This story is part of our Public Leadership Credential (PLC) Alumni Spotlight series. Read on to learn about Dana Cruz’s experience completing the PLC, and learn more about the program here.
I’m Dana Cruz, an attorney working at the intersection of law and policy in California state government. Public service has always been a calling for me. I’ve had the privilege of serving in all three branches of state government — first as a legislative aide in the California Senate, then as a fiscal policy advisor to two governors, and now as a governmental affairs advocate for the Judicial Council of California, representing the nation’s largest court system. I also serve as part-time military lawyer in the California State Guard.
Working on some of California’s most pressing challenges — from affordable housing to homelessness and mental health policy — I wanted to strengthen my ability to craft effective policy solutions. The Public Leadership Credential (PLC) at Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) offered an unparalleled opportunity to hone my leadership and analytical skills, learning from some of the world’s foremost thinkers alongside inspiring leaders from around the world. I was drawn to the program’s focus on bridging theory with real-world impact, and it delivered — transforming how I approach complex public problems and lead in service of others.
As the son of working-class immigrant parents with little formal education, attending Harvard once felt like a distant dream. The PLC turned that dream into reality. It gave me the opportunity to learn directly from Harvard faculty while simultaneously applying their insights to my work in California state government.
The PLC equipped me with invaluable tools in leadership, analysis, and evidence-based decision making. I was able to learn from world-class faculty and apply their lessons and insights directly to my day-to-day policymaking work for the fourth largest economy in the world. Earning the credential has opened doors and provided me with the foundation and confidence to take on complex, often “intractable,” policy problems and lead with clarity and purpose.
The PLC is one of the best investments you can make. The program is rigorous yet flexible — designed for professionals balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities. Whether you complete a single course, the full credential, or pursue a Harvard degree afterward, the PLC equips you to become the kind of evidence-driven, ethical leader our world needs. It also connects you with a global network of accomplished leaders. If you want to take yourself to the next level of public leadership, look no further than the PLC.
I’ve directly applied the leadership, ethics, and policy design frameworks from the PLC in my current day-to-day work. Whether analyzing proposed legislation or advising lawmakers and state officials, I use the evidence for decision-making and delivery principles learned through the PLC to help craft better policies and deliver better outcomes for nearly 40 million Californian residents.
With the PLC Pathway, I now have the privilege of attending the Harvard Kennedy School, where I am pursuing a Mid-Career Master’s in Public Administration, in a shorter timeframe and at a reduced cost — making a world-class education truly accessible and preparing leaders to make an impact sooner.
After graduation, I plan to continue my career in California with an even deeper commitment to evidence-based policymaking and effective leadership, helping government better serve the people.