Jason Cruz

“Diversity and inclusion not only gives us a sense of belonging but is essential to fostering new ideas and unites us under a common banner of “Science in the National Interest.”

Jason came to the Laboratory after being recruited by Randy Pico at a job fair. Working at the Lab was a prestige his peers and he strove for while in school. He was enticed by working among the most innovative thinkers and cutting-edge technology, and feels the Lab has a great philosophy of work–life balance.

Currently, he is the outgoing Chair of the Asian Pacific American Council (APAC). He has also been a member of the Bible Study Groups (BSG). He joined the employee resource groups (ERGs) because they are a great way to make friends and meet like-minded people. He feels it is also a great way of meeting other individuals you may never otherwise encounter outside your division.
“I didn’t necessarily join APAC intending to become part of its leadership. But along the way, I’ve been given this great opportunity providing a voice for employees’ concerns. It is a great honor working with my peers and partnering with management to help make the Lab a more equitable and inclusive workplace.” He believes diversity and inclusion are important because it not only gives us a sense of belonging but is essential to fostering new ideas and unites us under a common banner of “Science in the National Interest.”

His role models are his parents, Gil and Josephine Cruz; his great-uncle Delfin Cruz, who pioneered one of the first ethnic newspapers; Fred Rogers from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”; and the late astronomer, Carl Sagan.