEP program and mentors like Ms. Longoria, she was able to stay on track and graduate. “To me, success means never giving up, even when you stumble—the key is to keep getting back up,” she reflected. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally.”
Outside of work, Cruz enjoys reading, exploring new trails, and cheering on the Houston Astros. Yet, her connection to Alief ISD remains strong. She continues to participate in events like Taste of Alief and Alief Proud and has even spoken at the PEP girls’ graduation. “Giving back to the community that raised us is so important. Coming back to speak to students and share our stories makes a real difference,” she emphasized.
To current students considering careers in communications or public relations, Cruz offers honest advice: “Work hard and be ready to learn. There’s so much that happens behind the scenes in public relations. It isn’t always easy, but if you’re passionate about it, it’s incredibly rewarding and fun.”
Looking back, Cruz sees her Alief education as the foundation for her success. “Alief ISD showed me that there’s always a way forward,” she said. “As a teen parent, my path looked different, but because of the opportunities available in Alief ISD, I was able to graduate and pursue my goals.”
As Alief ISD continues to grow in innovation, Cruz hopes her story reminds others of the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. “We are fortunate to have such amazing educators, and with Alief ISD continuing to grow in innovation, there’s never been a better time to be a part of this district.”