Saliyah Cruz, Ed.D., serves as the Chief Equity Officer for Mastery Schools. She has a deep understanding of the power of equity in education to transform educational experiences and outcomes while supporting healthy, effective organizations. Dr. Cruz has a history of leading large-scale school climate and academic initiatives, as well as extensive experience in educational leadership and educator development. She received a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University, a master’s degree from Temple University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Cruz began her career as a high school English teacher in the Chester Upland School District, where she helped design a dual enrollment program for students interested in technology fields. She then served as a secondary principal for 12 years, leading a range of schools in the School District of Philadelphia and a middle school in the Christina School District in Delaware. Dr. Cruz also served as a regional superintendent for high schools for Baltimore City Schools. She joined the Mastery Schools network in 2017 as the deputy chief of student development and has worked to set the vision and direction for Mastery’s student experience, encompassing school climate and culture, cultural competency, disciplinary and attendance policies, and related areas.