Erika Cruz
About Erika Cruz
Erika Cruz serves as the Talent Lead for Onboarding and Belonging at IDEO, where she has worked since 2018. She has a diverse background in operations, brand management, and marketing, having held various roles at companies such as Portal A, Venables Bell and Partners, and Houzz.
Current Role at IDEO
Erika Cruz serves as the Talent Lead for Onboarding and Belonging at IDEO, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she focuses on enhancing the onboarding experience for new employees and fostering a sense of belonging within the organization. Cruz has developed a mentor program aimed at helping new hires acclimate to IDEO's culture, ensuring their long-term success. She also acts as the primary point of contact for office, operations, and HR-related inquiries for IDEO's San Francisco and Los Angeles offices.
Previous Experience
Prior to her current role, Cruz worked in various positions that contributed to her expertise in operations and talent management. She served as an Operations Manager at Portal A from 2017 to 2018, where she standardized an equipment tracking and inventory system for over 200 items across multiple office locations. Additionally, she held internships at Venables Bell and Partners and Houzz, and participated in the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program at the American Association of Advertising Agencies.
Education and Academic Background
Erika Cruz studied at Liberty Ranch High School from 2009 to 2013. She then attended the University of San Francisco, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from 2013 to 2016. Her academic background provided her with foundational knowledge that supports her current role in talent management and operations.
Project Leadership at IDEO
Cruz led the renovation project of IDEO's San Francisco headquarters, coordinating efforts between external vendors and internal teams. This project aimed to meet strategic needs and expectations, showcasing her ability to manage complex initiatives within the organization.
Vendor Management at IDEO
In her role at IDEO, Cruz manages over 10 vendor relationships for the San Francisco and Los Angeles offices. She ensures smooth operations and service delivery, demonstrating her skills in operations management and stakeholder engagement.