Socorro Cruz

Experienced bilingual professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience in schools, parishes, and community-based organizations. Combines strong organizational and administrative skills with a passion for leadership development, volunteer engagement, and community building. Skilled in leadership development, public speaking, group facilitation, and community engagement.

Proven success coordinating teams, facilitating trainings, mentoring emerging leaders, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen organizations and empower communities.

Office Manager at St Lawrence Elementary & Middle School (2025-10 – Present)

• Serve as a key liaison between families, faculty, administration, and community partners, fostering strong relationships and engagement.
• Coordinate school-wide communications, events, and family outreach initiatives for a diverse school community.
• Support enrollment and admissions processes, providing guidance and personalized assistance to prospective and current families.
• Collaborate with school leadership to develop solutions that support student success, family engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Facilitate communication across multiple stakeholder groups while maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Coordinate volunteers, parent participation, and community involvement in school programs and events.
• Manage administrative operations, records, compliance requirements, and internal reporting systems.
• Support strategic initiatives and special projects that strengthen school culture and community connections.

Office Manager at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (2013-10 – 2025-10)

• Oversee all parish office operations, communications, and administrative systems.
• Manage parish office budgets, expense tracking, donations, and financial reporting.
• Maintain sacramental records in compliance with diocesan and canonical requirements.
• Coordinated Catholic wedding preparation in compliance with diocesan and Canon Law requirements.
• Managed sacramental documentation and prenuptial investigations.
• Guided couples through marriage preparation with pastoral and administrative oversight.
• Coordinated clergy, liturgy planning, and ceremony logistics for all sacraments and funerals.
• Supervise administrative staff and coordinate volunteers.
• Plan and execute large-scale parish events, meetings, and liturgical celebrations.
• Implement digital tools and processes to improve workflow efficiency.
• Provided executive-level administrative support to the Pastor.
• Managed scheduling, correspondence, phone communications, and filing systems. Assisted with reports, presentations, and parish projects. Supported internal collaboration and daily operational needs.
• Supported and empowered ministry leaders by providing training, guidance, resources, and administrative support for parish programs and community outreach efforts.
• Resolved complex customer issues through active listening, problem-solving, and effective communication.
• Maintained a 98%+ quality audit score on recorded calls.
• Delivered multi-channel customer support (phone and in-person).
• Documented interactions accurately and ensured timely follow-up.
• Collaborated with internal departments to resolve concerns and improve the customer experience.

CSR / Ins Billing at American Medical Response (2007-08 – 2011-04)

• Resolved complex customer issues through active listening, problem-solving, and effective communication.
• Maintained a 98%+ quality audit score on recorded calls.
• Delivered multi-channel customer support (phone and in-person).
• Documented interactions accurately and ensured timely follow-up.
• Collaborated with internal departments to resolve concerns and improve the customer experience.

Community Leader at Encuentro de Hijos e Hijas - St Joseph Parish (2009-01 – Present)

• Recruit, train, mentor, and support volunteer leaders for annual retreats and ongoing formation programs.
• Facilitate presentations, workshops, and small-group discussions focused on leadership, communication, personal growth, and community building.
• Coordinate teams of volunteers responsible for logistics, hospitality, participant support, and program delivery.

Catechist & Lay Minister at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (2008-01 – 2025-12)

• Provided faith formation, mentoring, and pastoral accompaniment to children, youth, adults, and families.
• Collaborated with clergy and ministry leaders to develop programs, events, and outreach initiatives.
• Supported leadership development efforts through training, team-building, and volunteer engagement.

Cristo Vive Jóvenes at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (2008-01 – 2018-12)

• Mentored and accompanied young adults through personal, spiritual, and leadership development.
• Built meaningful relationships with participants, fostering trust, accountability, and community engagement.
• Facilitated small-group discussions, workshops, and formation activities focused on personal growth, leadership, and service.
• Supported the planning and implementation of retreats, community events, and leadership development opportunities.
• Encouraged and empowered young adults to take active leadership roles within the parish and broader community.
• Collaborated with ministry leaders and volunteers to create welcoming and inclusive environments for young adults from diverse backgrounds.

Certificate in Spiritual Accompaniment – Santa Clara University

Certificate in Leadership & Ministry Institute – Diocese of San José (2015-01 – 2015-12)

Training in Knowledge of Canon Law – Diocese of San José

Ongoing Formation in Religious Education – Religious Education Congress

Training in Insurance Billing – American Medical Response